This topic

Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Tiredof2026 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:08:42 GMT

I'm in US, typically use Airola and call via whatsapp, never an issue. Have received bad news today that I need to make some urgent call to the UK for arrangements but can't get any calls out or on via Bt mobile. Via another person in uk phoning BT they said I should be able to use wifi calling but this doesn't work either.

Please please how do I gey to message an agent oas phoning is not an option currently

Unable to make calls in USA

ijg56 — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:13:10 GMT

Currently in the USA (Florida) my mobile says connected to T Mobile but I can’t make any calls. No dialling tone and call drops off.

no way if contacting BT as I can’t make calls. Although I have internet connection

Iain

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

imjolly — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:03:02 GMT

As roaming free does not apply in USA did you purchase the separate USA calls package

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

ijg56 — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:54:42 GMT

No, never done so before

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

imjolly — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:20:44 GMT

You could use WhatsApp for calls which are free but other person needs to be a WhatsApp user as well

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

Tiredof2026 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:11:54 GMT

Did you get anywhere, having the same issue, also in Florida!

Re: Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Kimberlin — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:11:25 GMT

If you’re in a position whereby you need to make urgent calls and BT Mobile isn’t working, what is stopping you from going into Walmart, CVS or anywhere else that sells prepaid SIM cards and putting that in your phone? You can even buy a cheap burner phone with a prepaid plan.

There are some countries where it is just easier to buy a local SIM on arrival at the airport. I’ve done this many times without problems.

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

ijg56 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:31:36 GMT

No, spent the whole two weeks trying different things. Manually selecting carrier etc. eventually raised a complaint online with BT. Very slow to respond, been back two weeks and still dealing with it.
They are saying everything in place to allow calls, but no joy.

Re: Unable to make calls in USA

Kimberlin — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:52:03 GMT

@ijg56 You’d probably have had less hassle and decent connectivity buying a local SIM on arrival. I travel globally frequently, there’s plenty of options available should you choose to use them.

Re: Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Christopher_G — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:35:39 GMT

Hi @Tiredof2026

Welcome to the community.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand how difficult this must be for you, being away from home.

Did you receive the 'welcome' message when you first arrive in the US?

If you could try the troubleshooting steps on this Using BT Mobile abroad help page, it may help you get connected to make those calls.

Let us know how you're getting on please.

Chris

Re: Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Tiredof2026 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:39:33 GMT

Thanks for the response, I got sorted thank. Phoned a family member via WhatsApp, who phoned bt directly on another phone and had on loudspeaker so I could verify id etc. they raised a complaint, they said there is a known issue relating to the exit code 011 which means calls cannot be made, odd that there is no sign posting from BT on this, given the widespread issue.

The issue was resolved the following day, receiving confirmation via text from BT.

Re: Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Tiredof2026 — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:42:56 GMT

Thanks for the response. I'm sorted now but in moments of stress all sensible thoughts don't come easy, you frank advice was very helpful. Was the plan b had I not manged to reach BT (in a very indirect) way.

Re: Emergency (death in family) need help calling from USA

Rach_H — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:43:20 GMT

I'm so glad to hear you were able to get things sorted @Tiredof2026.

Rach