Calls to the UK can be made cheaply using dial-in services like Mytello, VoIP apps such as WhatsApp, or Wi-Fi calling methods that avoid roaming charges. Calling internationally should not feel like a luxury, especially when better technology and smarter routing now allow anyone in the USA to reach a UK landline or mobile number at a fraction of the traditional cost. This guide outlines practical, proven ways to connect to the UK while avoiding unnecessary fees — for expats, digital nomads, frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone calling family across the ocean.
Summary,
calling the UK from the USA does not require sacrificing quality or overpaying. Using dial-in systems like Mytello alongside smart device settings and Wi-Fi apps gives every user full control over their international communication — without the premium cost.
Why International Calls from the USA to the UK Are Often Expensive
International calls to the UK from the US are expensive because of carrier access fees, outdated routing systems, and roaming charges. Telecom providers add margin-heavy international rates even when better alternatives exist, especially when a user dials directly through their mobile network without optimizing settings or choosing alternative services. These costs often multiply when the call travels through multiple networks or when the recipient is on a mobile number instead of a landline.
Landline calls are generally cheaper than mobile calls because of interconnect fee structures in the UK. For instance, US-based carriers may charge over $0.20 per minute to UK mobiles compared to landline rates as low as $0.05 per minute. Roaming charges further amplify the costs if the user is traveling internationally, unaware that incoming and outgoing calls may both incur fees.
🔗 Relevant Reading: International Calling Mistakes to Avoid
The Best Free and Cheap Ways to Call the UK
Cost-conscious callers can choose between VoIP apps, online services, dial-in providers like Mytello, or Wi-Fi calling to reduce or eliminate international call charges. Each option comes with different strengths depending on whether the call is personal, business-related, or based on connectivity limits.
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Mytello Dial-In: Mytello allows users to dial a local access number in the US which connects them to the UK contact without using mobile data or Wi-Fi. Rates start at 1¢/min to UK landlines and 4.5¢/min to UK mobile phones, with no app dependency and no need for the recipient to have any service installed.
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WhatsApp, FaceTime: These apps provide zero-cost calling over Wi-Fi, ideal for informal conversations with friends or family who are also online. However, they require both parties to have internet access and the same app installed.
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Google Voice: Offers low-cost calls with account credit, though it still depends on stable internet.
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TextNow and Dingtone: These apps provide free US numbers and low-cost international call credits, primarily useful for occasional short calls.
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Wi-Fi Calling via Carrier: When enabled, it routes international calls over Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile towers, helping reduce roaming charges when traveling.
What’s the cheapest way to call the UK from the US?
The cheapest way is using a dial-in provider like Mytello or free VoIP apps over Wi-Fi when both parties are connected.
Mytello: Pay-as-You-Go Without Roaming or App Dependency
Mytello offers the most affordable and reliable method to call UK numbers directly from the USA, using local access numbers without needing an internet connection or SIM change.
Unlike many VoIP services, Mytello operates through a dial-in system compatible with any landline or mobile provider in the United States. This makes it highly practical for users who prioritize call clarity, cost predictability, and convenience.
The current Mytello rates for calling the UK are structured for cost-efficiency:
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1¢ per minute to any UK landline
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4.5¢ per minute to any UK mobile number
No subscription is required. Users top up their account once, and the balance never expires. Each call is billed per minute, with a fixed 5¢ setup fee — no surprises, no background data usage, and no contracts.
UK Calling Packages with Mytello
The following packages show how much value Mytello offers for frequent international callers.
| Package | Minutes to Landline | Minutes to Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | 500 | 111 |
| $10 | 1,000 | 222 |
| $25 | 2,500 | 556 |
Mytello’s structure offers more minutes per dollar compared to typical telecom providers, making it one of the most competitive dial-in options for calling the UK.
🔗 Check Live Rates for UK
🔗 Download Mytello App for Android | iOS
Step-by-Step: How to Dial a UK Number from the US
To call the UK from the USA, you must use the correct international dialing format starting with the US exit code, followed by the UK country code and the local number.
Dialing Steps
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Dial 011 – The exit code to dial outside the US
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Dial 44 – The UK’s country code
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Omit the leading 0 – UK numbers often begin with ‘0’, which is dropped for international dialing
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Dial the remaining number – For example, a UK landline might look like 20 7946 0958 → Dial 011 44 20 7946 0958
Example Format
Calling a London number:
011 44 20 7946 0958
Calling a UK mobile:
011 44 7123 456789
Mytello automates this process when used via app or account interface. However, users can manually dial the UK contact directly using a Mytello-provided local access number, simplifying the call process.
🔗 Helpful Tool: Country Selector with Dialing Info
When Free Apps Don’t Work: Why You Still Need Alternatives
Free apps like WhatsApp, old Skype, or FaceTime depend entirely on both the caller and the recipient having stable internet connections and compatible devices. While these are useful for casual communication, they fail in scenarios where:
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The recipient doesn’t use the same app
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The recipient has limited or no internet access
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The call needs to reach a landline
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Time zones delay app availability
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The call must be business-grade or formal
In contrast, Mytello enables direct calling to any UK number — mobile or landline — without requiring the other party to be online or app-savvy. This flexibility is critical for international professionals, families with elderly relatives in the UK, or travelers making bookings, confirmations, and business calls.
What if the UK number doesn’t use the internet?
Use Mytello to call directly over the telecom network without relying on apps or online connectivity. Read more on Call Internationally Without Changing SIM
Avoid Roaming Charges with Smart Device Settings
Roaming charges can silently inflate your bill if your phone connects to foreign networks while traveling or calling abroad without protection. Avoid this by configuring your phone’s settings for optimal savings and security:
Settings That Prevent Roaming Costs
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Enable Airplane Mode, then turn on Wi-Fi only
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Use Mytello or a VoIP app while connected to Wi-Fi
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Disable background sync for data-heavy apps
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Turn off cellular roaming in settings (Android/iOS)
These measures ensure that outgoing international calls route through controlled channels — either Wi-Fi or a dial-in service — without accidental mobile network usage.Want to know more about Avoid Roaming Charges When Calling Abroad.
Final Tip: Choose Based on Who You’re Calling
Choose VoIP apps for casual, app-to-app calls when both parties are online. Choose Mytello when calling UK landlines, mobiles, or offline users — especially when cost control, reliability, or formal communication is important.
Mytello supports over 500,000 users and is trusted by 100,000+ verified accounts, offering consistent savings of up to 90% on international calls. Whether calling friends in Manchester, clients in London, or family in Birmingham, this dial-in service provides unmatched flexibility.
🔗 App Download: Mytello on Google Play | Mytello on iOS
FAQs About Calling the UK from the US
Q- Can I call the UK from the US for free?
Yes, free internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime allow calls between users over Wi-Fi, but both parties must be connected and using the same app.
Q- What is the cheapest way to call a UK landline?
The cheapest method is a dial-in provider like Mytello, which charges just 1¢ per minute to UK landlines without needing an internet connection.
Q- What’s the best app to call UK mobiles from the US?
Mytello provides a reliable, app-free dial-in service at 4.5¢ per minute to UK mobile numbers. Alternatively, VoIP apps can be used when both users are online.
Q- How do I know if I’m being charged roaming fees when I call the UK?
Check your mobile settings. If mobile data or roaming is active, and you’re not using Wi-Fi or a dial-in service, you may incur charges. Disable roaming and use Wi-Fi calling or Mytello to avoid fees.
Q- What if the UK contact doesn’t have internet access?
Use Mytello to call their number directly — landline or mobile — without requiring them to be online or install any app.
