How to find out your international number, receive phone calls & texts from abroad
August 24th, 2010
In this guide, we outline how to receive a phone call from abroad, how to find out your number and what it’ll cost you.
What is my international phone number?
Your international phone number is similar to your UK phone number but the leading zero at the start is replaced by +44. For example, if your phone number is 07123 456 789 then your international number becomes +44 7123 456 789.
Note that your friends abroad don’t actually type this number into their phone. Usually, they’d have to replace the + sign with the international dialling prefix in their country (some mobile phones will now automatically convert the + sign into the correct prefix for you). For example, your friends in America (where 001 is the international dialling prefix) will actually have to dial the number 001 44 7123 456 789. Your friends in Japan (where 010 is the international dialling prefix) will actually have to dial the number 010 44 7123 456 789.
The recommended practice is to give out your phone number in the form of +44 7123 456 789 – most people will know what is meant by this and will replace the + sign with the international dialling prefix in their country.
Note that one very common mistake is to leave the leading zero in the international number (e.g. +44 07123 456 789). This is incorrect and the phone call will not connect.
What is my international number whilst I’m abroad?
Your international phone number will always be the same wherever you take your phone with you in the world. The +44 refers to the fact you have a UK number and not the fact that you are actually in the UK.
For example, if you travel to France then your friends in France will still need to dial your international number with the +44 prefix for UK numbers.
Note that using your phone abroad can be extremely expensive. We’ve got a detailed guide with everything you need to know about using your phone abroad including the charges, how to reduce the chance of hidden charges and cheaper ways of calling whilst abroad.
How much does it cost to receive an international call or text?
In the UK it is always free to receive phone calls and texts. You should not be charged to receive calls/texts from international numbers.
If you take your UK phone abroad, you will be charged to receive phone calls. Receiving text messages is always free.
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- How Tos & The Basics , Mobile , Travel
- Comments(1)
Ooh, neato. Thanks for this information. I'm not from the UK, but I'm fairly sure of Australia's internation prefix thing, so this has been helpful.