Telephone Services
Public Telephones
There are two major providers of telephone and telecommunication services, these being British Telecommunications ("BT") and Mercury Communications; BT being the larger of the two.
Dial the following number for BT services:-
123 For the correct UK time.
100 UK Operator; for help making a UK call; making collect (reverse charges) calls to UK numbers; arranging for an alarm (early morning wake up) call; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
155 International Operator; for help making an international call; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; toll free.
192 UK Directory Enquires; for help finding a UK telephone or fax number; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
153 International Directory Enquiries for help finding an international telephone or fax number and International Direct Dial Codes; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
190 To send a telegram/telemessage from London, Birmingham, or Glasgow. To send one from any other part of the UK dial 100.
152 General Enquiries; information on BT products and services; toll free.
0800 282 429 For information about BT's Conference Call service.
0800 378 389 To make a call to a ship.
Public Telephones
Both companies provide public call boxes, although the majority are provided by BT. Full instructions on how to use the telephones are displayed in the call box.
BT call boxes.
These are glass type cubicles with either the word "Telephone" with red markings, or "Phonecard" with green markings, along the top of the cubical.
"Telephone" call boxes accept 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 coins, and some will also accept Access, AmEx, MasterCard and Visa credit and charge cards.
"Phonecard" call boxes do not accept cash. They will only accept pre-paid cards (which are about the size of a credit card) which are obtainable from main Post Offices and most newsagents. Also, some Phonecard boxes will accept Access, AmEx, MasterCard and Visa credit and charge cards. Phonecards are obtainable in £2, £4, £10, and £20 denominations.
Mercury call boxes.
These are blue and silver/gray cubicles. Currently, the majority only accept Mercury phonecards (which are similar to BT phonecards), in 50p, £1, £2, £4, £5 and £10 denominations. Additionally, some Mercury call boxes accept Access, AmEx, MasterCard and Visa credit and charge cards. Mercury phonecards are obtainable from British Rail train stations and major newsagents.
Generally both BT and Mercury phonecard call boxes tend to be used less than standard call boxes; often one will be available right next to a standard call box which has a queue of people waiting to use it. If you are likely to use a public call box, having a phonecard could save you having to queue up to make your call, or the need to have change.