Local vs National Phone Numbers – Which Should Your Business Choose?

What Do We Mean by Local and National Phone Numbers?

Before deciding which type is right for your business, it’s important to understand the difference between local and national phone numbers and what they signal to your customers. Today in our Local vs National Phone Numbers post, we’ll delve into the depths of costs, how numbers are perceived and which numbers are best for different cases.

Local Numbers (01 / 02)

Local phone numbers are tied to a specific geographic area in the UK. For example, a London-based business might use an 020 number, while a Manchester company could have an 0161 number. These numbers create an immediate sense of location and community—customers instantly know where you’re based and may feel reassured that they’re dealing with a nearby business.

National Numbers (0330 / 0333 / 0800)

Unlike local numbers, national numbers aren’t tied to any one region. Instead, they’re classed as non-geographic.

• 0330 / 0333 numbers are often used by businesses that want to appear accessible nationwide. They’re charged at the same rate as local calls, making them cost-friendly for customers.
• 0800 numbers are completely free to call, which can be a strong trust signal and a way to encourage enquiries.

Geographic vs Non-Geographic

• Geographic numbers (01/02): Linked to a specific area, often chosen by businesses wanting to highlight local presence.
• Non-geographic numbers (0330/0333/0800): Portable, location-independent, and ideal for businesses that operate nationally or want to project a larger image.

Put simply: local numbers anchor your business to a place, while national numbers free you from location.

Are 0330 and 0800 Numbers Free? (Costs Explained)

When choosing a business number, cost is one of the first things customers think about. Misunderstandings around “free” numbers can affect whether someone picks up the phone, so it’s important to get the facts straight.

Are 0330 Numbers Free?

No—0330 numbers are not free. However, they are charged at the same rate as standard UK landline numbers (01 or 02). For most callers, this means:

• If you have inclusive minutes on your mobile or landline plan, 0330 calls are included.
• If you don’t have inclusive minutes, you’ll pay your normal landline rate.

In other words, calling a 0330 number usually costs nothing extra for most customers.

See more on 0330 calling costs.

Are 0800 Numbers Free from Mobiles?

Yes—0800 numbers are free to call from both landlines and mobiles. That hasn’t always been the case: until 2015, some mobile networks charged for 0800 calls. Today, the rule is simple—whether you’re calling from a mobile or landline, you won’t be charged.

The caveat?

• If you’re abroad, calling an 0800 number may not be free.
• Some providers may exclude certain special services that look like 0800, so it’s worth checking.

What Do 0330 and 0800 Numbers Cost for Businesses?

It’s not just callers who need to think about costs. If you’re setting up a business number, pricing works differently depending on whether you choose a local, national, or freephone number.

Cost of 0330 Numbers for Businesses

• Setup & rental: Usually low cost, often bundled with cloud telephony or VoIP packages (like Plexatalk).
• Call charges: Incoming calls are typically charged at standard geographic rates, so businesses don’t carry the cost of customer calls.
• Best for: Companies who want a professional nationwide image without paying for every incoming call.

Cost of 0800 Numbers for Businesses

• Setup & rental: Slightly higher than a local or 0330 number.
• Call charges: The business pays for every incoming call, whether from a landline or mobile. This makes 0800 a bigger investment, but it can drive more calls because customers know it’s free.
• Best for: Businesses that want to remove all barriers for customers to pick up the phone—great for sales-led organisations, charities, and customer service lines.

Pros and Cons of Local Numbers for Business

Local numbers (01 / 02) are a natural fit for businesses that want to emphasise their connection to a specific area. They carry clear benefits, but there are also trade-offs to consider.

Pros of Local Numbers

• Build trust in local markets – Customers often feel more comfortable calling a business with a familiar area code, especially if they prefer dealing with someone nearby.
• Easier for local advertising – A local number stands out in regional ads, flyers, and directories, making it clear you serve that area.
• Good for sole traders and SMEs – Smaller businesses can project a friendly, community-based image without the need for a national presence.
• Potentially cheaper perception – Some customers still assume calling a local number will cost less than a national one, even if inclusive minutes mean the difference is negligible.

Cons of Local Numbers

• Limits your reach – A geographic code can make your business seem tied to one region, which may deter customers outside that area.
• Less scalable – If you expand beyond your local market, juggling multiple area codes can become messy.
• Not as professional for larger firms – Bigger organisations may find a local-only presence makes them look smaller or less capable of serving clients nationally.

In short: Local numbers are perfect if you want to emphasise trust and community, but may hold you back if your ambitions are national.

Pros and Cons of National Numbers (0330, 0800, etc.)

National numbers give your business a presence that isn’t tied to a single region. They’re especially useful for companies serving customers across the UK or those that want to project a more established, professional image.

Pros of National Numbers

• National presence – Your business looks accessible from anywhere, not just one city or county.
• Professional image – Larger organisations often use 0330 or 0800 numbers, so customers may associate them with credibility and scale.
• Flexible & portable – Non-geographic numbers aren’t locked to an office location. If you move, expand, or go remote, your number stays the same.
• 0800 encourages more calls – Because they’re free, 0800 numbers remove cost barriers for customers, making them ideal for sales or support lines.

Cons of National Numbers

• Less personal – A 0330 or 0800 number doesn’t signal a local presence, which may be a drawback for businesses that rely on community trust.
• Business costs – With 0800 numbers, the business covers all incoming call charges. This can add up if call volumes are high. By contrast, 0330 numbers don’t carry this cost, making them more budget-friendly.
• Customer perceptions – Some people still assume 0330 numbers are premium-rate, even though they’re charged at standard rates (and usually included in mobile minutes).

In short: National numbers are great for scale, flexibility, and professionalism. But for smaller, locally rooted businesses, they may feel too corporate—or too costly in the case of 0800.

Which Is the Best Phone Number for Business in the UK?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best phone number for business in the UK—it depends on your size, goals, and the customers you serve. Here’s how to think about it by scenario:

• Sole trader or small local business → Local (01/02)
  If you’re serving customers in a specific area, a local number builds trust and makes your advertising more effective.
• Growing SME → 0330
  As you expand beyond your home patch, a 0330 number gives you a nationwide presence without tying you to one city. It’s professional, cost-neutral, and easy to scale.
• Customer-service heavy business → 0800
  If you rely on inbound calls—sales lines, support desks, charities—an 0800 number removes the cost barrier for your customers and encourages more engagement.
• Businesses needing maximum flexibility → VoIP numbers
  Whether local or national, choosing a VoIP service (like Plexatalk) means your number isn’t tied to one phone line or office. You can route calls anywhere, add numbers as you grow, and manage everything in the cloud.

How to Get a Local or National Phone Number with Plexatalk

Whether you want to keep things local with an 01/02 number, go nationwide with a 0330, or encourage more calls with a free 0800, Plexatalk makes it simple to set up the right option for your business.

With our cloud-based system, you can:

• Choose from local, national, or freephone numbers.
• Route calls to mobiles, desktops, or teams anywhere in the UK.
• Add or change numbers easily as your business grows.
• Manage everything in one place with no complex setup.

👉 Ready to get started? Talk to Plexatalk today

Local vs National Phone Numbers – FAQs