How to Call the UK from the Netherlands? Dialing Steps & Tips

The UK phone number format when calling from the Netherlands includes the Netherlands exit code, the UK country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and the subscriber number. Each code has its own role in connecting the call accurately.

• Exit Code: “00” is the Netherlands exit code. You must dial this code before dialing any international number from the country. It routes your call outside of the Netherlands telephone network.
• Country Code: Every country has a unique country code. It’s “44” for the UK. This code identifies the United Kingdom as the destination country for any international calls.

• Area Codes: Area codes further narrow down your calling destination, directing your call to specific cities within the country.
  
  The following are some of the most widely used area codes for major cities in the United Kingdom:

  Area/City	Area Code
  London	(0)20
  Birmingham	(0)121
  Manchester	(0)161
  Liverpool	(0)151
  Leeds	(0)113

  Note: “0” is the trunk code.

• Mobile Prefix: UK mobile phone numbers begin with the digit “07”. Unlike landline numbers, they don’t use an area code. Instead, the “07” prefix identifies the number as a mobile line.
• Subscriber Number: The subscriber number is the final part of the phone number and is unique to an individual or business.

To call the UK from the Netherlands, start with the Netherlands international access code, followed by the UK’s country code, the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for cell phone numbers), and the subscriber number.

To call a landline number in the UK from the Netherlands, dial the Netherlands exit code, the UK country code, the area code, and the landline number.

• Step 1: Dial 00, the Netherlands exit code.
• Step 2: Dial 44, the UK country code.
• Step 3: Dial the area code without the leading 0. (For example, the area code of London is 020, but you only dial 20).
• Step 4: Dial the landline number.

To call from a UK mobile number from the Netherlands, dial the Netherlands exit code, the UK country code, the mobile prefix, and the mobile number.

• Step 1: Dial 00, the Netherlands exit code.
• Step 2: Dial 44, the UK country code.
• Step 3: Dial the mobile prefix without the leading 0 (it starts with 7).
• Step 4: Dial the remaining digits in the mobile number.

To call a UK toll-free number from the Netherlands, dial the Netherlands exit code, the UK country code, the toll-free prefix (usually begins with 800), and the subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial 00, the Netherlands exit code.
• Step 2: Dial 44, the UK country code.
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix.
• Step 4: Dial the rest of the number.

Note: Many UK toll-free numbers may not allow calls from outside the UK. And for those that work, the international calling charge may still apply.

Calling the UK from the Netherlands through traditional carriers can get quite expensive. Most mobile and landline providers charge high international rates, often between €0.30 to €1.50 per minute, depending on your plan and the destination number. Even short calls can quickly add up, especially when contacting UK landlines or mobile numbers regularly.

You can use a virtual phone number, online calling apps or calling cards as alternative ways to call from the Netherlands to the UK. They are not only convenient but also cost-effective compared to using traditional carriers.

Virtual phone numbers are online numbers that allow you to make calls over the internet. VoIP service providers offer these numbers, often at a lower international calling rate compared to traditional carriers. The calls are made through the service provider's VoIP app.

You can call the United Kingdom using online services like WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger. These apps let you make free voice or video calls over the internet. However, both the caller and the recipient must use the same app for the calls.

Calling cards are prepaid cards that allow you to buy minutes before making a call. A lot of calling cards offer discounted rates for international calls. To use it, simply enter the card’s access code, PIN number, followed by your destination phone number.

The best time to call the UK from the Netherlands is between 9 AM to 5 PM in the UK, which are official hours in the country. This window is best for business-related calls. As for personal calls, consider calling between 6 PM to 9 PM, when people are generally free.

However, it’s important to consider the time differences between the countries, as the UK and the Netherlands operate on different time zones.

The Netherlands operates on Central European Time (CET), UTC +1, while the United Kingdom uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC +0. In general, the Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK local time.

Making calls from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the correct dialing steps—using the Netherlands exit code, the UK country code, and the appropriate area or mobile prefix—you can reach landlines, mobiles, and even toll-free numbers with ease.

While traditional carriers can be expensive, virtual phone numbers offer a smart, cost-effective alternative. With a provider like Calilio, you can get a UK virtual number to make calls at local rates, stay connected efficiently, and enjoy clear, reliable international calls from the Netherlands.