UK Phone Number: Format, Examples, and How to Get One

Looking to get a UK phone number? Whether you need one for personal use, business, or just to have a convenient UK contact, it helps to understand how UK numbers work and the best ways to obtain one. UK phone numbers come in several formats – from standard mobile and landline numbers to virtual lines and even premium “gold” numbers. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of UK number format with examples, then break down the main ways you can get a UK phone number (including how to secure a memorable one for yourself).

UK Phone Number Format Explained

UK phone numbers are typically 10 or 11 digits long when dialed domestically (starting with a leading 0). In international format, they’re preceded by the country code +44 and omit that leading zero. The exact format depends on the type of number:

• Geographic landline numbers: Usually start with 01 or 02 (for example, a London number 020 7123 4567). Internationally this would be +44 20 7123 4567, dropping the 0.
• Mobile numbers: Always begin with 07 and have 9 further digits (e.g. 07123 456789). In international format, a mobile might be written as +44 7123 456789.
• Non-geographic numbers: These include 08 freephone/toll-free numbers (like 0800 123 4567) and 03 national-rate numbers. They vary in length but follow similar rules (for instance, +44 800 123 4567 for an 0800 number abroad).

Spacing is often used to make numbers easier to read (as in the examples above). The main point to remember is that when calling from outside the UK, use +44 and omit the initial 0. For instance, the mobile number 07123 456789 would be dialed as +44 7123 456789 from overseas.

Three main ways to get a UK phone number

1. Standard SIM-based UK mobile numbers

If you simply need a working UK phone number with minimal hassle, the easiest route is to buy a SIM card from a major UK network (like EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) or a trusted MVNO. When you activate a UK SIM, it comes with a standard 07xxx... mobile number that you can use for calls, SMS and mobile data straight away. This option is straightforward and widely available at low cost.

Best for:

• Everyday personal use and staying connected while in the UK
• Basic business needs or employee work phones where any number will do
• Anyone who doesn’t mind being assigned a random phone number

Not ideal if: you care about choosing specific digits or having a particularly memorable number. A standard SIM gives you whatever number the network has available, with no customization.

2. Virtual / VoIP UK numbers

A virtual UK phone number isn’t tied to a physical SIM card or single handset. Instead, it operates via the cloud. You can get a UK number from a VoIP provider or cloud telephony service and answer calls (or texts) through an app or online dashboard. This is great for people outside the UK or businesses that need advanced call features.

Best for:

• Remote teams and businesses that need a UK point of contact without physical SIMs
• Advanced call handling features (call forwarding, IVR menus, voicemail services, recording, etc.)
• Having a UK presence or secondary number if you’re located abroad

Virtual numbers give you a lot of flexibility (you can often choose a geographic area code or even a mobile 07 range, and handle calls anywhere in the world). However, the exact phone number you get is usually assigned by the provider — the focus is on functionality rather than picking a memorable digit pattern.

3. Premium & VIP UK mobile numbers

If you want a number that really stands out and is easy for people to remember after seeing or hearing it once, a premium or VIP UK mobile number is the answer. These are phone numbers with eye-catching digit patterns (for example, repeating sequences like 777777, consecutive numbers like 123456, or special patterns like 24-7-365).

At Numbers Market you can browse our UK mobile number collections by pattern or price category, including:

• Easy numbers with clean, simple patterns (e.g. repeating pairs or triples)
• VIP and gold numbers featuring strong repeats or rhythmic sequences
• Novelty patterns such as 000000, 007007, 123456, or 247365 that instantly draw attention

If you already have specific digits in mind, you can even use our bespoke UK number service to request the last 6–7 digits of your dream number. Our team will search UK providers for options that match your request, so you can secure a number that feels truly personal or on-brand.

Best for:

• Businesses that display their phone number on vans, shop fronts, ads or websites (a memorable number makes your advertising more effective)
• Professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives who want a “signature” number as part of their brand identity
• Anyone who loves the idea of owning a unique phone number that people won’t forget

What’s the best option for you?

Ultimately, the right method for getting a UK phone number depends on your needs. If you just need a basic UK number to be reachable for calls and texts (and you’re not too concerned with the digits), grabbing a standard SIM from a UK network is a quick and reliable choice. If you require advanced call management, or you’re outside the UK but want a local presence, a virtual number service might suit you better.

But if having a number that’s uniquely yours and instantly memorable is important – especially for business or personal branding – then going with a specialist marketplace like Numbers Market is the way to go. You’ll be able to choose a pattern you love and keep the number for the long term, transferring it to your preferred network so it works just like any other UK mobile number.

Not sure where to start? You can explore our curated list of available UK mobile numbers, submit a request through the bespoke number service, or check out our other in-depth guides for more tips on choosing the perfect number.