How to Call the UK from Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
Last updated 09 September 2024
Calling the UK from Australia might seem tricky at first, but with the right guide, it’s a breeze. Whether you’re connecting with family, friends, or making an important business call, knowing the ins and outs of international dialling makes a big difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about calling the UK from Australia. From the essential codes and prefixes, to handy tips for saving on long-distance charges, we’ve got it all covered. Plus, we’ll tackle common issues you might face and explore the future of international calling with 5G and other tech innovations. Ready to connect with the UK seamlessly? Let’s dive in and make sure your next call to the UK is smooth, affordable, and crystal clear!

Understanding the Basics of International Calling
Making an international call might seem tricky, but with the right steps, it's straightforward. Whether you’re connecting with family, friends, or handling business, knowing how to correctly dial the UK from Australia makes the process smooth and stress-free. ZenSim offers international calling to the UK on selected plans, ranging from 250 to 500 minutes. Check out our mobile plans here to see which ones include international minutes to the UK.
What You Need to Know Before Making an International Call
Before you place a call to the UK, there are some important details to check. Make sure your mobile plan allows international calling, as some plans include free or discounted minutes for overseas calls. ZenSim’s plans make it easy to stay connected with the UK. Be sure to select a plan that fits your calling needs by visiting our mobile plans page. Additionally, be aware of potential roaming fees if you’re using data instead of Wi-Fi.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
One common issue when calling the UK from Australia is dialling the number incorrectly. Remember, you’ll need to drop the leading ‘0’ from the UK number after adding the country code +44. Another challenge is high international call costs—using VoIP services or specific international plans can help lower the price. At ZenSim, most plans include up to 500 minutes for international calls, which makes it more affordable to stay in touch. Explore our mobile plans for more details.
Dialing a UK Mobile from Australia
If you’re reaching out to a mobile phone in the UK, the process is simple once you follow the correct dialling format.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To dial a UK mobile from Australia, follow these steps:
- Start with the plus sign (+) as your international access code.
- Enter the UK country code, which is 44.
- Now, dial the UK mobile number, omitting the first ‘0’. For example, if the number is 07890 123456, dial it as +44 7890 123456.
Necessary Codes and Prefixes
When making an international call, the plus sign (+) replaces the usual international access code. The UK’s country code is 44, and remember to drop the leading ‘0’ from any mobile numbers in the UK.
Examples and Scenarios
Let’s break it down: if the UK mobile number is 07123 456789, you’ll dial it as +44 7123 456789. Similarly, for a number like 07890 987654, you would dial +44 7890 987654. Following this format ensures that your call goes through smoothly.
Key Codes for Calling the UK
Having the correct codes at your fingertips is essential for seamless international calling.
UK Mobile Code
The UK mobile code is part of the standard format for mobile numbers. Start with +44, then dial the mobile number without the leading ‘0’. For example, for a mobile number starting with 07, you would dial it as +44 7.
UK Area Code Mobile
Mobile numbers in the UK don’t have specific area codes like landlines do, so focus on the country code and the mobile number format.
United Kingdom Mobile Code
The primary code to know when calling the UK from Australia is the country code, +44. This code applies whether you’re calling a mobile or a landline.
Calling UK Landlines from Australia
If you need to call a landline in the UK, there’s just one more step involved than when calling a mobile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To call a UK landline from Australia:
- Start with the plus sign (+) to trigger the international access.
- Dial 44, the UK’s country code.
- Next, enter the area code without the leading ‘0’. For example, London’s area code is 020, but you’ll dial it as 20.
- Finally, dial the local number. For example: +44 20 [Local Number].
Necessary Codes and Prefixes
When calling a UK landline, the necessary codes are the plus sign (+) for the international access, 44 for the UK country code, and the local area code without the initial ‘0’.
Examples and Scenarios
For example, if you’re calling a London landline, you’d dial +44 20 followed by the local number. Similarly, for a Manchester number, you’d dial +44 161 [Local Number].
Tips for Making Cost-Effective International Calls
International calls can quickly add up, but there are ways to manage the costs and keep your bill under control.
Using Calling Cards
Calling cards can be a great way to reduce costs when making international calls. You prepay for minutes and often get a much lower rate than what your mobile provider charges. Simply dial the access number on the card, enter your PIN, and then dial the UK number.
Leveraging VoIP Services
VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom allow you to call the UK using the internet. These services are usually free or come at a much lower cost than mobile providers, especially when using Wi-Fi.
Mobile Plans with International Minutes
ZenSim offers international calling minutes to the UK on selected plans, ranging from 250 to 500 minutes. These minutes make it easier to stay connected without worrying about high charges. To find the right plan for your needs, check out our mobile plans here or our 5G plans here.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned when making an international call. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems.
What to Do If the Call Doesn’t Connect
If your call isn’t connecting, double-check the number you’ve dialled. Ensure that you’ve included +44 for the UK and dropped the leading ‘0’. If the issue persists, try redialling—it could be a temporary glitch.
Checking for Network Issues
If your call drops or fails to connect, there might be network issues. Check your signal strength and move to an area with better reception. You can also contact your mobile provider to see if there are any network outages affecting international calls.
Contacting Your Service Provider for Support
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t connect, it’s time to contact your service provider. They can help you check for blocks on international calling or any specific restrictions affecting your calls. Alternatively, use VoIP services like WhatsApp or Skype as a backup. For more information on ZenSim services, check out our FAQs page.

Future Trends in International Calling
The way we make international calls is evolving quickly, thanks to new technologies like 5G and AI.
5G and Its Impact on International Calls
With 5G networks, international calls will become even clearer and more reliable. 5G reduces latency, ensuring faster connections and higher-quality voice calls when calling the UK from Australia.
Emerging Technologies and Innovations
Emerging technologies like AI are also changing the landscape of international calling. AI-powered translation services will soon make it possible to communicate across languages in real-time, adding convenience and reducing barriers in global conversations.
Summary
In conclusion, calling the UK from Australia is a simple process once you understand the key steps and dialling codes. By starting with +44 for the UK, dropping any leading ‘0’ from the number, and ensuring you have the right mobile or landline codes, you can connect seamlessly. We’ve covered the basics, common challenges, and cost-saving tips, as well as troubleshooting advice in case you encounter any issues. With the rise of 5G and innovative technologies like VoIP and AI, international calls are becoming easier, clearer, and more affordable. Now, you’re ready to stay connected with the UK, no matter where you are in Australia!

Written by Andy Linton
Co-founder of ZenSim, loves a bit of Star Wars.
Andy has been in the telecommunications industry for the better part of 20 years. Somewhat of a super-nerd, Andy is the co-founder of ZenSim and the maestro behind the systems we use to provide our services.
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