Making calls from the UK to Greece can seem complicated and expensive at first. With different calling rates, prefixes, and phone plans to consider, it’s easy to get confused. In this article we talk about “Simplifying UK to Greece Calling”.
Getting Started
To call Greece from the UK, you need to dial:
00 + 30 + Local number
The 00 gets you an international line, allowing you to then dial Greece’s country code which is 30. After inputting 30, you then dial the local Greek phone number you wish to reach. Most mobile and landline phone numbers in Greece are 10 digits long.
So for example, to call a mobile number in Athens, you would dial:
00 + 30 + 6971234567
Types of Calls
There are a few different ways you can phone Greece from the UK:
– Landline to landline
– Landline to mobile
– Mobile to landline
– Mobile to mobile
Calling a Greek landline from your UK landline is typically the cheapest option. Mobiles tend to have higher per minute rates. It’s free to receive calls on mobiles in Greece, so you save money if you can get the Greek party to call you back on your UK mobile.
Peak vs Off-Peak Rates
Like with domestic UK calls, calling Greece can cost less at certain times of the day. Peak periods which are generally more expensive include mornings to early afternoon.
After 6pm UK time and on weekends, off-peak rates may apply lowering the cost. Public holidays in Greece also usually qualify for discounted pricing. Factor in the time difference – Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
Calling Cards
If you frequently phone Greece, using an international calling card can substantially lower rates. Calling cards allow you to dial an access number, then input your card details to get connected at a reduced pre-paid minute rate to Greece. These work from any phone and are very budget friendly.
You can also set up a call-back service using some calling cards. This way you call the access number, key in the number you want to reach in Greece, then wait for the Greek number to call you back connecting the call. The call-back method is useful to avoid paying to wait on hold or to keep calls shorter.
Mobile Calling Options
Many UK mobile phone plans now include bundles of international minutes. These allow you to call Greece directly from your regular mobile number for free up to a monthly limit.
Alternatively, SIM cards are available in Greece for under £10 that you can insert into an unlocked mobile device to get a temporary Greek number. These usually come with some call time included then top up options, avoiding costly roaming charges from your UK provider.
VoIP Calling
Using technology like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is another affordable way to get in touch with people in Greece. Options like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime and more enable you to make calls over the internet.
As long as both parties have an internet signal, quality can match or even surpass regular calling. VoIP rates to mobiles and landlines in Greece are generally very low, usually charged per minute without any peak time price rises.
Useful Tips
Here are some extra pointers to keep costs down when phoning Greece:
– Use a landline where possible – landline to landline calls are much cheaper than mobiles
– Check if your UK contract has inclusive international minutes
– Buy a calling card for regular calls
– Make sure to factor in the 2 hour time difference
– Try discounted call rates after 6pm and on weekends
– See if you can have the Greek party call you back
– Look into installing a VoIP app for internet calling
– Get a local Greek SIM if visiting the country
Staying Connected
Keeping in touch with friends, family, and business contacts in Greece doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive from the UK. We hope this guide gives you all the necessary tips and tools to simplify and budget your calls. Please let us know if you have any other questions on the best way to phone Greece. I sincerely hope you find this “Simplifying UK to Greece Calling” article helpful.