How to Call the UK from Ireland?

When calling the UK from Ireland, firstly, you need to understand the relevant dialing prefixes (exit code, country code, and area code). Moreover, it is also important to consider the calling rates to call at a reasonable cost.

While making an international call from Ireland to the UK, you must begin with Ireland’s exit code (00), which can be replaced by ‘+’ on mobile phones, followed by the UK country code (44).

The code 00 indicates an international call from Ireland, and 44 is the UK’s country code that connects your call. On mobile devices, using the ‘+’ symbol is a convenient and widely accepted alternative to the traditional exit code.

After entering the country code (44), make sure to omit the leading ‘0’ from the UK local number, as including it may result in a failed or misdirected call.

For example, dial +44 20 7946 1234, not +44 020 7946 1234.

An area code resembles a specific region, city, or part of a state. In the UK, area codes vary from two to five digits and always start with 0. The 0 is the trunk code and is mandatory when making domestic calls. However, it should be omitted when calling internationally.

Here are some popular United Kingdom cities alongside their area codes.

International calling rates are typically higher. So, before contacting a UK number, check your phone plan for international calling rates. Many providers offer different plans, such as Bundled Plans, Pay-As-You-Go, and Special International Packages for calling abroad. Some may also offer free minutes with their plan.

While dialing an international number from Ireland to the UK, enter Ireland’s exit code (00), followed by the UK country code (44), the area code (without the leading 0), and the local UK phone number. On mobile phones, the ‘00’ can be replaced with a ‘+’.

Example: To call the UK number 020 7946 0018 from Ireland, dial 00 44 20 7946 0018 or +44 20 7946 0018.

The process may vary depending on whether you're using a mobile phone or a landline. Below are the detailed steps for both:"

To reach the UK landline phone number from Ireland, dial 00 (exit code), 44 (country code), the area code, and the local landline number.

• Step 1: Dial the Ireland exit code, i.e., 00 or “+”
• Step 2: Dial the country code of the United Kingdom, i.e., 44
• Step 3: Dial the area code of the specific city/town of the United Kingdom where you want to call.
• Step 4: Dial the UK landline phone number

For example, if you call Cardiff, your number format will be 00 44 29 1234 567X or +44 29 1234 567X, where 29 is Cardiff’s area code and 1234 567X is the subscriber’s number.

To call UK mobile phones from Ireland, dial 00 (exit code), 44 (country code), and the receiver’s 10-digit mobile number.

• Step 1: Enter Ireland’s exit code, i.e., 00 or “+”
• Step 2: Enter the UK’s country code, i.e., 44
• Step 3: Enter the UK mobile number

For example, if you call a mobile number, 07912 34567X, your format will be 00 44 7912 34567X or +44 7912 34567X.

Note: Dialing a UK toll-free number from Ireland is the same as dialing a mobile number. Simply dial Ireland’s exit code, UK country code, and the toll-free number prefix.

As the UK and Ireland follow the same time zone, you can call during regular business hours. The ideal time to reach your contacts is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time.

Note: Avoid calling during lunch hours (around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), as many people are often on a break at that time.

Using VoIP services, social media apps, or calling cards are the best ways to save costs when calling the UK from Ireland.

• Calling Card: Calling cards are popular for their convenience and low-priced international calls. These cards contain a unique PIN number, which users can use to make calls from public phones or their own phones.
• Social Media Applications: Social media apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Skype, and Facebook Messenger offer free calls to the UK from Ireland.​ However, both the caller and receiver must be on the same apps for calls.
• VoIP Services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers offer cost-effective solutions to make an international call. They provide a range of virtual phone numbers to make a call at a low rate compared to traditional phone services.

Callilo allows you to call UK numbers from Ireland over the internet, with clear voice quality, contact syncing, by just entering the UK number in international format within the app.

Callilo is a VoIP-based telephony service that provides virtual phone numbers to businesses and individuals at an affordable rate. To call the UK from Ireland using Callilo, first, you need to purchase a virtual number, which starts from just $15 per month. After completing the onboarding and payment, simply enter the UK number in international format, starting with +44, followed by the UK number without the leading zero (e.g., +44 7123 456789).

Calling the UK from Ireland is simple if you follow the right dialing format and phone prefixes, including relevant exit, country, and area codes. In addition to dialing format, you should also consider cost factors and time zones to make calls at an appropriate time and reasonable cost.

Just like any other international calls, calling from Ireland to the UK can be quite expensive. Nonetheless, alternative methods, such as VoIP services, can minimize costs as they typically charge less for international calls. Moreover, you can also get a UK virtual phone number from Ireland and enjoy calls at local rates.