• Most UK telephone numbers are exactly 11 digits long when dialled from the UK. Normal numbers always start with the digit 0.
• There are a few 3 digit numbers but these have very special purposes e.g. 999 for all emegency services.
• Most "normal" household/business numbers start with either 01 or 02
• Numbers starting 03 are usually commercial "call centre" or "business numbers." UK telephone companies will probably charge the same price as a normal 01 or 02 number but this may not apply to non-uk phones
• You are unlikely to encounter any numbers starting 04 or 06 at the current time.
• Numbers starting 05 may use some sort of "internet" connection. These are unusual, it may be prudent to double check who you are calling when you see an 05 number.
• Be very careful if you are dialling a number starting 070 or 076. These look like our mobile phone numbers but can be very expensive. Even British Citizens can get caught out by these numbers - I advise against dialling any number starting 070 or 076.
• Numbers starting 071, 072, 073, 074, 075, 077, 078 or 079 are normally used by mobile telephones
• Numbers starting 08 are typically used by larger businesses and call centres. The prices vary from free (from a UK landline) to an expensive call. Be careful calling 08 numbers from mobiles because some mobile providers make surcharges for these numbers.
• Numbers starting 0800 or 0870 may be free if you use a landline phone connected via certain operators, however, non-UK and mobile phone companies usually charge.
• All numbers starting 09 are premium rate services (i.e expensive.) They can combine an instant connection charge with additional "per minute" fees. Non UK and mobile phone companies are likely to add their own charges when connecting to these numbers.
• Numbers starting 00 are for international calls. If you see a number starting 0044, that is the UK dialling code for the UK when dialled from some other countries - to get the normal number replace the 0044 with the single digit 0.
• Watch out for special 5 digit telephone numbers often starting with either 5, 6 or 8. These are often "messaging services." They can be used legitimately for certain specialist services but they can also cause expensive and ongoing costs.
• The UK has many Directory Enquiry services but they all charge your phone bill for their services. These numbers normally start 118 and have six digits.
• Summary 01..., 02..., 03..., are usually fine, 0800..., 0870... may be free from a landline (mobile phones may be charged,) 071..., 072..., 073..., 074..., 075..., 077..., 078..., 079... are usually mobile phones (prices vary according to your telephone opertor,) 00... is used for international calls and it could be an expensive mistake to dial any other number.

• The international dialling code, used to dial the UK from abroad is +44. (You have to replace the + with the "international" prefix used by your country)
  • the international prefix 00 is used by some European countries and +44 should be dialled 0044
  • the international prefix 011 is used by some American countries and +44 should be dialled 01144
• The first 0 in a normal (11 digit) UK telephone number must not be dialled when calling from abroad
  Here are some examples of how to dial the internal UK number 01234567890 from abroad
  • If your dialling prefix is 00 then dial 00, followed by 44, forget the first zero and continue with 1234567890 i.e. 00441234567890
  • If your dialling prefix is 011 then dial 011, followed by 44, forget the first zero and continue with 1234567890 i.e. 011441234567890

• To dial another country from the UK, you will need to dial 00 followed by your countries international dialling code
• This may be followed by the normal number used when dialled from your country or there may be a special rule used by your telephone exchanges
• A quick look on the internet should reveal your countries dialling codes and any special rules used by your exchanges

DigitalDan.co.uk