Last Updated on March 23, 2025
The 0203 area code is a prefix created for the London area.
Before virtual and VoIP phone lines existed, they were only allocated to residents and businesses that lived or operated in the London area.
However, now anybody can claim and operate these numbers if they require a presence in London.
What are 0203 and 020 numbers?
These numbers are standard landline numbers with a London area Prefix. Years previously, London had 0181 and 0171 numbers, these were replaced by the 02 prefix in 2000 and have had updates since then.
Having previously only been allocated to physical London locations, anybody across the UK can now claim them as geographical numbers.
How do 0203 numbers work?
0203 numbers work exactly as any other landline or geographical number. Unlike in previous years, when it had to be physically attached to a copper or fibre-wired telephone service in London, these numbers now work as simple local rate telephone numbers like any other.
Brief History of 0203 numbers
- In the 1990s, London used two separate area codes: 0171 (inner London) and 0181 (outer London)
- In 2000, these were unified into the single 020 area code, with 0207 and 0208 as the initial number ranges
- By 2005, available numbers in these ranges were running low due to London’s growth
- The 0203 range was introduced in 2005 to provide additional capacity for London’s telecommunications needs
0203 area code map
Contrary to popular belief, the 0203 dialling code no longer covers just a specific area of London; it covers a much wider area.
Are 0203 premium numbers?
No, 0203 aren’t premium numbers, they’re charged at a local rate or, more likely, they’re included within an inclusive minutes provider either on mobile or a traditional mobile.
What is the cost to call a 0203 number from Mobile and Landline?
It depends on your provider. However, most mobile providers now include local and national rate calls within their inclusive call minutes package with your tariff.
With landline providers it’s less likely that they’d include inclusive minutes as standard as the popularity of traditional landlines has dropped and most don’t have one anymore.
Outside of an inclusive tariff, the average is around 30-50 pence per minute with a similar connection fee, but this should be checked in your tariff information.
Who uses 0203 numbers in the UK?
0203 numbers are used by a wide range of businesses, organisations, and individuals based in London.
Since they’re standard London landline numbers, they’re utilised by:
- New businesses and startups in London need a local presence
- Established companies expanding their telephone lines
- Virtual office services providing London numbers to remote businesses
- Government offices, public services, and local authorities
- Small businesses and sole traders based in London
- Call centres and customer service operations focused on London customers
- Tech companies and digital services with a London presence
Importantly, many businesses from all over the UK now use 0203 numbers (and other London prefixes) on non-geographical or VoIP services to project a London presence or create an air of professionalism, even when they’re physically located outside the capital.
This has become a common practice as cloud telephony allows numbers to be routed anywhere, giving businesses the prestigious London calling code regardless of their actual location.
Different types of 020 London numbers
The 020 area code covers all of Greater London, with several number ranges now in active use:
- 0207 numbers: The original inner London numbers (following the 2000 reorganisation)
- 0208 numbers: Originally assigned to outer London locations
- 0203 numbers: Introduced in 2005 to provide additional capacity
- 0204 numbers: The newest range, released in 2019 to further expand London’s number capacity
What is the difference between 0203 and 0208?
Functionally, there’s no material difference between the two numbers.
It’s merely a case of which numbers were introduced earliest and for which specific area
0203 Number Alternative
If you want to think about a different prefix for your business or VoIP number, then there are a couple of alternatives you can look at:
0208 London numbers
Initially assigned to the Outer London area, this number is the go-to London number and is perfectly easy to select as a prefix when signing up for a virtual business phone number with Air Landline.
0330 numbers
These numbers were introduced recently at the advent of virtual and VoIP numbers to allow businesses to have a national number with no specifically fixed location.
Previously, companies looking for a national number may have selected London due to it being the capital city, however, with an 0330 number, these are specifically designed to be national.
How to get a 020 business number – Free 7-day trial
With Air Landline, getting yourself a 020 business number couldn’t be easier.
Our simple 3-step process takes under 3 minutes to complete and comes with a completely free 7-day trial.
You get a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied, and not only that, we don’t tie you into any sort of contract.
Select your area code
We don’t only provide virtual numbers for the 020 prefix. We do every local area code across the whole UK.
We also provide the 0330 national prefix. Regardless of the London, local or national prefix you’d like, we provide them all – all you need to do is choose, and we’ll generate the rest of your number from there.
Provide your details
Provide your email address and the mobile phone number to which you’d like to forward calls.
That’s it! You’re Ready To Go
You’ll shortly receive an email containing your brand new 020 london code number, and that’s it, you’re now ready to get started!
Benefits of a 0203 number
A 0203 telephone number offers several strategic advantages for businesses and individuals alike.
These London-based numbers provide a professional image while offering practical benefits for communication and customer relations.
London presence
Having a 0203 number immediately associates your business with London, the UK’s financial and commercial hub.
This creates an impression of credibility and establishment, even if your business operates remotely or from elsewhere in the country.
For many customers, a London number suggests stability and professionalism.
Cost-effective communication
0203 numbers are standard geographic numbers, meaning they’re typically included in most calling plans and packages.
This makes them more approachable for customers compared to premium rate numbers, potentially increasing the likelihood that prospects will make contact.
Callers with inclusive minutes in their phone packages can usually call these numbers at no additional charge.
Flexibility and portability
Unlike traditional landlines, modern 0203 numbers can be set up on VoIP systems, allowing calls to be routed anywhere.
This means you can:
Move offices without changing your number
- Work remotely while maintaining a consistent business line
- Have calls forwarded to multiple devices or team members
- Set up professional features like IVR menus, call queuing, and voicemail-to-email
Use your 020 number with Whatsapp Business
If you have a WhatsApp for a business account, you can quickly and easily set it up so that you can communicate with your customers via WhatsApp using your virtual 020 phone number.
Frequently asked questions
We help and provide virtual business numbers to thousands of customers all over the UK, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
However, it’s important to check with your phone provider because if they’re not included in your tariff, then these calls are chargeable.
However, it’s important to check how many minutes you receive and other terms and conditions.
Summary – 0203 area code
0203 London area phone prefixes are great for businesses that want to get a phone number that allows them the prestige and local association with a London phone number.
There are a number of London prefixes, such as 0207 and 0208. These all work in exactly the same way, are charged the same way and all cover London, the only difference is the order in which they were introduced to meet demand.
Air Landline provides businesses with reliable, great value virtual phone numbers all over the UK, including 020 and London numbers.
You can sign up to a 7 day free trial today and get piece of mind with a money back guarantee and no contract.