Call charges and phone numbers
The cost of calling a phone number depends on the digits it starts with, your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile.
You may get free calls to some numbers as part of your call package. Check with your phone provider.
The costs below are approximate. Check with your phone provider to find out the actual cost, particularly if you’re calling from abroad. Calls from payphones can cost more.
Contact your phone provider if you have problems with call charges or phone bills. Get advice from Ofcom if this does not resolve the issue.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
| Number starts with | Description | Cost from landlines per minute (approximate) | Cost from mobiles per minute (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 02 |
Geographic numbers for specific parts of the UK | up to 16p | 3p to 65p |
| 03 0345 |
UK-wide numbers | up to 16p | 3p to 65p |
| 030 | Not-for-profit organisations, charities and public bodies | up to 10p | 3p to 40p |
| 07 | Mobile numbers | 10p to 20p | 3p to 65p |
| 070 | Personal or ‘follow me’ numbers regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority | 50p | 86p |
| 0800 0808 |
Freephone service | Free | Free |
| 0843 0844 0845 |
Business rate numbers | up to 7p and your phone company’s access charge | up to 7p and your phone company’s access charge |
| 0870 0871 0872 0873 |
Business rate numbers regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority | up to 13p and your phone company’s access charge | up to 13p and your phone company’s access charge |
| 09 | Premium rate numbers regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority | up to £3.60 and your phone company’s access charge, plus 5p to £6 per call | up to £3.60 and your phone company’s access charge, plus 5p to £6 per call |
| 101 | Police non-emergency number | Free | Free |
| 105 | UK-wide power cut helpline | Free | Free |
| 111 | Non-emergency medical advice | Free | Free |
| 112 | Emergency services | Free | Free |
| 116 | Freephone numbers | Free | Free |
| 118 | Directory enquiry numbers regulated by the Phone-paid Services Authority | up to £3.65 per 90 seconds and your phone company’s access charge | up to £3.65 per 90 seconds and your phone company’s access charge |
| 999 | Emergency services | Free | Free |