020 area code

London

Google Map of area

UK area code 020 covers central London and most of the rest of the Greater London area. It also covers small parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey.

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Formatting 020 Numbers

Local telephone numbers in London are 8 digits long. An 020 number should be displayed in the format: (020) xxxx xxxx.

When displaying an 020 phone number for international callers, it should be shown in the style: +44 20 xxxx xxxx.

Displaying 020 numbers in the correct format makes them easier to remember and dial correctly. [Reasons why...]

Recent History

The 020 area code has existed since April 2000. As of 2012, all standard local numbers begin with '3', '7' or '8'.

1958Beginnings of 'subscriber trunk dialling'. During the following decade, London standardises on 7-digit numbers and the area code 01.
Example: 01-222 1234
1990London area code split into two: 071 for inner London and 081 for outer London.
Example: (071) 222 1234
1995Area codes 071 and 081 become 0171 and 0181 as part of national renumbering.
Example: (0171) 222 1234
2000London returns to a single area code: 020. Local numbers become eight digits long: old 7-digit numbers from the 0171 area are prefixed with '7', while those from the 0181 area are prefixed with '8'.
Example: (020) 7222 1234
2005Local numbers beginning with '3' made available.

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