Never call someone on a non-geographic number.
0870, 0845 and to a lesser extent 0844 numbers may be advertised as being 'local rate' but are never included within call packages and if you need to call from your mobile phone, it will leave you with an invoice that's comparable to Hitlers gas bill.

Use www.saynoto0870.com/ to find a geographic alternative which will generally prove to be much cheaper, or even free depending on your provider and packages!

Never call an 0800 number from your mobile phone either, these generally charge unless the people you're calling have an arrangement with the phone operators. Use a phone box instead, if you can still find one.
( Muns, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 15:50, 9 replies)

If I recall
an 0800 number from a mobile will usually (always?) tell you if it's not free and get you to call back dropping the first '0'.

I agree with you though, the worst thing ever in telecoms was when the companies worked out they could make money from phonecalls. The worst bit is how confusing it is - I know in some cases it's probably cheaper to use the non-geo number, but you just can't tell.
(username failed moderation, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 15:54, closed)

There is an iPhone app: 0800 Wizard. This lets you call 0800's on your mobile for no cost.

( Fucking hell Jeff I am not a robot, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:01, closed)

If you must call 0800 from your (smart)phone
Get the Skype app. 0800 numbers are free on Skype.

e: ^^^^^ or what he said ^^^^^
(bblgoose, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:03, closed)

This.
works like an absolute charm.
( Muns, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:06, closed)

The fucking DWP
is on am 0845 number and as I'm with Virgin, it costs me 10p a minute to sort out the almighty cock-ups that the civil service made to my dole claims this year.
( P-MONKE We're all fucked, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:09, closed)

Save money.
Get a job.
(MayorBoris, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:13, closed)

^^ This ^^
With fucking bells on.
( The Mock Turtle ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:18, closed)

I trust you have the XL TV package
And 20mb broadband.
(username failed moderation, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 16:15, closed)

Um, the 0845/0870 ones are included in a BT call package. Not sure about any other providers, but then again I don't actually own a landline phone to make the most of it anyway.
(jamesthegill opens new tabs with his scroll wheel, Mon 14 Nov 2011, 21:05, closed)