How to Call Scotland from Canada? Dialing Steps, Costs & Tips

Before dialing Scotland from Canada, it’s important to understand Canada's exit code, Scotland’s place in the UK dialing system, and how area codes work. Each plays a role in making sure your call connects properly.

Every international call made from Canada must begin with the exit code 011. This prefix signals to Canada’s telephone network that you are calling an international number. When calling from mobile phones, you can replace it with + for easier international dialing.

Since Scotland is a constituent country of the UK, it uses the same country code 44 as the rest of the UK, including England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. This code tells the network that your call is being routed to the United Kingdom, including Scotland’s cities and regions.

Each region or city in Scotland has its own area code, usually 3 to 4 digits long, and this code helps route your call to the correct location. When dialing within Scotland, these area codes begin with a 0 (the trunk prefix). However, when calling Scotland from Canada, you must remove this 0.

Here are some popular area codes in Scotland:

The subscriber number is the specific phone number assigned to the person or business you’re calling. The length of this number varies depending on the area, but it typically ranges from six to eight digits.

To contact Scotland from Canada, dial Canada’s exit code, the Scotland country code, followed by the Scotland area code and local number.

To connect to a Scottish landline number from Canada, dial the Canadian exit code 011 or +, add Scotland’s country code 44, then the area code without the first zero, and finally enter the local landline number.

• Step 1: Dial 011 (Canadian exit code) or +.
• Step 2: Enter Scotland’s country code, i.e., 44.
• Step 3: Enter the Scotland area code, removing the first 0.
• Step 4: Dial the local landline number.

To call a Scottish mobile number, dial the exit code for Canada, enter the country code of Scotland, and then enter the mobile number. Scottish mobile numbers usually start with 07. When dialed from abroad, you remove the leading 0.

• Step 1: Dial Canada’s exit code 011.
• Step 2: Dial the UK country code 44.
• Step 3: Dial the mobile number without the first 0.

To call a Scottish toll-free number from Canada, you have to dial Canada’s exit code, Scotland's country code, followed by the toll-free prefix, then the remaining subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial 011, Canada’s international exit code.
• Step 2: Dial 44, the Scotland country code.
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (such as 800 or 808).
• Step 4: Dial the remaining subscriber number.

Note: UK toll-free numbers are not free when dialed from Canada. Standard international calling rates apply.

The best time to call Scotland from Canada is during Scotland’s standard business hours, which run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday). If you’re making a personal call, evenings or weekends often work better, depending on the recipient’s schedule.

Canada spans six different time zones, while Scotland follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or GMT+1 during British Summer Time. This creates a time difference of 4 to 8 hours between the two countries. Hence, always check the time difference before placing your call to ensure it reaches the recipient at a suitable hour.

Here is a table representing the best time to call Scotland from Canada, considering that Scotland’s business hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.

It typically costs $0.10 to $3 per minute to contact Scotland from Canada. The exact rate depends on your phone carrier, whether you’re calling a landline or mobile number, and whether you have an international calling add-on. Traditional carriers usually charge more for overseas calls, though many offer reduced long-distance packages or pay-per-use discounts.

Here are some popular Canadian carriers and their approximate rates for calls to Scotland:

To make international calls to Scotland from Canada at affordable rates, consider using internet calling apps, calling cards, or a virtual number. These options often provide lower per-minute costs and may even include free or unlimited calling features, depending on the service you choose.

Internet calling apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber make it cheaper to call Scotland from Canada. These apps use Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of regular phone networks, which helps you avoid high international rates. They support both voice and video calls, and most calls are free. The only requirement is that both you and the person must use the same app for the call to work.

Calling cards are another practical way to reduce the cost of calling Scotland from Canada. These cards usually offer lower per-minute rates than traditional carriers, which makes them helpful for longer conversations. You simply dial a local access number, enter your PIN, and then place your call to Scotland at the discounted rate.

A virtual phone number gives you a local phone number in Scotland or another region, making international communication more affordable. It lets you call Scotland at local rates, and you can also receive calls from Scotland while you’re in Canada. Plus, you can use the number through a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) app from anywhere, which makes it easy to stay in touch whether you’re at home or traveling.

To get started, buy a virtual number from a VoIP provider, install the app, and complete the setup. After that, you can make calls right away using your virtual number through the app or desktop software.

Calling Scotland from Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know the correct dialing format, i.e., Canada’s exit code, the UK country code, the area code without the leading zero, and the local number, you can connect without any hassle. Planning your calls around the time difference and understanding standard calling rates can also help you avoid missed calls and unexpected charges.

Because traditional carriers often charge high international rates, exploring cost-effective options like internet calling apps, calling cards, and virtual phone numbers is a smart move. Among these, a virtual number offers the most flexibility for frequent callers, allowing you to stay connected at local rates from anywhere.

With Calilio’s virtual numbers, you can make and receive calls to Scotland affordably while enjoying features such as call routing, voicemail, number sharing, and AI-powered call reports, all starting at just $15 per user per month.