020 Area Code: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Any number with the initial 020 rapidly directs you toward London – the energetic and buzzling city in the United Kingdom. It covers large geographic area that include a number of place within the city. They are of course numerical and you may immediately be tempted to think that the numbers following 020 may be random but this is not the case at all and infact it is easier to look at them and note down the various boroughs and areas that go along with the Arabic numerals.

In this detailed tutorial, the reader will gain understanding of the 020 region code. We will also look at its historical background, the geographical locations it spans and several services under it. Moreover, we will give useful advice and brief explanation allowing you to easily work with this area code.

The History of 020

The 020 area code was adopted in 1995 as a Numbering Plan Area (NPA 02 ). This new numbering plan was to cover the increasing telecommunications demands that were in London and its vicinity. Before the advent of 020 as the main code for London, the city had been using all sorts of codes known to either the callers or those being called.

The adoption of this code was very enriching to those in London as it eased the various calling manners especially the dialing process. It also facilitated the administration of telephone numbers within the city to see that there were adequate telephone numbers in the city to cater for the growing user demands.

Regions Covered by 020

The 020 area code has been assigned for a very large region within the boundaries of the city of London, many of them being boroughs or districts. Some of the key regions within the 020 area code include:

• Central London: This include places of interest like the Westminster area, Soho district, Covent garden and the business district of City of London.
• West London: This region involves places such as Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, and Fulham.
• East London: This include boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham.
• South London: This included parts like Lambeth, Southwark, Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames.
• North London: This region comprises the following boroughs, Camden, Islington, Haringey and Enfield.

Note: The regions that fall under the 020 area code may also change with time as new developments are made while some area may get redeveloped in the London region.

Understanding 020 Number Patterns

Although the numbers after 020 may seem arbitrary, they follow specific order. The best scheme which may be extracted from this pattern could contain information about the location of the telephone number in London.

• 020 7: This prefix is mainly used to refer to Central London, which is also referred to as the City and Westminster.
• 020 8: This prefix is applied most often to districts in Greater London, which include Croydon, Bromley, and Harrow.
• 020 3: This prefix is popularly used in relating to newer estates and commercial hubs within the city of London.

As with all archetypes, it is necessary to remember that the patterns listed above are general and may be overruled by exceptions.

What Options do People in the 020 Area Code Zone Have?

The 020 area code is used for a wide range of services, including:

• Landline telephones: Business as well as residential geographic; phone numbers assigned to the 020 geographical area code.
• Mobile phones: A few mobile communication networks provide numbers of the 020 code.
• VoIP services: Thus, most of the VoIP providers include numbers with the 020 area code.
• Business services: Londoners especially incorporate 020 numbers in their working places, customer relations, and all other business related contact numbers.

Making Calls Within and to Other Locations Using the 020 Code

Dialing Within the 020 Area Code

• To call the number within 020 area code from another part of the United Kingdom, a person only has to type the number in its full length (for example, 020 7123 4567).

Dialing Numbers Outside the 020 Area Code

• When calling a number that lies in an area code other than 020 within the United Kingdom, then one dials the area code then the local number. For instance, if one needed to dial a number in Manchester with the area code 0161, he or she was going to dial 0161 123 4567.

International Dialing

• In order to call a number with a 020 code if you are calling from a foreign country. You will have to always use the UK country code which is +44. For instance, if the 020 number is to be dialled in the United States it will be +44 20 7123 4567.

SOME HINTS ON USING 020 AREA CODE

• Verify the area code: Before dialing any number in London, it is advisable to double check the area code which is 020 all the time.
• Use a reliable directory: If you are in doubt about the number, contact a directory service with a view of getting the right information.
• Consider using a local number: For any business which is based in London. It may be wise to take advantage of a local 020 number in order to identify your company more closely with the city.
• Be aware of call scams: However, there are people who may try to steal other people’s money via 020 numbers. While it may sound obvious do not give out any personal details or financial information with anyone who calls unexpectedly.

FAQs

Q: If I live in some other of the UK can I obtain the 020 number?

A: Yes, it is possible for you to be allocated a 020 number, but you live t outside London area. Today the companies that offer VoIP services provide the opportunity to get the virtual numbers with the 020 area code.

Q: What is the difference between a 020 7 and a 020 8 number?

A: However, 020 7 numbers link to central London. While 020 8 numbers are usually linked to outer London regions. Sometimes this may not be the case but there are some exemptions.

Q: Can one use a 020 number with a mobile phone?

A: Of course, there are definitely companies providing mobile phone network connections with numbers belong to 020 area code. However, the availability, depend on the network provider and the geographical area in which they operate.

Q: In this connection, is this a cheap way to call a 020 number at another country?

A: It is impossible to explain distance dialing going through another country. As the total cost depends with the type of phone plan, and the specific rates imposed by the service provider. Unfortunately information on the international call rates tends to vary. Therefore it would be wise to contact your provider for more information.

Conclusion

The 020 area code is as important a part of London’s telephony as any other number used in the city. They exist within a broad area in the city and serve for dwelling and commercial purposes. Therefore, when using the 020 area code, you can be conversant on the historical background. The regions and the various services linked to this code. Absolutely, whether you are a Londoner or only in the city for a short visit, or even if you are a business establishment. It is for your own benefit if you know about the ‘020’ area code.