Maybe you're an expat who left the UK but not your bank. Maybe you have family in London. Maybe you run a business that serves British customers. Whatever the reason, you need a +44 number and you don't live on the island.
Why you might need a UK number
- Banking: UK banks require a UK mobile for SMS verification. NatWest doesn't care that you now live in Bali.
- Business: A London number (020) makes your business look established and local.
- Family: Give your nan a local number to call instead of an international one.
- HMRC: Because of course the tax office only works with UK numbers.
Your options
1. Cloud phone service (Recommended)
Services like Jaambo offer UK numbers (+44) that work from any browser. Full SMS support means you can receive bank verification codes. Calls are routed through WebRTC for crystal-clear quality.
Cost: $5/month + pay-as-you-go calls
SMS: Yes, including short codes from most UK banks
Calls: Receive free, outgoing from $0.02/min (landline) to $0.08/min (mobile)
2. UK SIM in a dual-SIM phone
Buy a UK SIM (giffgaff, Three, etc.) and keep it in your phone. Works well but requires a physical SIM, may have minimum top-up requirements, and roaming charges apply outside the UK.
Cost: £6-10/month minimum
Hassle: Physical SIM management, roaming
3. Skype Number
Offers UK numbers but no SMS support. At $8/month, it's more expensive and less capable than cloud alternatives.
Cost: $8/month
SMS: No
4. Google Voice
Not available in the UK. US only. Moving on.
UK number formats explained
- Mobile: +44 7XXX XXX XXX (starts with 07)
- London landline: +44 20 XXXX XXXX
- Other landline: +44 1XXX XXX XXX or +44 2X XXXX XXXX
Most services that require a "UK mobile" will accept numbers starting with +44 7.
Which banks work with VoIP numbers?
Based on community reports:
- Barclays: Works
- HSBC: Works
- Lloyds: Works
- NatWest: Works (some users report delays)
- Monzo: Usually works
- Revolut: Works
The key is using a proper cloud number (not a disposable/temporary one). Services like Jaambo provision numbers through Telnyx that are registered correctly with UK carriers.
Get a UK number today — works from any browser, anywhere in the world.