UK Phone Number Format | A Detailed Guideline

The UK phone number format combines the country, area, and subscriber codes. It follows the E.164 international standards and is designed to ensure that the call routes to the right recipient.

The UK number format is “Country Code + Area Code + Recipient Number (5-8 digits).”

• Country Code: +44 is the UK’s unique country code. It is mandatory when calling the UK number from abroad.
• Area Code: This 3-5 digit code (starting with 0) represents a particular region or city within the UK. It becomes the primary code for both domestic and international calls.
• Recipient Number: This is the receiver's unique 5-8-digit number. It routes the call to the right recipient.

For example, a complete phone number format for the UK will look like: +44 20 1234 5678.

• +44 is the UK country code
• 20 is the area code (London City)
• 1234 5678 is the subscriber’s number

There are different types of UK numbers, each with its format, features, and calling prices. The major types include mobile, freephone, geographical, and non-geographic numbers.

UK mobile numbers are typically 10-11 digits and start with "07" (e.g., 07456 123456).

• Format: Begins with 07, then follows the 8-9 digits of mobile numbers.
• Example: 07700 900123

A free phone number, or a toll-free number, is a number where the callers are not charged to make a phone call while the receiver pays for the calling charges. UK freephone number starts with 0800 and 0808

• Format: 0800-XXX-XXXX or 0808-XXX-XXXX
• Example: 0800-123-4567

Geographic numbers are associated with a specific location or region of the country and have a local identity. This can be of 10-11 digits starting with a geographical prefix called area code.

• Format: Begins with the area code followed by the subscriber’s number
• Example: 020 7946 0958 (London), 0113 496 0000 (Leeds). Here, 020 is the London’s area code, whereas 0113 is the Leeds' area code.

The non-geographic numbers are not linked to a specific location within the UK. They typically begin with 03, 08, 09, 116, or 118 and are used for various purposes, including professional services and information telephony.

• 03 Numbers: It is commonly used by government and non-profit organizations and charges similar to geographic numbers.
• 08 Numbers: The numbers with prefixes like 0800/0808 are free to call, while those with prefix 084/087 charge higher than the standard rates.
• 09 Numbers: These are the premium numbers and charge premium rates. It is generally used for information lines (like weather forecasting), competition and voting, and technical support.

Important Note: When calling non-geographic numbers, especially premium rate numbers (09), it is advisable to check the specific rate schedule before calling, as it can be significantly more expensive than a regular call.

Formatting UK phone numbers involves dialing area codes and local numbers. This format is used to make domestic calls. To make a call from outside the UK, your format will start with your country exit code.

The UK phone number format for mobile is 10-11 digits. Typically, it starts with an initial 07 when making domestic calls. When calling the UK from a foreign country, the initial 0 is omitted, and the number starts with the country exit code.
 

1. Enter A Country Exit Code: Dial your country’s exit code. This code allows you to make calls outside your country. For example, the exit code for the US is +1. Skip this step if you are making a local call.
    
2. Input the UK Code (+44): Enter the UK country code, ‘44’. This code identifies that you are making a call to the United Kingdom.
    
3. Finally, dial the recipient's mobile number: Enter the 10-11 digit UK mobile number. If you are making international calls, omit the initial "0."
    

Example of Format for UK Mobile Numbers for Local Calls
 

Mobile Number: +44-7975-123456
 

• Country Code: 44
• Mobile Code: 7975 (varies with mobile network operator)
• Contact Number: 123456
   

Example of Format for UK Mobile Numbers for International Calls
 

Mobile Number: +011-44-7975-123456 (when calling from the US)
 

• Exit Code: 011 (US exit code)
• Country Code: 44
• Mobile Code: 7975 (varies with mobile network operator)
• Contact Number: 123456
   

(Note: You can use ‘+’ instead of an exit code, if dialing from mobile)

The format and steps for calling a UK landline number are listed below:
 

1. Dial a country exit code: Press your residing country’s international access code. Skip this step if you are calling from within the UK.
    
2. Enter the UK Code (+44): Then, dial the UK’s country code, i.e. +44.
    
3. Type the area code: Dial the area code where you want to call, specifically in the UK.
    
4. Input your recipients' landline number: Finally, dial the phone number of the user you want to reach.
    

Example of Format for UK Landline Numbers for Local Calls
 

UK telephone number example: +44-0131-1234567
 

• Country Code: 44
• Area Code: 0131 (varies from different area codes)
• Contact Number: 1234567
   

Example of Format for UK Landline Numbers for International Calls
 

UK telephone number example: +011-44-131-1234567 (when calling from the US)
 

• Exit Code: 011
• Country Code: 44
• Area Code: 131 (varies from different area codes)
• Contact Number: 1234567

(Note: You can use ‘+’ instead of an exit code, if dialing from mobile)

People within the UK, too, might need help calling domestically, considering that different places have different numbers of area codes ranging between 3 and 5 digits. All these area codes start with “0,”. However, the initial ‘0’ is omitted when calling internationally.

The phone numbers in most metropolitan areas have 3-digit area codes, starting with “02.” Then, there are 8-digit phone numbers.
 

Some of the famous three-digit area codes are presented below.
 

Format: Begins with area code, followed by a phone number
 

Large cities have 4-digit area codes. It starts with 011X or 01X1, followed by 7-digit phone numbers.
 

Some of the famous four-digit area codes are presented below.
 

Format: Begins with area code, followed by a phone number
 

Five-digit codes are followed by only 5-6 digit phone numbers and start with 01XXX.
 

Some of the famous five-digit area codes are presented below.
 

Format: Begins with area code, followed by a phone number
 

Many face different problems while calling a UK number. This issue can be caused by missing any code or number or adding any extra number.

Users often forget the country code. Remember that dialing the UK country code (+44) when making a call from abroad is mandatory.

Missing or misspelling the area code leads to call fails or sometimes leads to unintended users. Always verify the area code of the number you are phoning.

When making an international call, you need to dial the exit code to connect with a user in another country. The exit code states that you are making a call outside your home country.

Sometimes, users miss a few numbers or the area code, which causes a call to fail. Generally, UK phone numbers are 11 digits long.

In the UK, mobile and landline numbers use different prefixes. Typically, the mobile number starts with 07, while the landline number starts with the area code of the associated place.

Looking at the multiple area codes, which differ from region to region, alongside all the prefixes, it is no wonder people have problems calling the UK. However, if you know the correct number and way, then calling the UK is seamless.
 

Just knowing the correct UK number format will not provide a seamless connection, as network connectivity also matters. With Calilio’s UK virtual number, you do not have to worry about that since it uses the latest VoIP technology for trouble-free communication.

UK phone numbers are mostly 11 digits long but can also be between 9 and 13 digits depending on the area codes.

No, UK numbers are dialed differently domestically and internationally. A country exit code and the UK country code are not necessary for domestic calls, whereas they are compulsory internationally.

You need the correct UK telephone format to reach your desired user in the UK, whether for personal or business purposes.

It is easy to format a UK phone number. For calling internationally, the format is, “Country exit code + UK country code + unique phone number,” as for domestically, you only have to dial a unique phone number.