Have you ever received a call or text from a number starting with the +44 country code and wondered, “44 which country code is that?” Or perhaps you need to make a call to the United Kingdom and aren’t sure how to format the number correctly. The country code 44 is the international telephone prefix for the United Kingdom, but understanding how to use it involves more than just knowing the country.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the +44 country code. You will learn which countries and territories use this code, the correct way to dial a UK phone number, how to understand the different types of numbers (from landlines to mobiles), and crucial advice on avoiding common scams associated with the 44 prefix.
What Country is the +44 Code? The UK and Beyond
The international country calling code 44 is assigned to the United Kingdom (UK). This is the essential 44 international code you need to use when calling or texting from any country in the world to:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
So, if you’re asking “what country is code 44?” the simple answer is the United Kingdom. Whenever you see a +44 phone number, you know the call or message is associated with the UK’s telephone network. The country with code 44 is a major hub for global business and personal communication.
A Unique Extension: The Crown Dependencies
A common point of confusion is that the +44 country code also covers three other territories that are not technically part of the UK. These are the Crown Dependencies, which are self-governing islands that share the UK’s telephone numbering plan. These are:
- The Bailiwick of Jersey
- The Bailiwick of Guernsey (including Alderney, Sark, and Herm)
- The Isle of Man
This means you use the exact same country code +44 to call these islands as you would for London or Manchester. There is no separate dialing code for them.
How to Dial a +44 Number: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dialing a UK number from abroad is simple once you understand one crucial rule. The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re calling from a mobile or a landline.
The Golden Rule: Always Drop the First ‘0’
The single most important step when using the 44 dialing code is to remove the leading zero from the domestic UK number. All UK numbers start with a 0 when dialed from within the country (e.g., 07… for a mobile or 020… for a London landline). When you add the +44 prefix, this 0 must be dropped.
- Correct: +44 7911 123456
- Incorrect: +44 07911 123456
Including the zero after the +44 code will cause the call to fail.
Calling from a Mobile Phone (The Easiest Way)
The best way to call the UK from any mobile phone in the world is to use the full international format.
- Start with the plus symbol (+). On most phones, you get this by pressing and holding the 0 key.
- Add the 44 country code.
- Enter the rest of the UK number, making sure to drop the leading 0.
Example (calling a UK mobile): The domestic number is 07911 123456. You dial: +44 7911 123456
Calling from a Landline (Using Exit Codes)
When using a landline, you can’t use the + symbol. Instead, you must first dial your country’s international exit code.
- From the USA or Canada: The exit code is 011.
- From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa: The exit code is 00.
The format is: Exit Code + 44 + UK Number (without the 0)
Example (calling a London landline from the US): The domestic number is 020 7946 0958. You dial: 011 44 20 7946 0958
Decoding UK Phone Numbers: Understanding the Area Codes
The numbers that follow the country prefix 44 provide valuable information about the type of phone line you are calling. The first few digits after the +44 tell you if it’s a geographic landline, a mobile phone, or a business number, which can have major implications for the cost of the call.
Geographic Landlines: 01 and 02 Area Codes
When you see a number like +44 1… or +44 2…, you are calling a landline tied to a specific geographic location. The digits that follow form the area code 44.
- Major Cities: Have short area codes, like 20 for London (+44 20…), 161 for Manchester (+44 161…), and 121 for Birmingham (+44 121…).
- Other Towns and Cities: Use longer area codes.
Mobile Numbers: The 07 Prefix
Almost all UK mobile phone numbers start with the digits 7 after the +44 country code. If you see a number formatted as +44 7…, it is a personal or business mobile phone. This is the most common format you will encounter.
Warning: Be cautious of numbers starting with +44 70…. These are “personal numbers” that can be very expensive to call and are sometimes used in scams.
Business, Freephone, and Premium Numbers
- +44 3… Numbers: These are UK-wide business numbers that cost the same to call as a standard landline.
- +44 800… or +44 808… Numbers: These are “Freephone” numbers within the UK. CRITICAL WARNING: They are NOT free to call from abroad. Calling a UK 0800 number from another country can be very expensive.
- +44 84… or +44 87… Numbers: These are business service numbers with an extra service charge. Avoid calling them from overseas.
- +44 9… Numbers: These are high-cost premium-rate numbers for services like competitions, voting, or adult entertainment. They are extremely expensive to call.
Security Alert: How to Handle Scams from +44 Numbers
Because the 44 phone code is so widely recognized, scammers often use it to appear legitimate. They use a technology called “spoofing” to make it look like a call is coming from the UK, even when they are located elsewhere.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Fake Tax Official Calls: Someone claiming to be from the UK tax office (HMRC) threatening you with arrest for unpaid taxes.
- Bank Fraud Alerts: A call pretending to be from your bank reporting suspicious activity and asking for your PIN or password.
- Tech Support Scams: Someone claiming your computer has a virus and asking for remote access.
- Unexpected Job Offers: Automated messages offering high-paying jobs that require you to pay an upfront fee.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never trust Caller ID. A +44 number does not guarantee the caller is in the UK.
- Never give out personal information like passwords, PINs, or bank details to an unsolicited caller.
- Hang up immediately if a call feels suspicious, aggressive, or too good to be true.
- Verify independently. If the caller claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the bank back using the official number on their website or the back of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the difference between +44 and 0044?
They both achieve the same goal. +44 is the universal format for mobile phones, where the + automatically replaces your country’s exit code. 0044 is the manual way of dialing, where 00 is the exit code for many countries. If you are in the US or Canada, you would use 01144.
- If a phone number starts with +44 7…, what does that mean?
A number that starts with +44 7 is a UK mobile phone number. This is the most common prefix for personal mobile lines in the United Kingdom.
- Can I text a UK number using the +44 code?
Yes. The rules are identical for texting (SMS) and calling. You must use the +44 country code and remember to drop the leading 0 from the domestic number.
- How should I save UK numbers in my phone’s contacts?
Always save them in the full international format: +44 followed by the number (without the 0). This ensures the contact will work whether you are calling or texting from inside or outside the UK.
- Why did my call to a UK number not work?
The most common reason is that you forgot to drop the leading 0. Other reasons could be insufficient funds on your account for international calls or your provider blocking international dialing.
Conclusion
Understanding the +44 country code is your key to connecting with the United Kingdom. By remembering the simple “drop the zero” rule, recognizing the different types of numbers, and staying vigilant against potential scams, you can make calls and send texts confidently and securely. Whether it’s for business or staying in touch with family, you now have all the information you need to master the UK’s telephone code.
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