03 at a glance
- Type
- Non-geographic
- Country
- United Kingdom (+44)
- Number format
- 03XX XXX XXXX (11 digits)
- From abroad
- +44 3
- Cost to call
- Charged at the same rate as a call to a normal 01 or 02 landline number, from both landlines and mobiles, and included in inclusive minutes and bundles in the same way.
Numbers beginning 03 are non-geographic numbers that Ofcom introduced in 2007 as a fairer alternative to 084 and 087 numbers. However you call them, they must cost no more than a call to a standard 01 or 02 landline number, and they count towards inclusive minutes. The range is split by purpose: 030 numbers are for public bodies and not-for-profit organisations, 033 numbers can be used by anyone, and 034 and 037 numbers are set aside for organisations moving from matching 084 and 087 numbers. Because 03 numbers are not tied to a location, they say nothing about where the caller is. They can also be spoofed, so verify unexpected calls.
Scammers sometimes spoof 03 numbers that look like those of banks or government departments. If in doubt, hang up and call the organisation on a number from its official website or your statement.
Who called me from 03?
The prefix tells you what kind of number it is (uk-wide (03) numbers), but not who is behind it. Numbers can be ported between networks and caller ID can be spoofed, so a familiar code is no guarantee. Search the full number to see its current carrier, line type and whether other people have reported it. Read our UK phone number guide for mobile prefixes, networks and the scams currently doing the rounds.