When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: London uses the GBP (£) and Chicago uses the USD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Be careful behind the wheel: London drives on the left, Chicago on the right.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Capital
- London
- Currency
- British pound (GBP · £)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +44
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- United States
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD · $)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between London and Chicago?
London is 6 hours behind Chicago. London runs on GMT+1 and Chicago on GMT-5. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 2 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is London from Chicago?
About 6,353 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 7h 58m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do London and Chicago use?
London uses the British pound (GBP, £); Chicago uses the United States dollar (USD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call London from Chicago?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +44, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in London and Chicago?
Both United Kingdom and United States count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. London also has no other official tongue; Chicago adds no other official tongue.
Do London and Chicago drive on the same side of the road?
No. United Kingdom drives on the left, United States on the right. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.