UK Area Code Finder

Questions about UK area codes

What is the difference between an area code and a dialling code?

Nothing: in the UK both names mean the first part of a landline number that shows the area, such as 0113 for Leeds. You may also see "STD code", the old name.

Do I need the area code for a local call?

From a landline in the same area you can usually leave it out. From a mobile you always need the full number including the area code.

How do I dial a UK area code from abroad?

Replace the first 0 with +44. For example 0113 becomes +44 113, so 0113 496 0000 is dialled as +44 113 496 0000 (or 011 44 113 496 0000 from the USA).

Does an area code show where a caller really is?

Not always. Internet phone services let people and companies use a local-looking number from anywhere, and scammers can fake caller ID. The area code only shows where the number belongs.

Why do some towns have longer area codes?

Big cities have short codes and longer local numbers (London 020, Birmingham 0121); smaller towns have five-digit codes like 01536. Every UK landline number still has 11 digits in total.