What Exactly is a 0300 Number?
0300 numbers are part of the UK’s non-geographic telephone system. Unlike 01 & 02 numbers, which are linked to specific towns or regions, 0300 numbers are not tied to any geographic area.
Ofcom introduced them to provide public sector organisations, charities, and non-profits with a fair and consistent way to offer a national point of contact — without the higher call charges often associated with older non-geographic ranges, such as 0845 or 0870.
How Much Does It Cost to Call a 0300 Number in 2025?
In 2025, the rules remain the same: calls to 0300 numbers must cost no more than calls to standard UK landline numbers (those starting with 01 or 02).
- If you have inclusive minutes on your mobile or landline plan, calls to 0300 numbers are typically included.
- If you’re on pay-as-you-go or outside your call allowance, you’ll be charged your provider’s standard rate for 01/02 calls — usually around 10–15p per minute from landlines and 30–50p per minute from mobiles, depending on your network.
- There are no premium rates or hidden fees for calling 0300 numbers.
Who Can Use 0300 Numbers?
0300 numbers are reserved for public bodies, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.
They offer a professional, UK-wide image and a consistent contact point for callers anywhere in the country.
Examples of organisations that might use 0300 numbers include:
- Government departments and local authorities
- NHS services and public helplines
- Registered charities and voluntary groups
Private or commercial businesses typically use 0330, 0345 or 0370 ranges instead.
How Does 0300 Differ From 0800 and 0845?
| Number Range | Cost to Caller | Common Use |
| 300 | Standard rate (same as 01/02) | Public bodies, charities |
| 0330/0345/030 | Standard rate | Businesses & organisations |
| 0800/0808 | Free to call | Free helplines or promotions |
| 0845/0870 | Premium rate | Phasing out or replaced |
More about 0300 numbers
If you’d like to explore the background and purpose of non-geographic numbers in the UK, the following resources explain it in detail:
- Wikipedia — Non-geographic telephone numbers in the United Kingdom
- Ofcom — How much does a phone call really cost?
A number to trust
As 0300 numbers can only be assigned to official charities or designated organisations, they’re a strong trust signal for callers.
