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01, 02, 03 or 0800: which business number should you choose?

By the VoIPer team ยท Updated 3 October 2026

Choose a local 01 or 02 number to look local, an 03 number for a fair national number, or an 0800 number to make calling completely free. All of them can be virtual numbers that ring on any phone.

Number Cost to caller Best for
01 and 02 (local) Standard landline rate, usually in bundles Looking local to a town or city
0333, 0345 (national) Same as a landline, usually in bundles One number for the whole UK
0800, 0808 (freephone) Free from landlines and mobiles Sales lines and national advertising

What is a virtual number?

A virtual number is a phone number that is not tied to a physical line. Calls are forwarded to wherever you choose: your mobile, office phone, our app or a colleague in another city. It means a business in Bournemouth can have a London 020 number, or a Manchester 0161 number, without an office there.

Local numbers build trust

People are more likely to answer and call a number they recognise as local. Many businesses use several local numbers in different areas, all ringing the same team. Find yours in our UK area codes list.

Can I have more than one?

Yes. A common setup is an 0800 number for sales, an 03 number for customer service and local numbers for each area you serve, all on one phone system with different routing for each.

See all business phone numbers or call 0800 33 22 66.

Ready before the switch-off

Try a VoIPer phone system free for 14 days, or talk to our team on 0800 33 22 66.