Beat 118 Service Costs

There 118 prefix is used by directory enquiry services. While these can be useful, be aware that some people are getting big phone bills along with the phone number for their local Chinese takeaway. In 2014, service 118118 received a £80,000 fine from regulator Phonepay Plus for not fully informing customers of the cost of its service.

But no directory enquiry numbers are cheap - especially from your mobile phone. Charges can be up to £5 per minute - and on top of that, connection charges can cost up to another £5. So try the following instead.

• Google it - search online quickly for free or minimal cost (using some of your smartphone's data allowance).
• Use the free 0800buster free directory enquiries service 0800 118 3733 - calls are converted to local call rates, which will be covered under your contract's minutes. NB. It's automated so you'll have to listen to ads.
• Select your mobile provider's own directory enquiry service.  2014 costs. Orange charges £1.29 in total to use its 118000 service (£2.25 initial call charge plus £2.25 per minute to call 118118 from an Orange phone). Vodafone charges 85p per minute to use its 118881 service (up to £3.75 per minute to dial other 118 numbers from a Vodafone phone). O2 charges £1 per minute for its 118042 service (£5 per minute to other 118 services from an O2 phone). Three charges £1 per minute for its 118333 service (up to £5 to call other 118 services from a Three phone).
• Do not ask to be connected. After receiving your number, hang up and dial yourself - or you'll be charged the premium rate for the rest of the call.

Feature in Good Housekeeping September 2014