UK Dialling codes can seem rather confusing at first, but travellers generally have no problem quickly figuring out the system.

One of the most important things to know is that emergency services can be reached by dialling 999; if you have a genuine emergency, calling this number will put you in touch with Police, Fire, or Ambulance service. This number will even allow you to reach the Coast Guard, Mountain Rescue, or Cave Rescue services should they be needed.

The city code for London is 020 followed by the eight digit number of the place you are calling.

If you are calling an establishment in London from abroad, omit that first 0 in the city code.

For example, let's say you were calling the London Zoo from the US, you would first dial the international access code (011), country code for the UK (44), and the number of the London Zoo (020 77223333) without that first 0; it would look like this: 011 44 20 77223333.

Dialling internationally from the UK follows a similar format. First, the international access code for the UK (00), then the country code for the country you are calling. These numbers can be looked up on line at the British Telecom website.

Finally, add the number of the party you are trying to reach. For example, if you were calling the Bronx Zoo in New York City from London, you would dial: 00 1 7182205100.

You can look up numbers for free at British Telecom's website, or you can call for assistance which will incur a charge.

Calling 118 500 will put you in touch with British Telecom's telephone enquiry service, but if are trying to find the telephone number of an establishment in another country, you should call 152 for assistance.

If you are having problems placing a call, you can reach the UK operator by calling 100, or the International operator by calling 155.

UK Dialling codes are an important part of staying in touch while travelling.

Photo courtesy: david.nikonvscanon

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