The international countries have different formats of phone numbers. And, United Kingdom is not exception of this. The UK phone number scheme is significant to know when dialing to a local number or an international one or simply you are trying to give out your number to other people.
Extra numbers or unknown codes tend to be a confusion. Unless such are dialed accurately they can result in unconnected calls.
In this blog we will deconstruct the UK Phone Numbers into the structure. So what are the widely used and successful dialing codes, and more to the point, takes you through the tips of making and receiving calls both overseas and domestic.
What is the Structure of a UK Phone Number?
The format of the UK phone number represents how phone numbers are organised and packaged in the United Kingdom. It aids in making sure that calls that have been made are connected properly be it a domestic or an international call.
Speaking of its composition and the length, a typical UK telephone number consists of three distinct sections: To begin with, the country code. Its country code is +44 in the Uk. It is actually substitute to the 0 that is used in local calls when calling from overseas.
Second, the code of the area. It is also referred to as national destination code. This one determines a particular geographic position or a cell phone company. It could be in the range of 2-5 digit, e.g. London 20 or a 5-digit code of smaller towns.
And finally the subscriber number or better known as the local phone number. This is a special figure which is allocated to the phone line that belongs to that area code.
Examples of UK Phone Numbers
One easy thing that you are assured of with the right information regarding the dialing format is that the calls are connected well. There are different phone numbers in UK which have a different structure.
So let us go a little deeper and know how each of them works with a sample format example:
1. Landline Numbers
The UK Number has the following pattern, an area code followed by a local number. So, let us consider the UK telephone number.
For Example
As an example in a landline number: +44 20 7946 0958,
The code country is +44.
The area code of the UK is 20. (Without the leading 0 in the area code of London).
And, the local number is 7946 0958.
Normally landline numbers will be different in each region. Like we see in the example above, London has a 2 digit area code (20) whereas other areas might have longer area codes of 3,4 or even 5 digits.
2. Mobile Numbers
The prefix of UK mobile phone numbers is always 07 when calling this number within UK. A 9-digit subscriber number comes next to this prefix.
For Example
An International format of a typical mobile numbers in the UK is as shown +44 7911 123456.
The code country is +44. On international calls, the leading 0 of the domestic prefix 07 is omitted thus forming only 7 after country code.
The subscriber number is 911 123456.
Mobile numbers typically contain a total of 11 digits including the leading one copied as zero when dialed within the country and are allocated to various mobile network operators depending on the remainder of the digits past the prefix.
3. Business and Non Geographic Numbers
Non-geographic numbers are often used when business want phone numbers that are not associated with a specific area code or a city. These usually start with prefix such as 03, 08 or 09.
For Example
It usually has the format of a typical UK mobile number in the international format and would appear like this: +44 7911 123456.
+44 800 123 4567 A Freephone number in which the caller does not have to pay a phone rate.
+44 330 123 4567- This is a non geographic number which is used by a business in customer service or support.
Numbers, which are not geographic, companies usually utilize in order to provide national services without showing the physical place. These are usually utilized in helplines, customer care and business contact telephone numbers.
Proper Format of Writing a UK Phone Number
The manner in which one is expected to write a UK phone number is dependent on whether one wants to write the number locally or to be used abroad. Additionally, how you will present it is also important such as websites, forms or business documents.
Domestic and International Formatting Rules
1. Domestic Format
The phone numbers indicate the leading zero, where it is a local or a mobile area code.
E.g. 020 7946 0958 or 07123 456789
2. International Format
Calling in the UK as an outside number, the first zero is removed and the country code of the UK, +44, is then added.
E.g. 442079460958 or 447123456789.
When you put the number in the right format that is relative to the situation, you can be sure that the number can be dialed in any location.
Best Practice Principles of Writing the UK Phone Numbers
When you wish to present UK numbers on websites, on business documents or any other communication where international users may be able to view it, it is always prudent to append the international country code +44.
- Separate the country code, area code and the local number into spaces to enable easy reading.
- You should not include dashes, dots, and other unnecessary repeated punctuation marks as they will cause issues or complications during the application of the numbers or dialing errors.
- In online forms, enter in the format as required. In this case, you will want to ensure that you include the country code in case you intend to be dialling the number across the border.
- In the case of local communications we can use the national one with the leading zero. Anyways better check twice the numbers length and format to not to have any mistakes or confuse mobile and landline numbers.
How to Dial a UK Number?
Depending on some aspects, which include the nature of your call, location of a user and the device, i.e., mobile phone or land line, dialing the UK phone number may be done differently.
Dialling Within The Uk
In case you are dialing a UK phone number in UK itself, then do the following:
1. In case of Landline Calls
- It is always important to call with the area code.
- The first character of area code is always zero.
- Take the 020 7946 0958 London number as an example, the dialing code is as follows: 020 7946 0958.
2. In case of Mobile Calls
- Call on the complete number of the mobile beginning with 07.
- e.g. 07123 456789.
3. Local Calls to the Same Area Code
There are occasions when you only dial the local number and forget to add the area code. Also, it is better to write the complete number (including the area code), to avoid any misunderstanding.
International Dialling of a UK Number
There is a small portion of extra steps to be added when you are overseas but it is not a big deal as soon as you learn what to do:
- Step 1: Call the international prefix of your country commonly known as the exit code. The prefix varies according to which country you are making the call in. As an example, most of Europe has 00 whereas America has 011.
- Step 2: Next, enter the country code of the UK and that is 44.
- Step 3: then, one should call to the UK phone number without the leading 0 of the area code or mobile code.
But to call the UK land line phone number in the US rather than dialing 020 7946 0958 you would do: 011 44 20 7946 0958
Landline Calls Procedures
Now we want to consider how to call using a landline phone:
- Step 1: When calling in the UK, just dial the full area code including the leading zero (e.g. 020) and the local number.
- Step 2: when you are calling abroad add, first of all, the international access code of your country (in the US it is the 011, and in Europe, 00).
- Step 3: Then, make the call by entering the country code of the UK +44.
- Step 4: After that, enter the area code without the zero on the beginning, and a local number.
Final Words - UK Phone Number Format
It is no longer necessary to dial the UK phone numbers, it can be made simpler. In your case though you intend to make a phone call to anywhere or even close you need to know about the format and dialing these number correctly will make your calling much easier. And even in case you are located abroad yet wish to have a local number so as to keep in touch or continue your business you can receive a free UK number by using virtual phone services as well.
FAQs - UK Phone Number Format
The UK telephone numbers are either 10 or 11 digits (not including the country code). This is the length of either a landline, mobile or non-geographic number.
The international format of telephone numbers in use within a country should also be used so that in giving out a UK based mobile phone number to the outside world you should use the correct international numbering format which also begins with the country code +44 and also omits the leading zero of the area or mobile code.
Yes! There are a number of offered virtual UK phone numbers that you can obtain abroad. Business and individuals who desire to have a UK presence but do not physically stay there, these are frequently used.
No, in this case UK numbers are dialed different both at home and abroad. Domestic toll free calls do not require a country exit code and UK country code unlike in international calls.
To have the best communication with the desired user in the UK, whether as an individual or a business person, you require the accurate UK telephone form.
