In a world where seamless communication powers everything from personal connections to global business, UK Telephone Codes play a vital role. Whether you’re calling family, sending money through Remit Choice, or running a business from abroad, understanding how UK numbers work is essential.
For remittance users in 70+ countries, dialling accuracy isn’t just about connecting a call—it can determine whether your transaction completes successfully or not. That’s why we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to demystify UK phone codes.
The Structure of UK Phone Numbers
National vs International Format
UK phone numbers generally follow this format:
- National format: 020 7946 1234
- International format: +44 20 7946 1234
The leading “0” is dropped when dialling internationally and replaced with +44, the UK’s country code.
Area Codes and Local Numbers
A UK number typically consists of:
- Area code: Identifies the geographic location (e.g., 0161 for Manchester)
- Subscriber number: The unique number for the user
Each area code has a specific length, depending on the size of the area. Larger cities usually have shorter codes.
Country Code for the United Kingdom
The UK’s international dialing code is +44. This replaces the “0” at the beginning of any local number when dialing from abroad.
| Country | Example Dialing Format to UK |
|---|---|
|
USA |
011 44 20 7946 1234 |
| Germany | 00 44 20 7946 1234 |
| India | 00 44 20 7946 1234 |
How to Dial the UK from Abroad
- Start with your country’s international exit code (e.g., 011 in the US)
- Add +44
- Omit the leading “0” from the UK number
- Enter the remaining digits
Major UK Area Codes by Region
Here’s a snapshot of key area codes across major UK cities:
| City | Area Code |
| London | 020 |
| Birmingham | 0121 |
| Manchester | 0161 |
| Glasgow | 0141 |
| Leeds | 0113 |
| Liverpool | 0151 |
| Edinburgh | 0131 |
These area codes help identify where a number is based—a helpful clue when verifying identities or remittance recipients.
Mobile Phone Codes in the UK
Popular Mobile Prefixes: 071–079
UK mobile numbers usually start with 07. Some common mobile prefixes include:
- 073, 074, 075, 077, 078, 079
These are not linked to a specific region but are assigned by mobile carriers.
MVNOs and Carrier-Specific Codes
Several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI use these prefixes but operate under major carriers like O2 or Vodafone.
How UK Codes Affect International Remittances
For users of Remit Choice, inputting the correct UK telephone number format ensures:
- Accurate identification of beneficiaries
- Quicker transaction verification
- Reduced risk of failed transfers
Preventing Errors in Cross-Border Transfers
A misplaced “0” or missing country code can delay or cancel a transaction. Always verify the format: +44 XX XXXX XXXX.
How to Call the UK from Other Countries
Here’s how to dial the UK from various locations:
| Origin Country | Dialing Format |
| USA | 011 + 44 + Local Number (no 0) |
| UAE | 00 + 44 + Local Number (no 0) |
| Nigeria | 009 + 44 + Local Number (no 0) |
| Australia | 0011 + 44 + Local Number (no 0) |
This structure is crucial when contacting recipients for remittance verification or updates.
Emergency and Helpline Numbers in the UK
Quick contacts to know:
- 999 – Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
- 111 – NHS non-emergency
- 101 – Local police (non-urgent)
- 105 – Power cuts
Always dial these without +44, even when using international services in the UK.
UK Toll-Free and Premium Rate Codes
- 0800 / 0808: Toll-Free (free from landlines and mobiles)
- 0845 / 0870: Local or national rate service numbers
- 09xx: Premium rate services (high-cost)
Remit Choice users should be cautious with premium numbers—they can lead to unexpected charges when seeking support.
VoIP and Online Dialing Codes
With VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber, you can dial UK numbers with:
- Full international format (+44 XX XXXX XXXX)
- Ensure country code is included, especially if syncing from international contacts
UK Code Changes and Number Portability
The UK telecom landscape has evolved:
- “Big Number Change” in 2000 restructured many codes
- Users can port numbers between providers—prefix doesn’t always indicate current network
UK Codes for Businesses and Institutions
Common formats:
- Banks: Usually 0800 or 0345 for customer service
- Universities: Area-based landline numbers
- Remittance Agents: London-based (020), Manchester (0161)
- Verify codes on official websites to avoid scams.
Common Mistakes with UK Phone Codes
- Dialing 0 after +44 (e.g., +44 020…) – Incorrect
- Using landline code for mobile (or vice versa)
- Copying numbers from online forms without international formatting
- Use Remit Choice’s auto-formatting in-app to avoid such errors.
Tips for Remit Choice Users Sending to the UK
How to Enter UK Numbers in Our App
- Always start with +44
- Drop the leading 0
- Double-check with recipients, especially for mobile numbers
Avoiding Transaction Delays
Incorrect numbers may cause:
- KYC issues
- Notification failures
- Missed delivery alerts
UK Codes vs Other Countries
|
Country |
Country Code | Area Code Example |
| UK | +44 | 020 (London), 0161 (Manchester) |
| USA | +1 | 212 (New York), 310 (LA) |
| India | +91 | 011 (Delhi), 022 (Mumbai) |
| Nigeria | +234 | 01 (Lagos), 09 (Abuja) |
This comparison helps identify number formats and improve international contact syncing.
FAQs About UK Telephone Codes
Q1. What is the UK’s country code?
A: It’s +44. Replace the initial 0 in UK numbers when dialing internationally.
Q 2. Do all UK mobile numbers start with 07?
A: Yes, most UK mobiles begin with 07, followed by 9 digits.
Q 3. Can I call UK toll-free numbers from abroad?
A: Not always. 0800 numbers may not work outside the UK or could incur charges.
Q 4. What’s the best way to save UK numbers in contacts?
A: Use international format: +44 and drop the leading zero.
Q 5. Why do some UK numbers look longer than others?
A: UK landline area codes vary in length, making total digits differ.
Q 6. Is the area code always needed?
A: Yes, especially when calling from abroad or another UK region.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dialing a loved one or sending funds via Remit Choice, understanding UK Telephone Codes can save time, money, and frustration. With 70+ countries relying on seamless international transfers, accurate number formatting is essential. Use this guide to stay informed, connected, and error-free.
