How to Call the US from Scotland | Dialing Codes, Costs & Tips

Before calling the United States from Scotland, you need to understand the correct international phone number format. It includes Scotland’s exit code, followed by the US country code, the 3-digit area code, and the 7-digit local number. Knowing this format ensures your call connects successfully.

Exit code, also known as the international access code, signals your telephone carrier that the call is being placed outside the country. For Scotland, the exit code is 00. If you’re calling from a mobile phone, you can also use the + key, which works as a shortcut for the exit code. Without entering it, your call to the US cannot be connected.

A US number has three main parts, and each plays an important role in connecting your call.

• Country Code (1): Country code directs your call to the United States.
• Area Code (3 digits): Area code represents a specific city or region within the US.
• Local Number (7 digits): Local number is the subscriber’s number, unique for each person or business you are trying to reach. It connects your call to the exact recipient.

Together, they make a complete US phone number format: 1 + Area code + Local Number.

To call the US phone number from Scotland, dial Scotland’s access code, followed by the US country code, area code, and the local phone number.

• Step 1: Start with Scotland’s exit code.
• Step 2: Enter the country code for the USA.
• Step 3: Dial the area code of the preferred city or region.
• Step 4: At last, enter the remaining 7-digit local phone number.

To call a US toll-free number from Scotland, you need to dial Scotland’s access code, followed by the US country code, toll-free prefix, and the subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the Scotland exit code, 00.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code, 1.
• Step 3: Add 3-digit toll-free prefix (800, 833, 877).
• Step 4: Dial the 7-digit subscriber number.

The time gap between Scotland and the USA ranges from 5 to 8 hours, depending on which US time zone you’re trying to reach. Scotland follows a single time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), while the US operates across four main zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific).

This means that a reasonable time for you in Scotland might be too early or too late for someone in the US. For instance, if it’s 10:00 AM in Scotland, the local time would be 5:00 AM in New York (Eastern Time) and only 2:00 AM in Los Angeles (Pacific Time). In both cases, your call could catch people outside of normal hours.

To avoid this, always double-check the time difference before making your call. It ensures you connect at a moment that works for both you and the person on the other side of the Atlantic.

The best time to reach the US from Scotland is between 9 AM to 5 PM, the US business hours. This is the best window for business and official communication between the two countries.

Check the table to find the best calling hours in Scottish time across different US time zones:

The cost of a call from Scotland to the US typically ranges from $0.04 to $0.19 per minute. However, the exact cost depends on the carrier providers and the plan you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of calling rates from some popular Scottish mobile operators:

Since international rates are higher than domestic ones, regular calls to the US can quickly increase your phone bill. To save money, many people rely on low-cost alternatives such as calling cards, online apps, and virtual phone numbers.

Prepaid calling cards allow you to purchase a set amount of international minutes at discounted rates. Once you dial the access number and enter your PIN, you can make calls to the US at a reduced cost. While convenient and easy to use, calling cards sometimes include hidden charges such as connection fees or expiration dates. For that reason, they are best for people who only make occasional calls but want a quick, affordable option.

Internet-based calling services offer one of the easiest and cheapest ways to call the United States from Scotland. Powered by VoIP technology, apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Zoom allow you to place calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of relying on costly phone lines. When both parties use the same app, the call is usually free. The only real requirement is a stable internet connection.

A virtual phone number offers a modern solution for anyone who needs to stay connected to the US frequently. With a virtual number, you can call people in the States from Scotland or any other country at local rates.

VoIP providers offer these numbers at low international rates, and setup is simple—just purchase a number, install the provider’s app, configure the settings, and start calling.

Calling the United States from Scotland becomes simple once you know the correct dialing format. Start with Scotland’s exit code, add the US country code, and include the area code and the local number to connect successfully. Always keep time zone differences in mind to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.

Since international rates can be high, consider affordable alternatives such as calling cards, virtual phone numbers, or internet-based apps. Among them, virtual numbers stand out for their greater flexibility and affordability. Services like Calilio offer these numbers at affordable rates and allow you to make and receive calls at the local US rate, no matter where you are.