Calling the UK from Australia: your guide to the United Kingdom country code (+44)

Whether you're calling a friend in London, checking in on family in Scotland, or trying to connect with a business in Manchester, making a phone call to the UK can seem more complex than it needs to be. For Australian customers, the world of international communication has its own set of rules, and knowing them is key to a successful connection.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, starting with the United Kingdom country code +44, the first crucial step to dialling a UK phone number from Australia.

What's the country calling code for the United Kingdom?

The country calling code for the United Kingdom (UK) is +44. This is a unique numerical prefix that tells a phone network your call is destined for the UK. When you're calling from Australia, you must dial this code at the beginning of every UK phone number.

On a mobile phone, the plus symbol (+) is a universal stand-in for your own country's exit code, which means the +44 format will work automatically from anywhere. However, if you're using a traditional landline phone, you'll need to replace the + with the specific international exit code of the country you're calling from.

Your step-by-step guide to the UK's dialling code

Making a successful call to the UK involves combining a few key components in the correct order. By following this simple guide, you can ensure your call connects on the first try.

• For landline phones: to call a UK landline from a landline phone in Australia, you must first dial the Australian exit code (0011), followed by the UK country code (44), then the area code (without the leading 0), and finally the local UK number

The format: 0011 + 44 + Area code + 8-digit local number.

For example, if you wanted to call the London number 020 7946 0958, you'd dial: 0011 44 20 7946 0958.

• For mobile phones: calling from an Australian mobile phone is often simpler. Instead of dialling a specific exit code, you can use the + symbol, which is a universal substitute. After the + symbol, you dial the UK country code (44) and then the full mobile number without the leading 0.

The format: +44 + 7xxxxxxxxxx.

For example, to call the UK mobile number 07700 900000, you'd dial: +44 7700 900000.

Understanding the +44 country code: dropping the leading 0

This is one of the most common reasons for failed calls from Australia to the UK. All UK domestic phone numbers, for both landlines and mobiles, begin with a 0 (known as a trunk code). This 0 is essential for calls made within the UK but must be completely removed when you're dialling from another country. The +44 country code effectively takes its place.

Correct: +44 20 7946 0958.

Incorrect: +44 020 7946 0958.

Forgetting to remove this leading 0 will almost certainly cause your call to fail or be routed incorrectly.

UK area codes: what they are and why they matter

An area code is a numerical prefix that routes phone calls to a specific geographical region within the UK. It's a crucial part of a landline number because it ensures your call reaches the right city, town, or region. When calling a UK landline number from Australia, you must use the right area code to connect to a specific place.

Here's a breakdown of the area codes for some of the UK's major cities and regions:

Mobile phone numbers are different. UK mobile numbers all start with 07 (or +44 7 when calling from abroad), regardless of where in the country the person you're calling is located.

What to do if your call won’t connect

If you've tried to make a call to the UK and it's not working, it's usually due to a small dialling error. Here are a few common issues to troubleshoot:

• Forgetting the country code: it's easy to accidentally skip the 44 after the exit code. Always double-check that it's there.
• Including the leading 0: as we've covered, this is the most common reason for failed calls. Make sure you've removed it from the UK number.
• Using the wrong exit code: when calling from a landline, ensure you're using the correct exit code for the country you're in. Using the + symbol on a mobile phone eliminates this error.
• Not having international calling enabled: some phone providers require you to activate international calling on your plan. It's worth checking with your provider if you're unable to connect to any number outside your home country.

Staying safe: UK emergency numbers

While you'll hopefully never need it, it's a good idea to know the emergency number for the UK in case you or someone you know needs urgent assistance while there. The main emergency number for police, fire, or ambulance services is 999. This number costs nothing to call from any phone in the UK.

There's also a second emergency number, 112, that works in Europe, including the UK. For non-emergency police matters, you can call 101. You can find more information about UK emergency services on the official UK government website.

Beyond traditional calls: staying connected with apps

With the rise of smartphones and the internet, many people now use data-based apps to make calls and send messages. Services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger allow you to make voice and video calls over an internet connection, normally at no extra cost beyond your data plan.

The biggest challenge with these apps is securing a reliable internet connection. You'll need access to strong WiFi or an affordable data plan. This is where a Revolut eSIM can be a game-changer. Rather than facing expensive roaming charges from your usual phone provider, an international eSIM gives you an affordable and reliable data plan without needing a physical SIM card. You simply buy the plan you need and get access to the internet on your phone.

Staying connected while abroad with Revolut

High roaming costs can make staying in touch while you travel an expensive exercise. A simple and effective way to avoid this is with a travel-friendly data solution like an eSIM from Revolut. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to get a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM card. This means you can get quick access to data in a new country and use your favourite apps to stay in contact.

We offer a range of eSIM products depending on your travel plans, including a global eSIM, a dedicated UK eSIM, and a Europe eSIM. With an eSIM, you can avoid worrying about finding a local SIM card provider or dealing with unpredictable roaming fees, giving you one less thing to think about on your journey.

In addition to eSIMs, we offer several other features that are perfect for travellers. You can hold and exchange currencies in-app at great rates, so you're always ready to pay in the local currency. You can also use your Revolut card to spend around the world, and our budgeting tools help you keep track of your expenses in real-time. All of these features are designed to make managing your money simpler, giving you more freedom to enjoy your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the UK calling code

Which country uses +44 as a country code?

The country code +44 is used for the United Kingdom. It's the primary country code for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as British Crown external dependencies Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.

What's the difference between +44 and 0044?

Both +44 and 0044 are used as UK country codes. The main difference is that +44 is a universal format used on mobile phones, where the + automatically translates to the correct exit code for your location. The 0044 format is specific to landlines, where 00 is the exit code for most of Europe.

Can I send a text message using the mobile phone code for the UK?

Yes, text messages follow the same format. You must start with +44 and then the mobile number, without the leading 0.

What happens if I forget to drop the 0?

Your call or text may not connect properly. The leading 0 is only used for domestic calls within the UK, so always remove it when dialling from abroad.

Is it possible to call the UK without fees?

Making no-fee calls is usually possible through internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, as long as you have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection. These calls use your data plan rather than your phone's traditional calling minutes, so you avoid per-minute charges — another reason to choose an eSIM for staying in touch during your trip.

Get started with Revolut

Ready to simplify your travel and stay connected on your next adventure? It all starts with a few taps:

1. Download the app: simply download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Get an eSIM: once you've signed up and set up your account, you can quickly get an eSIM for data access. Tap the eSIM button on the bottom menu, then choose your plan and purchase it with your account balance. Follow the simple in-app steps to install and activate your eSIM.
3. Explore other travel products: you can also explore all our other travel products, which are designed to simplify your journey and make managing your money easier.

The information provided is accurate as of 15 September 2025.

T&Cs apply.