HMRC 0300 Numbers NOT CHEAPER!

HMRC 0300 Numbers NOT CHEAPER!

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I went over my minutes on my mobile phone plan this month for the first time in ages.  What astounded me was that the 0300 numbers where more expensive to dial than the 0845 with O2.  Now when you phone HMRC on an 0845 number, all you hear is you might like to dial 0300 next time, as it is cheaper.  How can they say this, when it isn't?  I did what they said and dialled 0300 when if I had of known I would have continued to use the 0845.   Just thought I would post this, in case others are not aware of it.  I dialled an 0845 number for 52 minutes and was charged £8, I then dialled an 0300 number for 22 minutes and was charged £7.

Replies (10)

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By Moonbeam
15th Aug 2014 13:27

Mobiles are different

I think the 0300 numbers are only free when using a landline. I have never tried using them on a mobile phone, but would bet these numbers would be chargeable, as it's a very different charging concept.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By james3
17th Aug 2014 18:00

Re: mobiles

Moonbeam wrote:

I think the 0300 numbers are only free when using a landline. I have never tried using them on a mobile phone, but would bet these numbers would be chargeable, as it's a very different charging concept.

03 numbers aren't free like 0800 numbers, but they cost the same to call as 01/02 numbers and will be included in your free minutes if you have any. O2 must just charge more to call 01/02 numbers than 0845 numbers.

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By Carolynne
15th Aug 2014 14:12

Free within trariff

I checked today with O2 and the 0300 numbers are free within your inclusive minutes, whereas the 0845 are not.  Therefore I have changed all my HMRC numbers to the 0300 type, but if I go over my inclusive minutes they are more expensive than 0845 to dial, so I will have to keep a close eye on this.

Thanks (1)
RLI
By lionofludesch
15th Aug 2014 14:46

Dear me

What a chatterbox you are !!

I've never been anywhere near using my inclusive minutes allowance in the 20 years I've had a mobile phone.

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Replying to ScribbleD:
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By Carolynne
15th Aug 2014 17:00

Pleased to say

Well I'm pleased to say, I only went over my minutes, as I had taken on a number of new clients - more than usual in one month.  I've upped my minutes since with my provider.  But still miffed at the charges they gave me.

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By Mekabear
15th Aug 2014 15:39

Calling from abroad

I like to keep an eye out for "calling from abroad" numbers, as they are easily editable into normal telephone numbers.

 

For example on the HMRC website  

http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/contactus/view.page?record=hpkspulskxM

If you're calling from abroad please telephone:  +44 135 535 9022

 

Just remove the +44 and replace with a 0

 

0135 535 9022

 

I do this with banks all the time (always one of these numbers on the back of a credit card), as not a fan of 0845 numbers.

 

Never had a problem with people claiming I’m not abroad when I ring them.

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By Briar
15th Aug 2014 15:44

Ask for the Welsh speaking dept

When I receive annoying calls for abroad, I ask to speak to their Welsh speaking dept. Totally baffles them! The banks sometimes put you through and the dept deos not seem to mind when I speak English.

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RLI
By lionofludesch
17th Aug 2014 08:51

Change Provider

Tell them you're outraged at your charges.  Often works - no guarantees, though.

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By dnicholson
17th Aug 2014 21:11

Your plan
Surely the problem is with your calling plan rather than HMRC?

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