London Phone Numbers: 020 Area Codes

London is a vast city with a complex phone numbering system. The 020 area code covers Central London and the outer London boroughs, as well as some areas outside of Greater London. However, some outer parts of London boroughs use their own area codes.

London Phone Numbers

020 numbers are typically used to contact businesses and households and are charged at standard landline rates. This area code was introduced in April 2000 and has since been issued in batches. Here is a breakdown of when each batch was issued:

• (020) 7xxx xxx - April 2000
• (020) 8xxx xxxx - April 2000
• (020) 3xxx xxx - June 2005
• (020) 4xxx xxx - October 2019 (newest)

As of September 2019, phone companies are issued all numbers starting with (020) 3 and (020) 7. New numbers are mostly being met using numbers starting (020) 8 and (020) 4 due to demand.

London 0200 Numbers and 0201 Numbers

Numbers starting with 020 0 and 020 1 cannot be dialled in London without using the 020 area code. Typically, these numbers are not used for standard households or business landlines, but rather for machine-to-machine communications or broadband. They cannot receive incoming calls but may be used for caller display or through the 1471 service.

Formatting an 020 Number

020 numbers should always be displayed in the format 020 xxxx xxxx, with the area code followed by an eight-digit local number when calling within London. This applies to 0203, 0204, and 0207 numbers.

Recent History

Between 1990 and 2000, separate area codes were used for Central London and Outer London. However, this was abandoned when the new London-wide 020 area code was introduced in 2000. The numbers (020) 2000 0000 to (020) 9989 9999 became available, and only local numbers starting with 3, 7, 8, and 4 are now in general use.

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What are 020 Numbers?

Telephone numbers that start with the 020 area code, including 0203, 0204, 0207, and 0208, are for London and the surrounding area.

There are no official differences between the London telephone numbers that start with 0207 and those with 020, 0203, 0204, or 0208.

0207 and 0208 area code number ranges have run out and as a result, 0203 and 0204 numbers have been introduced.

However, here at Cleartone Communications we still have many available! To find out more, click here!

Why are 020 numbers so popular?

020 numbers are extremely popular with businesses overseas and businesses based outside central London. This is on the grounds that it gives a solid impression that they give business from a major UK City. Because these numbers are quickly depleting, the government introduced the 0203 number in order to accommodate all the different businesses that want to be based in London.

London numbers enable smaller organisations to have a presence in the UK without having an office in London. You can redirect calls to your London number to a landline or mobile in any country instantly & manage your number in real-time 24/7.

The beauty is, you don’t actually need to live there. We can provide you with a virtual London Telephone Number, wherever you are across the UK, or even internationally!

Ultimately, your London number can ring on your landline or your mobile phone. One of the real benefits to the way that we operate is that every call that comes through will actually warn you before you’re connected to the caller that there’s a business call coming through. This way, the phone will ring as normal – you’ll answer the phone and the first thing you’ll hear is an alert from our service to tell you how you have a business call, “press one to accept the call or press two to send the caller to voicemail”.

0207 numbers

Which area of London has 0207 Numbers?

Between 1900 and 2000, there were different 020 numbers for inner and outer London. A variety of codes were offered to personal or business customers in London.

As of 2000, the code 0208 was introduced. It is vastly known as a London contact number and is becoming as famous as the 0207 code.

Benefits of 0207 numbers:

• Appearance: 0207 London area numbers have traditionally been associated with the Central London area. Rarely available and highly prestigious, having one for your business will make it appear as though you operate from the very centre of the nation’s capital. It will boost your company image and entice clients in – memorable numbers generate sales!
• Far-reaching: As 0207 area code numbers are for landline numbers, they can be utilized to forward calls to different territories of the nation, to universal areas, or virtual offices. You can forward your virtual 0207 landline number to your existing mobile or landline worldwide.
• Convenience: Virtual Numbers work the same as a fixed-line but do not require any extra hardware or software, it would simply forward to your existing mobile or landline, making it a convenient option for businesses that operate remotely or have employees working from different locations.

Another benefit of 020 numbers is that they are extremely popular with businesses overseas and those based outside central London, as it gives the impression that they operate from a major UK city. This is particularly important for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the UK market. However, due to the high demand for 020 numbers, the availability of 0207 and 0208 area code number ranges have run out. As a result, 0203 and 0204 numbers have been introduced to accommodate the increasing number of businesses seeking to establish a presence in London.

At Cleartone Communications, we offer a range of virtual 020 numbers that can be used by businesses to redirect calls to their landline or mobile phones, regardless of their location. Our virtual numbers work in the same way as a fixed-line number but do not require any additional hardware or software. In addition to providing businesses with a professional image and a strong presence in the UK market, 020 numbers also offer a range of features and benefits, such as call forwarding, voicemail, and real-time call management. So whether you're a small business looking to establish a presence in London or a larger organization looking to expand your reach, a virtual 020 number can provide you with the professional image and convenience you need to succeed.

Benefits of 020 Numbers in London

London phone numbers starting with the 020 area code have a rich and complicated history, leading to a common but incorrect belief that different combinations of the prefix represent different geographic locations. In fact, only the first three digits (020) indicate a London location, while the rest of the number is randomly allocated.

The 020 Area Code historical and now

During the early nineties, when fewer landline number combinations were available, 0207 and 0208 allocations were usually kept to inner and outer London. In 2005, as demand for landlines increased, including the need for a phone line connection to enable broadband, the introduction of the 0203 number was necessary to expand the available landline numbers in the London area by 50%. Therefore, callers dialing a London number need to use the 020 area code, followed by a space and then the remaining eight digits.

Benefits of 020 Numbers in London

0203 Pros

• Affordable - A virtual 0203 number is an affordable way for small businesses and start-ups to gain a presence in London, a desirable and expensive location.
• Recognised - The 020 prefix is granted to residents and businesses, making it one of the most memorable UK prefixes on the market, recognised not just by London residents, but across the nation.
• Respected - London is viewed as a significant player in the European business market and is the UK's largest and most diverse city. Operating from London or giving the illusion of doing so can elevate a business's image and positioning.

0203 Cons

• Scams - Some 0203 numbers are associated with computer virus scams and other fraudulent activities, and some people view businesses using these numbers as disingenuous.

Despite the con of being associated with scams, 0203 numbers are a popular choice for many businesses due to their central location, global recognition, and availability. Many authoritative organisations are beginning to use 0203 numbers for their external communications, and it is becoming an increasingly popular and prestigious number prefix.

Choosing the right phone number is a crucial decision for any business, and understanding the history and benefits of the 020 area code in London can help make an informed decision and elevate a business's image and positioning.

All in all, choosing between an 0203, 0207 or 0208 number depends on your preferences and business goals. Although the 0203 number is associated with London as a whole and not just its central part, the 0207 is still considered by some to be more prestigious and exclusive. It is worth remembering that having an 0203 number can lead to suspicion of crimes such as phone fraud, but this does not mean that it is not a good choice for many companies. Ultimately, the decision depends on your business needs and goals, and any 020 area code allows you to have a virtual presence in London without having to incur the high costs of renting a physical office.

Do 020 numbers cost the caller? This is a question commonly asked by people, who often confuse these numbers with non-geographic telephone numbers. In reality, all 020 numbers are area codes for London and Greater London, which means that anyone calling these numbers may have to pay phone charges.

The cost of calling a 020 number can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of call plan you have with your phone provider, or whether you are making a landline or mobile call. It is also important to consider if you are calling from within London or from outside so that you don’t incur extra costs.

In this article, we will explain exactly how much such calls are likely to cost, as well as what else you need to know about UK 020 numbers.

What are 020 Numbers?

020 numbers are telephone numbers that have been assigned to the Greater London area. They were introduced in April 2000 and replaced the 0181 and 0171 prefixes. The 020 numbers are made up of an initial three-digit code (020), followed by a seven-digit number.

The areas covered by 020 include:

• Inner London (E14, EC1–4, N1–22, SE1–20, SW1–20, W1–14)
• Outer London (E15–18, NW3–7, RM9-17, TW8-19)
• Surrounding areas (HP23+24, IG2+3, MK41–48, NW9–11)

020 numbers are London area codes.

Why was the 020 Area Code Introduced?

The 020 area code was introduced to make it easier for people to identify calls that are made from London and Greater London, as the previous system of using separate area codes could be confusing. This also made it easier for businesses who wanted to set up a single landline number to cover all these areas.

It was not the first time that the London area codes were changed in this way with similar changes coming in 1990 and 1995, both intended to simplify calls and adhere to nationwide area code norms.

How Much Does It Cost to Call a 020 Number?

The cost of calling a 020 number depends on a number of factors which you should be aware of before making a call. If you are making a landline call from inside London, it will usually cost no more than a standard national rate call. However, if you are making a mobile call from within London, it can cost more than a normal call to a UK landline.

Depending on your phone provider and plan, there may be additional charges imposed when calling 020 numbers from outside of London, as well as higher rates for calls at certain times of the day or week. For example, BT charges more for these types of calls between 7 am and 7 pm on weekdays.

However, many mobile and landline phone provider plans include 020 numbers in their inclusive minutes, so it is worth checking with your provider to see if this applies to you. Finally, the organization which uses the 020 number may also have additional charges, which is often true for NPOs and charities that use the charges as a way of fundraising.

How Much Does It Cost to Call a 020 Number?

The cost of calling a 020 number depends on several factors. Firstly, if you are calling from within London, and using a landline, it will usually cost no more than a standard national rate call. However, if you are using a mobile phone within London, the cost can be higher than a call to a UK landline.

Secondly, depending on your phone provider and the plan you have, you may be subject to additional charges when calling 020 numbers from outside London. For instance, BT charges more for such calls between 7 am and 7 pm on weekdays.

That said, many mobile and landline phone plans include 020 numbers in their inclusive minutes, so it's always worth checking with your provider whether this is the case for you.

Finally, it's important to note that the organisation that uses the 020 number may also levy additional charges. This is typically the case for NPOs and charities, which use the charges as a way of fundraising.

Can Individuals or Organisations Outside of Greater London Use 020 Numbers?

While 020 numbers are typically assigned to London and Greater London, virtual 0203 numbers can be purchased by organisations located outside London. In most cases, this is acceptable, as long as the additional charges for calling these numbers are clearly displayed by the organisation on their website or other communications. Nevertheless, it can cause confusion for callers who expect the organisation to be based in London and are subsequently charged more for making the call.

There are various reasons why individuals and organisations outside of London may use an 0203 number. For example, to appear more local to callers, benefit from the perceived prestige of being London-based, make it easier for customers to remember the number, or as part of a national branding strategy.

Potential Scams Linked to 020 Numbers

Unfortunately, 020 numbers can be associated with scams, so it's important to be vigilant and check the legitimacy of a company before calling or providing any personal information.

Common scams associated with 020 numbers include premium rate calls, where you are charged an exorbitant amount for the call, and voicemails that direct you to call a premium rate number. Moreover, purchasable 0203 numbers can deceive customers and callers about the legitimacy of a company or organisation, especially if the number is similar to the genuine London-based organisation that the scammer is posing as.

How to Protect Yourself from 020 Number Scams

The best way to protect yourself from scams associated with 020 numbers is to always be aware of potential warning signs. If you are unsure, be cautious and question any suspicious activity or requests for personal information.

Another way to safeguard against potential scams is to verify the legitimacy of the business by researching it online and checking its website for contact details or references. Additionally, you can check with your telephone provider to see if they offer any protection measures against premium rate numbers, so that you are not charged excessively for calls.