How to call non-geographic UK numbers (0845, 0870, 0871, etc.) from abroad
How do I call non-geographic numbers from abroad?
What is a non-geographic number?
First of all, let's look at what a non-geographic number is. Telephone numbers in the UK are split into geographic and non-geographic numbers. Geographic numbers are those beginning 01, 02 and 03 (basically, 'normal' numbers) and non-geographic numbers are everything else (e.g. 0842, 0843, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871, 0872 or 0873).
Why do companies use non-geographic numbers?
Companies frequently use non-geographic numbers because it allows them to make money on all their incoming calls. The problem is that it results in higher charges for the people calling those companies (i.e. us!). And when phoning from abroad the position is even more complicated since your local telephone provider will either not allow the call to go through or charge a premium to their regular international calling rates.
If calls to non-geographic numbers are blocked/more expensive, how do I call them?
Simple - you just have to find the alternative geographic number. All non-geographic numbers link through to geographic numbers. If you look closely at some company web sites you will see that they offer a number to call 'from abroad' which you can use, but if they don't make the number public then you can use a very helpful web site called SAYNOTO0870 to help you find a geographic number to call instead of a non-geographic one:
http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php
Once you have found the alternative geographic number, make your call like you usually would using DialAbroad Euro.
As ever, if we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
DialAbroad
non-geographic numbers
SAYNOTO0870
Posted on 2013-05-03 00:15:00