Calling a UK mobile number from UK to USA

[The Big Kahuna]

Just wondering if someone in the UK, calling my wife's mobile while we're in the US, needs to prefix the number with a country code, or if the mobile carrier sorts all that out. I remember using Alison's mobile in New Yourk to dial a local number and it didn't work. She's on O2 if that matters. While we're away it'll probably be using Verizon or someone similar I guess.

[Orange]

There's no need for a UK caller to use a prefix to call a UK mobile that's roaming in the US (or anywhere else for that matter). She'll be charged for receiving the call by the way, so keep it brief!

[Orange]

39p a minute to be precise (on a monthly contract). Eep!

[Nomad]

use skype if you can kahuna, you'll save a fortune

[The Big Kahuna]

Originally Posted by Orange

There's no need for a UK caller to use a prefix to call a UK mobile that's roaming in the US (or anywhere else for that matter). She'll be charged for receiving the call by the way, so keep it brief!

So will the person in the UK making the call also be charged ?

I'm guessing she'll need to use the country code to make a call back to the UK ?

[Orange]

Originally Posted by The Big Kahuna

So will the person in the UK making the call also be charged ?

I'm guessing she'll need to use the country code to make a call back to the UK ?

Right, although from memory the person in the UK gets charged as if they're calling a standard UK mobile (but don't quote me on that).

To call back to the UK she'll need to prefix +44 and drop the 0.

[The Scientist]

Originally Posted by Orange

Right, although from memory the person in the UK gets charged as if they're calling a standard UK mobile (but don't quote me on that).

correct, reason being that technically they are still calling a +44 number and may have no idea you are abroad.

txts from the uk to a uk phone roaming are also the same price as normal, and the roaming end doesn't pay anything, unless they reply to the txt (then it's roaming rates again...)

[Ned]

Charged me a cunt load for receiving texts in Turkey a few years ago.

[The Scientist]

i'd get in touch with them mate, they ripped you off.

A call you can choose not to answer, but how the hell are you supposed to stop texts! you could seriously dent someones bank account just by spamming them whilst abroad and there would be nothing they could do.... which is why they don't charge you to receive texts abroad when your roaming.

[Ned]

I recall this is what I thought at the time, although it is certainly possible I am remembering completely wrong and it was indeed for taking calls.

Edit: Says free to receive on Orange website for Turkey so they either changed it or I'm a tool and remembering wrong. Was about 5/6 years ago actually

carry on, nothing to see here

[Spazwankle]

As mentioned above though, if you both have smartphones use Skype or Viber or WhatsApp if you can.

Free calls and text with a wifi connection.

[T3CH^]

if you place a normal voice call, expect to lose a kidney, and all your limbs due to the cost.

[blurr]

Both setup Rebtel, international calls at local prices.

[The Dark One]

Originally Posted by The Big Kahuna

So will the person in the UK making the call also be charged ?

I'm guessing she'll need to use the country code to make a call back to the UK ?

The person making or receiving the call in the UK is making a standard call, they'll be charged the same rate or deducted the same bundle minutes as they would if the number phone was in the UK. You will be charged an arm and a leg to receive a call, and twice as much if you don't answer and they've not finally done away with voicemail tromboning (i.e. receive charge + charge again to divert to voicemail).

VF & O2 do some voodoo on SOME networks so you don't always need to prefix +44. You're safer using the full international prefix as Orange says. Likewise, when dialing to a US number, even if its local to where you are, you still need the full international number. Don't expect local charging, expect ZoneX to ZoneX which will probably be more than a call back to the UK - doesn't matter that they are in the same country.

If you're planning to call back a lot, pickup a calling card for $10 with a couple of hours credit. You get a 1-800 number to dial for free from landline and a pin code - be wary of calls from hotel rooms being charged a connection fee! Also, turn off voicemail before you leave the UK, O2 still seem to advise this and will send you a free text when you miss a call. As it the US, be wary of data usage, stick to wifi. Also there used to be a bolt on you could buy to reduce cost of calls received and made while in the US, just put it on for the time you're there.