All You Need to Know About UK Phone Number Format

Confused about UK phone numbers? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! With a mix of area codes, prefixes, and mobile numbers, it can be tricky to figure out. But fear not; we’re here to break it down for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about UK phone numbers, from the basic format to dialing tips and even some fun facts. 

So, let’s dive in and make UK phone numbers your new best friend!

What Is the UK Phone Number Format?

UK phone numbers are formatted with an area or mobile code followed by the subscriber number. The United Kingdom phone number has a maximum of 15 digits. The format follows the E.164 standards by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector.

The format for the United Kingdom starts with a one to three-digit country code. Next comes a three to five-digit long National Destination Code (NDC), and the other seven digits are a subscriber number. 

The UK phone number format varies depending on whatever the number is for. The UK international phone number format consists of three parts: country code, area code, and subscriber or contact numbers.

Area Codes For Dialing UK Phone Numbers

Here are some major City/Region area codes for dialing UK phone numbers:

Example Of UK Phone Number

Here’s an example of a UK phone number in both landline and mobile formats:t

A. Mobile number example

07123 456789

• 07: This indicates that it is a mobile phone number.
• XXX: The next three digits represent the mobile network provider.
• XXXXXX: The final six digits are the individual subscriber number.

Example:

• Mobile Number: 07123 456789
• International mobile number format: +44 7123 456789

Where +44 is the country code for the UK, 07123 is the mobile prefix, and 456789 is the individual number assigned to the user.

B. Landline number example

All UK landline phone numbers are 10 digits long, including the area code if you are dialing from outside the UK.

The format is: 

Within the UK:

The format is: (020) 123 4567

Where 020 is the area code for London, and the remaining digits form the local number.

Outside the UK:

The format is: +44 20 7946 0958

Where the UK country code is +44 replaces the leading zero from the area code when dialing from outside the UK.

UK Emergency Phone Numbers

If you are in the UK and require urgent assistance, then here are some emergency phone numbers that help you when you are in an emergency:

What Is The Best Time To Call The UK?

The best time to call the UK depends on the time zone differences and the purpose of the call. 

Here’s a table listing the best times to call the UK from various locations:

From  US/Canada

From Australia

Types Of UK Phone Number?

United Kingdom phone numbers primarily differ in prefixes and in the purpose for which they are used. The major types of UK phone numbers are listed below:

1. Mobile numbers

Cell phone mobile numbers offer a high degree of flexibility and portability. They are essentially attached to the cell phone as a movable number, allowing an individual to be contacted anywhere, regardless of their location. 

It’s important to note that the cost of a call made to a mobile number is charged based on the caller’s particular phone plan.

Example: 07123 456789

2. Geographic numbers

In the UK, the geographical telephone numbers are assigned with particular area codes pointing to a specific region.

These numbers are referred to as geographic or local numbers and are normally assigned to fixed-line connections. This system assists in arranging and identifying telephone numbers based on their geographical location in the UK.

Example: 020 2345 6789

3. Non-geographic numbers

Non-geographic numbers, such as 0800, 0845, and 0333, are not related to any geographic location. Therefore, they can be used from anywhere within the UK.

These numbers are used by organizations that project themselves to their customers as professional and well-established. They further facilitate comfort and flexibility in operating businesses, enabling them to control calls and appear national.

Example: 0333 123 4567

How To Call A UK Phone Number?

Calling the United Kingdom (UK) within and outside the country is super easy. For a local call, you just need to dial the area code and the subscriber number.

When calling from outside the UK, you should first dial the country code, then the area code, and then the subscriber number. 

Understanding these steps ensures you can seamlessly connect with friends, family, or business contacts and expand your business’s reach in the UK without needing to have a local presence there.

Let’s see how to call the UK Phone number:

A. Calling within the UK

Calling within the UK is simple and easy. Let’s take a look at the simple steps:

• Step 1: Identify the area code
• Step 2: Dial the area code
• Step 3: dial the local phone number

Example:

• To call London from another part of the UK, dial 020 XXXXXXX

• Where “020” is the area code for London and “XXXXXXX” signifies the local phone number

B. Calling outside the the UK:

Here are some steps that might help you call a UK phone number from outside the UK.

• Step 1: Dial your country’s international access code (Usually 00, 011, or +)
• Step 2: Dial the UK country code (UK country code is +44)
• Step 3: Dial the area code (The area code is 3 to 5 digits number)
• Step 4: Dial the local phone number (7-digit number of the person you want to call)

Example:

• If you’re in the US calling a London landline number, dial 011 44 020 XXXXXXX.
• If you’re in Canada calling a UK mobile number, dial 011 44 7XXXXXXXX.

Top 5 UK Virtual Phone Number Providers

Choosing the best among various alternatives makes sense. There are numerous UK phone number providers. We picked the three best virtual phone number providers. VoIP numbers offer multiple benefits for businesses and individuals. Let’s see the top UK virtual phone number provider:

1. Dialaxy

Dialaxy is a virtual phone number company with an easy-to-navigate interface designed to provide users with only the basic necessary features for a business. It offers local and toll-free numbers in different countries, including the UK, and crucial VoIP services to everyone searching for communication services.

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of Dialaxy:

Features

We offers 100+ innovative features for effortlessly organizing and connecting with your family, friends, and audience.

Here are some key features of Dialaxy:

• International numbers
• Virtual contact center
• Voicemail greeting
• Text to speech
• Call routing
• Global Calling
• Call recording & forwarding
• Frictionless SMS
• Advanced Filtering

Pricing and Plan

2. RingCentral 

It is one of the best UK virtual phone number providers with a high level of security. Its advanced features and clear interface make it an excellent option for buying a virtual phone number in the United Kingdom.  RingCentral supports Web-based, iOS, and Android platforms and is ideal for all sizes of business (small, medium, and enterprise).

Features:

Some key features of RingCentral are:

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
• Voicemail-to-email
• Call forwarding, screening, recording, and call park.
• Unified phone number
• Group SMS/MMS
• File sharing
• Live transcription

Pros and cons

Pricing and Plans

3. AVOXI

AVOXI is a cloud communications service provider that offers virtual phone numbers, toll-free numbers, and VoIP Service for the United Kingdom. It is tailored for international companies looking to expand their business worldwide without needing to worry about location warriors. Its advanced features make it one of the best virtual phone number providers in the UK.

Features

Some key features of AVOXl are:

• Call recording
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
• Call forwarding
• Live dashboard
• Enhanced support portal
• User directory in webphone

Pros and cons

Pricing and Plan

4. CallHippo

CallHippo is a virtual number provider offering a rich set of features that allow businesses and individuals to communicate efficiently with their clients, family, and friends. It also boosts agents’ productivity with its advanced features in virtual phone numbers. You can easily buy a UK phone number from CallHippo and expand your business reach in the United Kingdom.

Features 

Some key features of CallHippo are:

• AI Global contact
• Voicemail
• Call recording
• AI intelligent reports/analytics
• Custom integration 
• MMS and SMS
• Multilevel IVR
• Call Blocking
• Smart Switch

Pros and Cons

Pricing and plans

5. Virtual Landline

Virtual Landline is one of the best UK VoIP providers. It offers various virtual phone number options, including toll-free, local, and other types. Virtual Landline also offers advanced features that help you improve your communication and productivity. It is a scalable VoIP phone system that grows with your business. 

Features 

Some key features of Virtual Landline are:

• DID selection
• Auto-attendant configuration
• Voicemail to Email
• Call Whisper
• Time of day routing
• Add & device purchasing

Pros and cons

Pricing and plan

Why To Get A UK Phone Number From Dialaxy?

Dialaxy is your top source for acquiring international phone numbers, including those from the UK. Our user-friendly interface allows you to follow simple steps to obtain a number and prepare to utilize it for your professional needs or to enhance your sales.

Steps to get a UK virtual Phone number from Dialaxy

You can easily get the United Kingdom virtual phone numbers for your business with one click from Dialaxy. You can get local, mobile, and toll-free virtual phone numbers in the UK and expand your business there without having your physical presence there.

We make it easy to purchase virtual phone numbers in the UK, which helps businesses enhance their communication strategy with a few clicks. 

Here are steps that can help you get a United Kingdom virtual phone number from us:

• Step 1: To access the features of buying an international number, you must first have a Dialaxy account. Create an account, choose your plans and then get started. 
• Step 2: The user interface will display a button titled “Try for Free.” Click it to register an account.
• Step 3: Enter your details (name, email, and phone number.)
• Step 4: Verify your account with the link sent to your email address. 
• Step 5: Pick the UK as the country and pick the number from the list of available ones. 
• Step 6: Select a proper plan for you and make the payment. 

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’re now equipped with all the knowledge you need to navigate UK phone numbers confidently. 

Whether you’re a traveler, a business owner, or simply someone looking to connect with friends and family in the UK, understanding the format and dialing process will make your experience much smoother.

To dial a UK phone number, remember to start with the country code (+44), then the area code, and finally the subscriber number. With a little practice, you’ll become a pro at dialing UK phone numbers in no time!

FAQs

What is the basic structure of a UK phone number?

A UK phone number typically follows this format:

• +44: Country code for the United Kingdom
• Area code: A three-digit number that identifies the geographic region.
• Local number: A seven-digit number specific to a particular location within the area code.

Example: +44 20 7123 4567

How do I know if a phone number is UK-based?

Here are a few ways to determine if a phone number is UK-based:

• Check the country code: +44 is the country code for the UK.
• Look for the area code: Some popular area codes are 020 (London), 024 (Coventry), 028 (Northern Ireland), and more.
• Use a phone number lookup service: Some online tools and apps can help you identify the country associated with a phone number.
• Call the number: To confirm a UK number, try calling it.

How do virtual UK phone numbers work?

Virtual UK phone numbers function by routing calls through the internet rather than traditional phone lines, allowing users to manage calls without being tied to a specific physical location. They often include features like voicemail and analytics, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses wanting a UK presence while operating remotely. 

Can I use a UK phone number to send and receive text messages internationally?

Yes, you can use a UK phone number to send and receive text messages internationally. Whether you have a traditional landline or a virtual number, you can send and receive text messages to and from other countries. This is a convenient way to stay connected with people around the world. However, depending on your plan, there may be additional charges for international texting.