Looking to get back in touch with someone? Or looking to check phone numbers of UK businesses? There are many ways to find phone numbers in the UK, from dedicated websites online, to bespoke phone services, to good old telephone directories.
These services provide UK phone numbers and vary as to whether they charge a premium fee, a basic fee or are completely free. It is worth noting, however, that some numbers are ex-directory or unlisted – this means that the person at the number has elected not to have their number included in official listings, in order to keep their details private.
Directory for UK Phone Numbers
There are a number of directories available for finding UK phone numbers. Some are still delivered to residential homes throughout the country or can be ordered to be delivered, such as the business listings phone book, the Yellow Pages. The content of UK phone books varies and is reflected by the colour paper it is printed on.
- White paper generally signifies personal listings in alphabetic order by surname.
- Yellow pages tend to denote business listings, which usually include paid advertising content.
Up-to-date copies of such telephone directories are kept in many public libraries for free access. For personal UK phone number directories, the main homeowner or person with whom the telephone account is registered will be listed. In business listings, phone numbers can be found under topic, which are then listed in alphabetical order with larger advertisements interspersed or around the edges of the pages.
Internet Phone Book
There are now numerous sites that function as an internet phone book to find UK phone numbers. Instead of looking through a list of alphabetical names or businesses, terms can be typed into search boxes to find residential names or businesses.
Limiting searches by location helps to narrow down the list of results returned. This service is provided for free by the BT Phone Directory and some others. However, some sites, such as 192.com - which provides more search services - charge for detailed results and premium searching. Addresses are frequently returned as well as phone numbers, and premuim pay sites can provide even more information.
Telephone Enquiries
UK phone numbers can be found quickly by phoning a telephone enquiries service. They will perform a search on the caller’s behalf to look up the number required.
Standard practice is to charge a one-off or connection fee when the number is called, followed by a charge per minute. For example, 118118 have a £1.29 one-off charge plus 39p/minute from landlines. Calls from mobiles can cost considerably more. Operators either put the caller directly through, or provide them with the number to call.
Specific business phone numbers can be found through this service, but many operators of telephone enquiries now offer more detailed services; callers may request from 188188, for example, a restaurant closest to their current location and the operator would be able to advise the caller on their phone number and details.
There are many ways to search for UK phone numbers, be it online, by phone or through the traditional paper directory method. Each has its own pros and cons, though keeping a personal record of all numbers called in an address book is an easy way to keep any costs down.
Aimee Steen - Aimee has been a published writer since 2008. She's a newly trained journalist with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for ...
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