Are 0333 numbers free to call on EE, O2, Vodafone or 3?
How much it costs to call 0333 non-geographic numbers on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three - inclusive minutes, pay-as-you-go rates and international calls.
In this guide, we explain what 0333 numbers are and what they cost to call on each of the four major UK mobile networks: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three.
What are 0333 numbers?
0333 numbers are non-geographic telephone numbers used in the United Kingdom. They are commonly used by businesses, organisations and government agencies as a way to provide a single nationwide contact number.
The key characteristics of 0333 numbers are:
- Non-geographic. Unlike traditional geographic numbers that are tied to a specific area (such as 0207 for London), 0333 numbers are not associated with any particular location. Callers from anywhere in the UK dial the same number.
- National rate. Calls to 0333 numbers are typically charged at the same rate as calls to standard landline numbers (01 or 02). On most modern plans, calls are included in your inclusive minutes allowance - making them effectively free.
- Customer-friendly. Businesses often choose 0333 numbers because they are easy to remember and project a professional, nationwide presence.
How much do you have to pay to call 0333 numbers on EE?
EE offers a range of plans for both pay monthly and pay as you go customers, and call charges depend on the specific plan you are on. If your plan includes inclusive minutes, calls to 0333 numbers come out of your allowance - you will not be charged extra.
If you have used up your allowance or do not have inclusive minutes remaining, standard call charges apply. The out-of-allowance rate for calling 0333 numbers on EE is around 30p per minute. If you are calling from abroad, you will be charged at EE’s international rate for the country you are in.
How much do you have to pay to call 0333 numbers on O2?
O2 also offers pay monthly and pay as you go plans, and call charges depend on the plan. If your contract includes inclusive minutes, calls to 0333 numbers come out of your allowance and you will not be charged extra.
If you have used up your allowance, standard call charges apply. The out-of-allowance rate for calling 0333 numbers on O2 is around 35p per minute. Calls from abroad are charged at O2’s international rate for the country you are in.
How much do you have to pay to call 0333 numbers on Vodafone?
Vodafone customers on contracts with inclusive minutes will have 0333 calls taken from their allowance at no extra cost.
If you are out of allowance or on pay as you go, charges apply. Pay as you go customers pay around 30p per minute, while out-of-bundle calls on a contract can be charged at up to 55p per minute. Calls from abroad are charged at Vodafone’s international rate for the country you are in.
How much do you have to pay to call 0333 numbers on Three?
Three customers with inclusive minutes can call 0333 numbers free from their allowance.
If you have used up your allowance, standard call charges apply. Three’s out-of-allowance rate for 0333 calls is around 3p per minute - substantially lower than the other major networks. Calls from abroad are charged at Three’s international rate.
Summary
In short, 0333 numbers are almost always free to call on EE, O2, Vodafone and Three when you have inclusive minutes left on your plan, because they are billed at the same rate as a standard 01/02 landline call. Out-of-allowance rates vary considerably between networks - Three being the cheapest at around 3p per minute, with the others ranging from 30p to 55p per minute. Rates change over time, so it is always worth checking your operator’s current price list before assuming a call will be free.