Dare to Share

You may have wondered why, when you’ve not gone over your inclusive minutes, that you’ve been charged a fortune for some calls. It’s more than likely you’ve been billed for 0870, 0845 and 0800 numbers. If you can find an alternative, regional, number then you won’t get charged. Find out how.

Whether you’re calling using a mobile or landline you’ll find that these numbers generally won’t be included in your inclusive minutes. BT has just started including them in their inclusive time and I’m sure others will follow but until that time here’s how to avoid those charges. If you can find an alternative, regional, number then you won’t get charged. Find out how.

If you’re using a landline then 0800 and 0808 numbers should be free as these are freephone numbers. Best check with your provider though. You’ll usually find that 0800, 0808, 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871 are all billed outside your inclusive time and these can be charged at anything from 5p upwards.

First of all have a look for a normal regional number for the company you’re wanting to call. For example on the back of credit cards you’ll usually find a number to call if you’re outside of the UK. Well, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the UK - they’ll still answer the phone.

If you can’t find a regional number then take a look at the rather fantastic site of SAYNOTO0870.COM which has a huge list of companies and their alternative regional number. This is a database built up by people like you that want to help other people find an alternative number. If you know of one that’s not on the site then contact them to get it added.