Making international calls
Guide reference: HG-0049
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 2 min read
Dialing abroad from your home phone. Dial 00, then the country code, then the number without the leading zero.
Don't worry about dialling abroad. International calls from your home phone use a simple prefix plus country code once the service is enabled on your line.
Quick answer
Dial 00, then the country code, then the number without the leading zero. International calling must be enabled on your account first; ask us if calls will not connect.
More detail
International calls cost more than UK calls. Charges appear on your bill.
International outbound calling is blocked by default on our lines. You must ask us to enable it before calls abroad will connect.
Remove the zero at the start of foreign area codes when dialling from the UK.
Dial internationally
Pick up the handset. On digital lines you may hear silence instead of dial tone. That can be normal.
Dial 00 for an international call from the UK.
Dial the country code, for example 33 for France.
Dial the area and local number without its leading zero.
Wait for the call to connect. Times may be longer than UK calls.
Check your bill for international charges after the call.
Common mistakes
- Dialling the foreign leading zero from the UK.
- Trying to call abroad before we have enabled international calling on your account.
- Not checking the cost before long calls.
Things to know
- See Premium rate numbers international is different from 09 numbers.
- See Call barring for what outbound call types are blocked by default.
- See Using your service abroad for travel, not the same as calling abroad from home.
Frequently asked questions
What does 00 do?
It tells the network you are calling outside the UK.
Can I call mobiles abroad?
Yes, using the mobile number with country code, once international calling is enabled.
Why will it not connect?
Check international calling is enabled, dial tone, and the number format.