The international country code 44 is the telephone dialing prefix for the United Kingdom (UK). This single code is your gateway to reaching phone numbers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as the UK’s Crown Dependencies. While this provides the direct answer to “what country is code 44,” understanding how to use this code correctly is essential for successful and safe communication.
This definitive guide will explain everything you need to know about the 44 area code. We’ll break down the structure of a UK phone number, give you step-by-step instructions for calling the UK from anywhere in the world, and clarify the complex system of UK area codes. Most importantly, we’ll show you how to identify and avoid the common phone scams that use the +44 country code, ensuring your calls are secure.
The Core Explanation: What is Country Code +44?
The +44 country code is the fundamental component for all international calls and texts to the United Kingdom. Its scope and the structure of the numbers it governs are part of a well-organized plan that ensures global connectivity.
The Simple Answer: The United Kingdom and its Territories
The international area code 44 is assigned to the United Kingdom by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the global body that standardizes communications. This ensures any call or message starting with +44 is routed to the UK’s domestic phone network.
The country prefix 44 covers all four constituent countries of the United Kingdom:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
A key detail is that the 44 calling code also extends to the three Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man. Although these territories are self-governing, they are part of the UK’s numbering plan, which is managed by the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom). So, when you see the telephone code 44, it refers to this entire region.
Deconstructing a UK Phone Number: A Complete Anatomy
When written in the full international format, a UK phone number is globally unique. It consists of three parts.
- Country Code: This is always +44. The plus (+) symbol is a universal placeholder for the international access code needed to dial out of your country. Mobile networks automatically recognize and handle this.
- National Destination Code (NDC) or “Area Code”: This is a two- to five-digit code that follows the country code of 44. It identifies a geographic area (like a city), a service type, or a mobile network. When dialing from abroad, the leading “0” used for domestic UK calls is always dropped. This is the most important rule.
- Subscriber Number: This is the unique part of the number assigned to a specific phone line.
Here’s a clear example of a London landline:
- Domestic Format: 020 7946 0958
- International Format: +44 20 7946 0958
In this format, +44 is the country code, 20 is the area code for 44 (London), and 7946 0958 is the subscriber number.
The Deep Dive: How to Call and Text the UK from Anywhere
Connecting to a 44 phone number requires a precise dialing sequence. Understanding the process for both mobile and landline calls is key to avoiding failed attempts.
The Golden Rule of UK Dialing: Dropping the Leading “0”
The most common mistake when using the dialing code 44 is forgetting to remove the leading “0” from the domestic phone number. This “0” is a trunk prefix used for calls within the UK. When you use the country code +44, the call is already entering the national network from the global system, making the “0” redundant. Including it will cause the call to fail. This rule applies to all UK numbers, including landlines (020… becomes +44 20…) and mobiles (07… becomes +44 7…).
| Number Type | Domestic UK Format | Correct International Format |
| London Landline | 020 7946 0958 | +44 20 7946 0958 |
| Manchester Landline | 0161 123 4567 | +44 161 123 4567 |
| UK Mobile Number | 07700 900123 | +44 7700 900123 |
| Business Number | 0330 123 4567 | +44 330 123 4567 |
| Freephone Number | 0800 123 4567 | +44 800 123 4567 |
Calling the UK from Any Mobile Phone (The Universal Method)
The easiest way to call any phone country code 44 number is to use the + symbol. On most mobile devices, you can get this by pressing and holding the 0 key.
The process is simple:
- Step 1: Open your phone’s dialer and enter +.
- Step 2: Dial 44 for the UK country number.
- Step 3: Dial the UK area code or mobile prefix, omitting the leading 0.
- Step 4: Dial the rest of the local phone number.
For example, to call the UK mobile number 07700 900123, you would dial: +44 7700 900123. This is the standard for the 44 international area code.
Calling the UK from a Landline (Using Exit Codes)
When calling from a landline, you can’t use the + symbol. You must manually dial your country’s international exit code before the 44 country area code. This code signals that you’re making an international call.
| Country/Region | Exit Code |
| USA & Canada | 011 |
| Most of Europe & UK | 00 |
| Australia | 0011 |
| Japan | 010 |
How to Call the UK from the USA
- From a Landline: Dial 011 (US exit code), then 44 (UK country code), the UK area code (without the 0), and the local number.
- Example (calling Manchester 0161 123 4567): Dial 011 44 161 123 4567.
- From a Mobile: Dial +, then 44, the UK area code (without the 0), and the local number.
- Example (calling London 020 7946 0958): Dial +44 20 7946 0958.
How to Call the UK from Australia
- From a Landline: Dial 0011 (Australian exit code), then 44, the UK area code (without the 0), and the local number.
- Example (calling Liverpool 0151 234 5678): Dial 0011 44 151 234 5678.
- From a Mobile: Dial +, then 44, the mobile prefix 7 (without the 0), and the rest of the mobile number.
- Example (calling UK mobile 07712 345678): Dial +44 7712 345678.
How to Text a +44 Number from Abroad
The format for sending an SMS to a UK number is identical to making a call. You must use the international format: +44, followed by the area code or mobile prefix with the leading 0 removed, and then the rest of the number.
Clearing Up Confusion: Debunking Myths About the +44 Code
Misunderstandings about international dialing are common. Let’s clear up a few things about the 44 phone code.
Myth 1: “+44” and “0044” Are Interchangeable
This is a critical error. While dialing the 0044 area code works from many European countries (where 00 is the exit code), it is not universal. It will fail from a US or Canadian landline, where the exit code is 011. The + symbol is the only truly universal standard for mobile devices. It’s best to save all international contacts in your phone with the + prefix (e.g., +44…) to ensure they work anywhere in the world.
Myth 2: A UK Number is Just a UK Number
The digits following the international code 44 reveal the type of number, which affects the cost.
- Geographic Numbers (01, 02): Standard landlines for a specific city or region.
- Mobile Numbers (07): The vast majority of standard UK mobile phones.
- Non-Geographic Numbers (03, 08, 09): Used by businesses and organizations.
- 03 Numbers: A consumer-friendly option that costs the same as a standard landline call.
- 08 Numbers: A mixed bag. 0800 and 0808 are free to call. Others (084x, 087x) have an extra service charge and can be expensive.
- 09 Numbers: Premium-rate services for competitions, voting, and horoscopes. These are very expensive to call.
Myth 3: A Call Displaying “+44” is Always Legitimately from the UK
This is a dangerous assumption. Scammers use “Caller ID spoofing” to fake the number on your screen. They can call from anywhere and make it look like a legitimate +44 area code country number to gain your trust. The appearance of a country with code 44 on your caller ID is not a guarantee of its origin.
Practical & Actionable Advice for Using the +44 Code
Knowing how to dial is only half the battle. You also need to be aware of the risks and cost-saving strategies.
WARNING: A Guide to Identifying and Avoiding +44 Phone Scams
Any unexpected call from a 44 code country number should be treated with suspicion. Scammers use the UK’s reputation to run various frauds.
| Scam Type | What They Say | Red Flags |
| HMRC Tax Scam | “You have an unpaid tax bill and a warrant for your arrest. Pay immediately to avoid legal action.” | Extreme urgency and threats; demand for payment via gift cards or bank transfer. |
| Bank Fraud Scam | “We’re from your bank’s fraud department. Your account is compromised. Transfer your money to a new ‘safe’ account.” | Request to move money; asking for your PIN or full password. |
| Tech Support Scam | “This is Microsoft. We’ve detected a virus on your computer. Grant us remote access to fix it.” | Unsolicited call about a tech problem; request for remote access to your device. |
| “Wangiri” (One-Ring) Scam | (The phone rings once and hangs up). | An unexpected missed call from an unknown international number. They want you to call back a premium-rate number. |
Actionable Steps to Stay Safe
- Do Not Answer: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
- Do Not Call Back: Never return a call to a suspicious number.
- Never Share Information: Legitimate banks and government agencies will never cold-call you for your PIN or password.
- Block and Report: Block any suspicious number and report it to the authorities.
A Regional Breakdown of UK Area Codes
The area code of 44 can help identify a landline’s location. Here are some major UK city codes.
| City/Region | Area Code (Domestic) |
| London | 020 |
| Birmingham | 0121 |
| Manchester | 0161 |
| Liverpool | 0151 |
| Glasgow | 0141 |
| Edinburgh | 0131 |
| Cardiff | 029 |
| Northern Ireland | 028 |
Smart Calling: How to Save Money on Calls to the UK
Direct international calls can be expensive. Here are cheaper alternatives:
- VoIP Services: Services like RingCentral and Vonage route calls over the internet for much lower rates.
- Internet Calling Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger offer free voice and video calls to other users of the same app.
- International Calling Plans: Check with your mobile carrier for add-on bundles that offer a set number of minutes to the UK for a fixed fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What country is area code 44?
The area code 44 is the international country code for the United Kingdom. This covers England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man). So if you’re wondering what country is 44 area code, the answer is the UK.
- Do you put 0 after +44?
No. You must always drop the leading 0 from the UK domestic number when using the +44 area code. For example, a domestic mobile number like 07… becomes +44 7… when called from abroad.
- Are calls from +44 numbers safe?
Not always. Scammers often “spoof” the 44 telephone code to make their calls seem legitimate. Be very cautious of any unexpected calls from a calling code 44 number you don’t recognize.
- How do I call a UK mobile phone from the US?
From your mobile, dial +44, then 7 (dropping the 0 from the domestic 07 prefix), and then the remaining nine digits. For example, to call the UK mobile 07700 900123, you would dial +44 7700 900123.
Conclusion
The +44 country code is your key to connecting with the United Kingdom. The most important rule to remember is to always use the international code 44 and drop the leading “0” from the domestic number. This applies to every 44 phone number, from a London landline to a mobile phone.
Beyond the mechanics, understanding the UK’s structured numbering plan and the serious risk of phone scams is crucial. The what is 44 country code question has a simple answer, but safe and effective communication requires more knowledge. By using the correct dialing formats, leveraging cost-saving technologies, and staying vigilant against fraud, you can connect with the UK seamlessly and securely.
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