0204 Area Code | The New London Number Explained | ONSIM

Question 1

What is the 0204 area code?

Accepted Answer

0204 is a London number. The London area code is 020, and local numbers beginning with 4 are simply the newest batch, released by Ofcom in October 2019 when the older 020 3, 020 7 and 020 8 ranges were running out. A number written as 0204 xxx xxxx is really (020) 4xxx xxxx - the same area code as every other London number.

Question 2

Where is the 0204 dialling code? What area is it?

Accepted Answer

London. 0204 numbers are allocated across the whole of Greater London with no district distinction, exactly like 020 3 numbers. They are not tied to north, south, east or west London, and they are not a different town - if you see 0204, think London.

Question 3

Is 0204 a new area code?

Accepted Answer

No, and this is the common misunderstanding. The area code is still 020, the same as it has been since 2000. Ofcom simply opened local numbers beginning with 4 in October 2019, adding around 10 million new London numbers, because fewer than a million were left across the existing 020 3, 7 and 8 ranges. 0204 is a new number range within the existing London code, not a new code.

Question 4

Why am I getting calls from 0204 numbers?

Accepted Answer

Because 0204 is where new London numbers come from. Since 2019, businesses taking a new London number have commonly been allocated one starting 020 4, so newer companies, call centres and delivery firms are heavily represented in the range. Some spam callers use new ranges too, as they do with every UK number type. Treat an unexpected 0204 call the same as any unknown call: legitimate if the caller and their request check out, suspicious if they push for bank details, passwords or remote access.

Question 5

Is 0204 a scam number range?

Accepted Answer

No. 0204 is a standard Ofcom-administered London number range, charged at normal landline rates and used by thousands of legitimate businesses. It gets a scammy reputation only because it is unfamiliar - people know 020 7 and 020 8, so 0204 looks odd. Scammers can spoof any number, so judge the call rather than the prefix. You can look up any UK number format with the free ONSIM UK phone number checker.

Question 6

How do I dial a 0204 number?

Accepted Answer

Exactly like any other London number. From a mobile or from outside London, dial the full number: 020 4xxx xxxx. From a London landline you can dial just the 8-digit local number. From abroad, replace the leading 0 with +44, so +44 20 4xxx xxxx.

Question 7

How much does it cost to call a 0204 number?

Accepted Answer

The same as any UK landline. 0204 numbers are standard geographic 02 numbers, so calls are charged at your normal landline rate and are covered by inclusive minutes on UK mobile and landline plans. There is no premium of any kind.

Question 8

What is the difference between 0203, 0204, 0207 and 0208 numbers?

Accepted Answer

All are London numbers on the 020 code. 020 7 was historically inner London and 020 8 outer London. 020 3 (added in 2005) and 020 4 (added in 2019) are allocated London-wide with no geographic distinction. All four are equally valid London numbers and cost the same to call - 0204 is just the newest.

Question 9

Can I get a 0204 number for my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and if you want a new London number today, a 020 4 number is what you are most likely to be allocated, since the older ranges are scarce. ONSIM provides London numbers from £5/month + VAT on Virtual Landline, with calls ringing on your existing mobile.

Question 10

How much does a 0204 number cost?

Accepted Answer

ONSIM Virtual Landline starts at £5/month + VAT, including a London number and up to 2,500 forwarding minutes to your existing mobile. For outbound calls showing your London number, ONSIM Landline SIM starts at £10/user/month + VAT with unlimited UK calls under fair use.

Question 11

Do I need to be based in London to get a 0204 number?

Accepted Answer

No. You can get a London number from anywhere in the UK. Businesses outside the capital commonly use an 020 number to establish a London presence when serving London-based clients.

Question 12

Will customers trust a 0204 number less than an 020 7 or 020 8 number?

Accepted Answer

Awareness of 0204 is still catching up, since the range only opened in 2019, but it is a genuine London number and recognition grows every year as more businesses use one. Presenting it in the standard 020 4xxx xxxx format makes the London connection obvious. If you specifically want an older range, ONSIM can discuss availability, though 020 7 and 020 8 numbers are scarce.

The 0204 Area Code, Explained

Where 0204 came from

Why am I getting calls from 0204?

020 3, 020 4, 020 7, 020 8 - all London

020 7

020 8

020 3

020 4

Getting a 0204 number for your business

Pricing

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