Londra Turu - Communications

A UK phone number consists of an area code followed by a subscriber number. Area codes, such as 020 for London numbers, always begin with a zero. When calling a number which has the same area code as the phone from which you are dialling from, the area code can be omitted. The international dialling code for the UK is 44. When calling a UK number from abroad the leading zero of the area code must be omitted. To dial an international number while within the UK first dial 00 followed by the country code for the country you are calling and the number as necessary.

The number of public phones in the UK has reduced in recent years due to the increased ownership of mobile phones, however, you will still generally find them on most high streets, at bus and train stations and in shopping centres. Although you may still occasionally see the traditional red telephone box these have now largely been replaced by more modern structures.

Public phones accept coins as a method of payment and may occasionally accept credit/debit cards. The minimum fee for a cash call is 40p but considerably higher when using a credit/debit card. Some public phones also offer internet access, email and text messaging facilities. Public phones may accept incoming calls and the number of the phone will be displayed on the information panel within the phone box.

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The cost of international calls can be expensive when dialled directly from the UK. However, it is possible to buy discount phone cards from newsagents and other retail shops which generally offer a significant saving over directly dialled calls from a payphone or other landline. To use these cards you usually dial an access number within the UK, followed by a pin number which will be found under a scratch off strip on the card, followed by the international number you wish to call.

The free phone number for contacting the emergency services; police, fire and ambulance is 999.

For more information on public phones see the BT Payphone website.

Mobile phone network coverage is extensive throughout the UK. You will probably be able to use your mobile in the UK provided international roaming has been enabled by your own mobile network provider. If you are planning to use your mobile within the UK be sure to ascertain the dialling procedures and call rates beforehand as call costs may be very expensive. If you are planning to stay in the UK for an extended period and envisage the need to make many calls you could consider buying a prepay sim card from one of the UK operators. These can be purchased for a few pounds but may not work in your phone if it has been locked by your own network operator. A basic prepay phone on a UK network can be purchased for £20.00 - £30.00.

For more information on mobile phone prices see the Carphone Warehouse website.

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Internet access is widely available throughout the UK with an internet cafe on most high streets. Access rates vary but should not cost more than a few pounds per hour. An increasing number of hotels, bars and coffee shops now offer wireless internet access to those who have their own access devices. Most public libraries offer free internet access but booking might be necessary.

Although the number of post offices have been reduced in recent years, most towns still have a main post office and a large number of sub post offices which offer a smaller range of services. The most probable reason to visit a post office is to determine the cost of posting a letter/package, to arrange for special delivery of an item or to purchase postage stamps. If you wish to send an item to a foreign destination you will need to check the cost of postage at a post office.

Mail within the UK can be posted either first or second class. A first class letter should arrive at a UK destination on the next working day but this is not guaranteed. A second class letter can take several days to be delivered. The cost of postage varies by weight and size with the cost of posting a standard letter weighing up to 100g being 32p first class and 23p second class. Booklets of first and second class stamps for the postage of standard sized items weighing up to 100g can be purchased at a large number of locations including newsagents and supermarkets.

Post boxes are red in colour and can be found on most street corners and outside all post offices. Letters are generally collected from post boxes once a day.

For more information on postage rates visit the Royal Mail website.

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