Calling 0808 numbers from abroad

An 0808 number is a non geographical freephone number in the United Kingdom. Non-Geographical means that it is not possible to identify where the landline is physically just by looking at the number.

Many large organisations use freephone 0808 numbers. These include helplines, for example that are run by charities. Some health related services use them to. Increasingly we are also seeing large organisations such as television and phone providers using them.

The reason that so many large organisations use 0808 numbers is because it means that it is generally free for their customers or potential customers to phone them. This saves you having to worry about the cost of the call. In fact, the charge is picked up by the company or organisation that you are trying to call. This is because they have to pay for the privilege of being able to offer a freephone number to their customers.

Things get a bit more complicated, however, if you need to call a freephone number from abroad. The use of 0808 numbers is regulated by Ofcom, and this includes legislating the cost of calling these numbers. If you would like to find out the cost of calling 0808 numbers, visit out guide here. There might be several reasons that you need to do this. Perhaps, for example, your home insurance is running out while you are away and you need to speak to your insurance company about renewing it. So banks also use 0808 numbers which you might need to contact while you are away.

Calling 0808 numbers from abroad

The reality of using 0808 numbers while abroad could either result in the local phone company not letting you call the number at all. Even if you use the international code for the UK, which is +44. Another scenario might be that they do allow you, which is unlikely although possible in some places. If this is the case, however, you will not know how much the local phone operator is going to charge you to make the call, which could be an issue. An 0808 number will certainly not be free from abroad if it does work.

The best way around this situation is to find out the alternative non freephone number alternative. There will be one but might take a little investigation work on your part. Performing a search online for the alternative geographical number is a good start. Also, if it is your bank that you are trying to ring then have a look on the back of your bank card. There may just be a number for you to use when you are calling from abroad.

This applies to all freephone numbers. Buying 0808 numbers is the same in terms of call charges as an 0808 number so charges will apply to this in exactly the same way. Freephone numbers are very useful when you are in the UK, but it can be a little complicated to call such numbers when you are away.

Buy your 0808 number

Interested in buying your own 0808 number? Choose from the packages below, or speak to a member of our team by calling 0330 332 0400 now.

Standard

£12.99 / mo

+ Standard ppm call charges

Features Included

Perfect for any small business owner only

£12.99 / mo

  • Route to Landline & Mobile

  • Pre-Connection Greeting

  • iPhone / Android AppNEW

Advanced

£18.99 / mo

+ Standard ppm call charges

Features Included

Great for medium to large enterprises only

£18.99 / mo

  • Disaster Recovery

  • Real-Time Reporting

  • iPhone / Android AppNEW