Ringflow: Unraveling the UK Phone Number Format - 2023 Guide
The phone number system in the United Kingdom can seem complex to those not familiar with it. With unique area codes, mobile number prefixes, and international calling codes, determining the proper phone number format for UK numbers requires some knowledge of the system.how to write uk mobile number in international format In this complete guide, we’ll break down the different elements of UK phone numbers to help you understand the proper formatting. Whether you’re trying to call a friend in London from the US or just want to know more about the phone system in the UK, read on for everything you need to know about UK phone number formats in 2023.
Overview of UK Phone Numbers
UK phone numbers consist of three major elements:
-
Area code - A 2-5 digit code that identifies the location or provider. Also called a regional, national, or mobile code.
-
Local number - A 6-8 digit number unique to that area or provider code.
-
Dialling code - Indicates if it's a landline (01/02) or mobile number (07).
When written in the correct format, these elements combine to make a 10-11 digit phone number that looks like this:
Area code Local number
For example:
020 7946 0000
Let's explore each of these elements in more detail.
UK Area Codes
UK area codes indicate the location or type of phone number. Area codes can be 2 to 5 digits long.
Geographic area codes refer to regions, cities, and towns. These codes have 2-4 digits and always start with 01 or 02. For example:
-
020: London
-
0117: Bristol
-
01642: Middlesbrough
Mobile (cell phone) codes are always 3 digits long and begin with 07. Some examples:
-
074: Vodafone mobile numbers
-
078: T-Mobile mobile numbers
-
079: O2 mobile numbers
Non-geographic numbers are special 4 or 5 digit codes for toll-free, premium rate, and other special services. Some examples are:
-
0500: Free phone numbers
-
0800 and 0808: Freephone numbers
-
0843, 0844, 0845: Non-geographic numbers
Having the area code helps identify where in the UK a phone number is registered and the type of number.
Local UK Phone Numbers
After the area code, the next 6-8 digits make up how to write phone number uk the local subscriber number. This is a unique number identifying that particular phone line in the specified area code.
Geographic numbers have a 6-8 digit local number. Mobile and non-geographic numbers usually have a 7 digit local number after the 3-5 digit area code.
Some examples:
-
020 7946 0000 (London number with 6 digit local number)
-
0161 333 7000 (Manchester number with 7 digit local number)
-
07954 123456 (Mobile number with 7 digit local number)
-
0800 1111 (Freephone with 4 digit local number)
The amount of digits in the local number can vary, but the total length will always be 9-10 digits when combined with the area code.
UK Dialling Codes
The dialling code indicates whether it's a landline or mobile number:
-
01 and 02: Used for landline (fixed line) numbers
-
07: Used for mobile (cell phone) numbers
Knowing the dialling code helps you identify if it's a mobile or landline number when written in international format (explained below).
How to Write UK Phone Numbers
UK phone numbers can be written in two main formats:
-
Domestic format - Used for calling within the UK
-
International format - Used for calling from outside the UK
Domestic UK Phone Number Format
When dialling a number from inside the UK, you drop the international dialling code and write it as:
Area code Local number
For example:
020 7946 0000
0161 333 7000
07954 123456
The domestic format is used when dialling locally from a phone inside the UK. The caller does not need to enter the country code or any other international dialing prefixes.
International UK Phone Number Format
When calling the UK from abroad, the phone number must be written in international format. This requires:
-
+44 - The international dialling code for the UK
-
Area code - Without the leading 0
-
Local number
For example:
+44 20 7946 0000 (London)
+44 161 333 7000 (Manchester)
+44 79 54 123456 (Mobile)
This ensures the call goes through proper international routing to the destination number in the UK.
The full international number format for UK numbers is:
+44 Area code (without 0) Local number
Let's look at some more examples:
When writing or displaying a UK phone number for international audiences, such as on your website or marketing materials, use the international format.
How to Call UK Phone Numbers
When calling UK numbers domestically, dial the 10-11 digit number depending on location.
To call from outside the UK, follow these steps:
-
Dial the exit code of the country you're calling from:
-
USA and Canada exit code: 011
-
Australia exit code: 0011
-
Hong Kong exit code: 001
-
Singapore exit code: 001
-
Dial UK country code 44
-
Enter the area code without the leading 0
-
Dial the local number
For example, to call 020 7946 0000 from the USA:
011 44 20 7946 0000
Or to call 01128 98765 from Hong Kong:
001 44 11 28 98765
This ensures the call goes to the right destination when dialled from abroad. The exit codes and international formatting remove any ambiguity for the telephone networks.
Common UK Number Formats
Here are some of the most common uk mobile number code formats and their examples:
-
Landlines - 01/02 + area code + 6-8 digit local number
020 7946 0000 (London)
0161 496 0000 (Manchester) -
Mobile numbers - 07 + 3 digit mobile code + 7 digit local number
07954 123456
07400 123456 -
Freephone numbers - 0800 + 4 digit local number
0800 1111
0800 1234 -
Non-geographic numbers - 0843/0844/0845 + 6 digit local number
0843 123 456
0844 999 999
0845 246 8000
Knowing the common patterns and formats makes it easier to identify different types of UK phone numbers.
Special UK Phone Numbers
Besides geographic and mobile numbers, the UK also has special numbers used for toll-free services, call forwarding, premium rate services etc. Some examples:
-
0500: Free phone numbers
-
0800 and 0808: Freephone numbers
-
03: National rate non-geographic numbers
-
Comments
0 comment