To Call Internationally from the UK

Roaming Country Exit Code + Destination Country Code + Area Code + Phone Number.
For example, a call placed to France, from London: 00 – 33 – x xx xx xx xx.

The exit code is also known as the international access code or IDD International Direct Dialing code, and is 00 from the UK.

The area code within England is used when calling between different areas within the country. To call England from within the United Kingdom, do not dial the exit code or the country code anymore. Simply add 0 before dialing the area code and the local telephone number.

Area codes within England:
• 1224 for Aberdeen
• 1382 for Dundee
• 20 for London
• 141 for Glasgow

A continued list of area codes of the UK.

To call internationally to the UK

Dial entry code then UK number
44 + Tel. no. (remove the first 0)

For directory enquiries, dial 118 500 or 118 118 (extra charges for those services).

Providers

Landlines are becoming less and less common as people use mobile phones exclusively. Many people simply get a home phone as part of the bundle packaged with internet or mobile phone.

Many operators offer different plans, free trials, bonuses and discounts, so shop around before deciding.

• British Telecom (BT - necessary for Internet providers with ADSL service)
• Kingston
• Virgin

Installation

In most cases, a telephone line is already installed and you will just have to pay a connection fee to start service. To do this, you will need to pick a provider and sign a contract. Make an appointment at least a week in advance to ensure service.

If you do not have a phone line already installed, you can contact a provider and a technician will establish a line. This is done through British Telecom. BT may stipulate that the person signs a contract with them for a certain amount of time and a change of service ma only be possible after the contract expires.

Information necessary to install phone line, reconnect, or switch service:
• Bank details to set up a direct debit
• Addresses for the previous two years

Public Phones

Public phones are becoming much less available as they are commonly vandalized, and actively being removed by the operating companies. Public telephones can sometimes be found in most Post Offices, supermarkets, train or bus stations. They are sometimes the best option among areas of low cell phone reception.

BT is the primary provider with over 63,000 public pay phones in operation throughout the UK. Use the BT site to find locations.

How to Pay

Public phones that use cash have a minimum fee is 60p (includes 40p connection charge). Most pay phones accept 10p, 20p, 50p and 1 GBP coins. Some pay phones accept euros. The exchange rate is 1 Euro equals 60p. Local and National calls are charged at 60p for the first 30 minutes, then 10p for each subsequent 15 minutes or portion thereof.

To make a call using a Credit/Debit Card, swipe the card through the card reader on the phone and follow the instructions. If there is no card reader on the phone, call 0800 032 0023 and follow the voice prompts to complete the call. Call prices are 20p per minute. Minimum fee 1.20 GBP (includes 1 GBP connection charge) for Local and National calls.

Prepaid Cards

Calling cards are a convenient way to use pay phones and offer lower rates on making international calls.

Different cards offer many different tariffs and conditions and can be complicated to understand. The card with the lowest rate per minute might not be the most efficient card for you.

When choosing a card, take into account:
• The tariffs for the country(ies) you call
• The length of your calls - Some cards have a small connection charge which is a disadvantage if you make lots of short calls, but no problem if you talk for an hour at a time to family and friends.
• How much you call - All cards expire (usually 30-90 days from the first time you use it to call). Some cards also have cards have a daily maintenance charge

How to Use

Different prepaid calling cards may have different procedures, but most follow a similar format.

1. Dial the access number
2. Enter your PIN-number
3. Dial your destination

After dialing a number, cards tell you how many minutes you have left. Some cards give your remaining balance after entering your PIN.

Skype & Chatting

Various sites offer the ability to "chat" with other users. Originally this meant typed messages that would instantly pop up on each others screens. In recent years, this has expanded to being able to voice and video chat. With service through the internet, it is cheap, easy, and even better then a phone call.

Skype is by far the best technology as users can message, talk, or video chat with other internet users for free. Users can also call land lines and mobile phones for a fee. Other useful services include google talk, windows live messenger, meebo, and more.

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