0207

0207 is a geographic telephone dialing code used in the United Kingdom as part of the London area code system. It is associated with central and inner parts of London within the broader 020 geographic code, with 0208 traditionally serving outer London areas. The distinction between 0207 and 0208 reflects the changes brought by the UK’s number changes, rather than a hard boundary of modern postal or administrative areas.

Historically, 0207 and 0208 originated from the reorganization of London area codes during the Big Number Change in 2000, which replaced the former codes 071 and 081 for London with the unified 020 prefix. The second digit after 020—namely 7 or 8—was used to indicate inner versus outer London at the time of reallocation, though in practice both prefixes now accommodate a wide range of central and metropolitan numbers.

Dialing patterns and usage: In the United Kingdom, callers dial 0207 followed by the local number when contacting a London line from another UK location. The exact local number length varies, but many London numbers after the 0207 prefix consist of eight digits in total. From outside the UK, the leading zero is dropped, so an international caller would dial a format like +44 20 7 xxxx xxxx. Mobile and some modern services may also route through 0207 numbers, under the general London geographic numbering plan.

Administration and scope: The 0207 prefix is administered under Ofcom’s UK numbering plan as a geographic London code. It works in tandem with 0208, which covers outer London areas, to provide a unified London presence in the national system. See also: 0208, London area codes.