Local numbers
The 0207 Area Code, Explained
Straight answer: there is no 0207 code - it is 020, London. Numbers beginning 020 7 are the range that inherited inner London's numbers when 0171 became 020 in the year 2000. The oldest, most established London range - and the reason people still assume a "7" means central London.
ONSIM provides London numbers on your mobile from £5/month + VAT, and existing 020 7 numbers can be ported in and kept.
Where 0207 came from
Inner London dialled 0171 through the 1990s (and 01 then 071 before that). In the Big Number Change of 2000, London consolidated on a single 020 code with 8-digit local numbers: 0171 numbers became (020) 7xxx xxxx and 0181 numbers became (020) 8xxx xxxx. The "7" is the first digit of the local number - but because it faithfully preserved the old inner-London numbering, the range kept its central-London character.
That heritage is why 020 7 numbers read as established: the theatres, chambers, ministries and firms that had 0171 numbers still have the same digits today, behind the 020 code.
Why am I getting calls from 0207?
Because much of institutional London lives in this range: banks, hospitals, government departments, law firms, insurers. A 020 7 number in your call log is more often than not exactly what it appears to be.
Which is also why scammers like wearing it: a trusted prefix lowers guards, and caller ID can be spoofed. The rule survives contact with prestige: an unexpected caller wanting bank details, passwords or remote access is a scam, whatever the number. Check any UK number with the free ONSIM UK phone number checker.
020 3, 020 4, 020 7, 020 8 - all London
Four ranges, one city, one area code.
020 7
Historically inner London (the old 0171). Long established, prestigious, scarce for new allocations - this page.
020 8
Historically outer London (the old 0181). Also long established and in short supply. About 0208.
020 3
Added in 2005, allocated London-wide with no district meaning. About 0203.
020 4
Added in 2019, allocated London-wide. Where new London numbers come from today. About 0204.
Full history of London numbering on the London 020 numbers page.
Keep the 0207 number you already have
If your firm has carried a 020 7 number since the 0171 days, it is an asset worth keeping - and the PSTN switch-off does not have to take it. Port it to ONSIM and it lives on the mobile network: on a Landline SIM in your team's handsets, or as a Virtual Landline forwarded to any phone. Porting in is included on Landline SIM, or a one-off £20 + VAT on Virtual Landline.
Need a new London number instead? Supply in the 020 7 range is scarce, so most new allocations start 020 4 - equally London, far easier to get. If 020 7 specifically matters, ask us about availability.
Pricing
Virtual Landline (from £5/mo + VAT): a London number that rings on your existing mobile. Includes up to 2,500 forwarding minutes. Inbound calls only.
Landline SIM (from £10/user/mo + VAT): inbound and outbound calls showing your London number, delivered natively via SIM/eSIM. Unlimited UK calls under fair use.
0207 number FAQs
Common questions about 0207 and London numbering.