How Dialling 0345 Works When Abroad
If you’re overseas and you need to call a UK number beginning with 0345, there are a few extra factors to be aware of. While the prefix is designed for UK-based calls, making the call from another country brings in international dialling rules and possible additional charges.
- The prefix 0345 sits within the UK non-geographic ‘03’ number range, which means calls to it from within the UK must be treated the same as standard landline calls (01/02) and included in bundles when applicable.
- However, when you are outside the UK, your mobile or landline operator may treat the call as an international one (from your location to the UK). The ‘inclusive minutes’ that cover UK national calls may not apply to calls made from abroad.
- Some users in forums report being able to dial a UK 0345 number from overseas, but they are still subject to the roaming or international call rates applicable to their mobile provider.
- The official UK guidance points out that while from a UK landline calls to 03/0345 cost ‘up to 16 p per minute’ and you should check with your phone provider, when calling from abroad you must check your provider’s international tariffs.
Approximate Cost Breakdown for Calling a 0345 Number From Abroad
| Scenario | What to expect |
| You use a mobile abroad and your UK inbound plan covers UK national calls only. | The call may count as an international call; standard ‘inclusive UK minutes’ may not apply; expect roaming/international charge. |
| You use a roaming add-on or international call bundle from your mobile abroad | Cost may be lower than standard roaming rate, but still different from UK domestic cost. |
| You use a fixed line or landline overseas to dial the UK 0345 number | Depending on the country and provider, you’ll likely incur international call charges. |
| The caller has no roaming/international package | The per‐minute international rate from the country abroad to the UK will apply – it may be significantly higher than typical UK domestic cost to call an 0345 number. |
What This Means for Your Businesses:
- When you display your 0345 number and expect international callers (people abroad) to call it, you should include a note such as: “If calling from outside the UK, international or roaming rates may apply – please check with your provider.”
- For UK-based callers, you can still state that calls to your 0345 number “should be included in most mobile/landline inclusive minutes” (assuming their plan covers UK landline calls) but when dealing with overseas callers you must manage expectations accordingly.
- If you anticipate significant inbound calls from overseas, you might consider offering a separate international or local number (e.g.+44 prefix or a local number in the country abroad) to reduce the cost barrier for them.
- It’s beneficial to monitor if overseas callers report unexpectedly high charges, and if so, consider alternative numbering or call‐back/VoIP solutions that might deliver better international cost.
Key Points
- Domestic UK calls to 0345 numbers behave like standard landline calls under regulation — if you’re in the UK.
- When calling a UK 0345 number from outside the UK, you leave the ‘domestic’ cost structure and are subject to international/roaming rates from your provider.
- Always check your provider’s international call tariffs or roaming add-ons before placing calls.
- Businesses should include a clear disclaimer for international callers and consider alternative solutions if international inbound volume is meaningful.
Whether you want to activate an 0345 or simply need more caller info, dial 0330 332 0400.
