What are 0800 numbers, and are they free to call?

Key takeaways

• 0800 and 0808 numbers are freephone numbers. Calls to them are free from UK mobiles and landlines, but not from abroad.
• SMARTY doesn't have a customer service phone number, so there's no 0800 or 0345 line to call. SMARTY customer support is on web chat from 8 am to 8 pm. The SMARTY Bot is available 24/7.
• 07800 is not an 0800 number. Numbers starting 07800 are mobile numbers, so calls to them are charged like any other mobile call.

 

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You've got a question about your SIM, and you'd like to speak to a real person. A quick search turns up a number starting with 0800, and now you're wondering whether it's free. Or it's the other way round: an 0800 number has just rung you, and you're not sure whether to pick up.

Here’s what 0800 numbers are, whether they're free to call, and how to contact SMARTY without a phone number.

What is an 0800 number?

An 0800 number is a freephone number. The organisation that owns it pays for the call, so you don't. You can call 0800 numbers from anywhere in the UK.

0800 isn't an area code like 020 for London. It's the start of a non-geographic number, so it isn't tied to a particular place. 0800 numbers are usually followed by seven more digits. 0808 numbers work in the same way.

Here's how 0800 and 0808 compare with other numbers you might see:

• 0800: Freephone, so free to call.
• 0808: Freephone too. Works the same way as 0800, so it’s free to call.
• 03 (such as 0300 or 0345): A non-geographic number that costs no more than a 01 or 02 number. The cost is usually included in mobile call bundles.

Are 0800 numbers free to call?

Yes. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from UK mobiles and landlines, regardless of your network. The rule covers personal phones. Business phone lines can still charge you, so it's worth checking with your provider if you're ringing from a work phone.

From a mobile

If your mobile provider charges you for calling an 0800 number from within the UK, ask them why. Calls to freephone numbers should cost nothing.

From abroad

The free calls rule applies only in the UK. Ofcom's rules don't cover calls made from overseas or while roaming, so charges may apply. To call an 0800 number from abroad, drop the leading 0 and start with +44. So it’s +44 800, then the rest of the number. Check your provider's rates before you dial.

What to do if an 0800 number calls you

Many companies call from 0800 numbers in the UK, whether it's about an account, a delivery or a survey. But phone numbers can be faked, so the number on your screen doesn’t prove who’s calling. A sensible check beats a panic:

• Don't share personal details, passwords or card details on a call you weren't expecting.
• If the caller says they're from your bank or another company, hang up and ring the number on that company's official website or on your card.
• Calling back an 0800 number costs nothing from a UK phone, but that doesn't prove the original caller was genuine.

Does SMARTY have an 0800 number?

No. SMARTY doesn't have a customer service phone number, so there's no 0800 or 0345 line to call. We're a digital-only network, which helps keep our costs down. Every way of reaching us is online. That also means no hold music.

Here's how to get in touch via our contact us page:

• Web chat: Customer support is open from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Wait times can vary. The SMARTY Bot is available 24/7 for anything out of hours.
• Help Centre: self-service articles on most SMARTY questions are at help.smarty.co.uk.
• SMARTY Community: fellow customers answer questions at community.smarty.co.uk.

If you're thinking of switching, SMARTY SIM-only plans include unlimited standard UK calls and texts, so you don't need to check what a call will cost. Data is paid for in advance, so there are no surprise bills, and there's no lengthy contract if you change your mind.

FAQs

Can I contact SMARTY by phone?

SMARTY doesn't have a customer service phone number. SMARTY customer support is available via web chat from 8 am to 8 pm, and the SMARTY Bot is available 24/7 on the SMARTY contact page.

Are 0800 numbers free to call from a mobile?

Yes. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from UK mobiles on all networks and have been since 1 July 2015. Calls made from abroad aren't covered, so roaming charges may apply.

Is 07800 the same as 0800?

No. Numbers starting with 07800 are mobile numbers, while 0800 is a freephone prefix. A call to an 07800 number is charged like any other mobile call.