How do you dial an 0800 UK number from overseas?

Answer 1

North American (USA, Canada, etc.) area codes 800, 888, 877, 866, and 855, and future codes 844, 833, and 822, are toll-free numbers within North America.

The first thing to try is to just dial the number as if it were an ordinary geographic number. For example, calling from the UK, 00 1 800 555 0123. If it works, you will usually pay the ordinary international call charges for a call to the USA.

If that procedure does not work, your best bet is to look on the web to find a non-toll-free number for the company you are trying to reach.

Answer 2

Try dialing it as if it were an ordinary UK number: +44 800 on a mobile, or (prefix)-44-800 on a landline, where (prefix) is the international access prefix for the location you are calling FROM. If the call goes through, you will pay international calling rates, possibly at higher rates than for a UK geographic number. If the call fails, your best option is to look on the web for a geographic contact number for the company you are trying to reach. You can also try a "Home Country Direct" number or a VoIP service with a UK presence.

Answer 3

1. As normal

Try dialling like any other UK number: +44 then the full UK number minus its leading zero. For example, 0800 1234567 would be:

• 00 44 800 1234567 from Germany or France
• 011 44 800 1234567 from the USA

However, not all foreign phone companies will connect you to UK freephone numbers.

2. Use a dial through

Dial a call-through service, such as "0800 Buster".

You dial their UK number, 01224 390800 (or +44 1224 390800) from abroad. Then when you get the prompt, dial the 0800 / 0808 number you want followed by #. You'll be charged at the normal rate for a call to a UK landline.

Other dial-through services are available.