24-Apr-08 Dialing Phone Numbers

So, in the UK, the phone number dialing is similar, but just a little different. Instead of the standard 3-digit area code and 3-digit interchange and 4-digit direct number, the UK has a small variation.

Dial '0', then area code '1202' for Bournemouth, then 3-digit interchange and 3-digit direct number. For example, 0-1202-123-123. London uses area code '2077'.

If you are dialing from the US to Bournemouth, here's the dialing scheme:
International code + country number (44 for UK) + area code and interchange/direct numbers.
011 - 44 - 1202 - 123 - 123

Sometimes you see people denote their phone number as
44 (0) 1202 123 123......the 0 in parenthesis just means you dial the 0 and the rest of the number if you are already in the country for that code 44. If not, then you dial the 44, omit the 0 in parenthesis, and dial the rest of the number.

If you are dialing from Bournemouth to the US (let's say to downtown Chicago number), you would dial US code, then the rest of the number.
001 - 312 - 555 - 1212 (the number I used was an example)

If you need more info on how to dial internationally and you know the country and area, here's a good web-site to use. It basically is dummy-proof for exactly what digits to press. www.countrycallingcodes.com

But beware, calling internationally is EXPENSIVE. And if you are using your US phone in another country, you may also be charged international roaming rates just for having the phone turned on, even if you are not calling or receiving a call. So, if you need a local mobile phone, you can just get a pay-as-you-go (which I will detail later). And if you need to call someone internationally, you should consider SKYPE (www.skype.com). It is free skype-to-skype calling via pc with internet access, and also cheaper international rates when dialing from skype to a direct landline or mobile number. I will talk more about that in a later blog.