Living Abroad: Expats
For many expats, everyday communication is handled through apps such as WhatsApp, making it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. Yet there are moments when you need something more formal — a UK landline number. Whether it’s for personal banking, contacting official services, staying in touch with elderly relatives, or managing long, reliable calls back home, having a real UK number can make life abroad significantly easier.
Fortunately, several VoIP providers allow you to rent a UK geographic number (such as a Birmingham, London, or regional code) and use it from anywhere in the world — including Turkey. Many offer fixed-fee plans with inclusive calls to UK landlines and mobiles, and in some cases, to a range of international destinations too. While this article focuses on UK numbers, several of the providers listed also offer local numbers in many countries worldwide.
Below is a look at the leading services available, including the provider we personally use — Vonage — followed by a comparison chart showing typical call costs for phoning the UK from Turkey.
Top VoIP Providers for a UK Landline Number
1. Vonage
Vonage is a popular choice among both individuals and small businesses for its reliability and ease of use. With the ability to choose your own UK geographic number (including Birmingham and London), its app allows you to make and receive calls as though you were still in the UK. Plans include unlimited UK landline calls and competitive mobile rates, making it ideal for expats who phone the UK frequently.
Website: https://www.vonage.com/
2. Virtual Landline
Virtual Landline is a flexible UK-based VoIP service designed as a simple and contract-free option for anyone needing a UK number abroad. Plans start at low monthly prices, and users can enjoy inclusive inbound calls, low outbound rates, and the ability to forward calls to any device. It is often recommended as a modern alternative to app-based services.
Website: https://www.virtuallandline.co.uk/
3. Localphone
Localphone is well-known for offering some of the lowest international calling rates available. Users can rent a UK local number and make outbound calls at extremely competitive pay-as-you-go prices. It is a favourite among cost-conscious expats, particularly those making long or frequent calls to UK landlines and mobiles.
Website: https://www.localphone.com/
4. sipgate
Sipgate provides UK numbers along with a suite of advanced call features such as call routing, voicemail to email and simultaneous ring options. Its straightforward per-minute pricing appeals to expats who do not want a contract but still want a strong, business-grade telephony service at home.
Website: https://www.sipgate.co.uk/
5. FreeVOIP.co.uk
FreeVOIP offers SIP accounts, low per-minute call rates and the option to rent a UK geographic number with a top-up credit system. It is especially useful for expats who prefer a flexible, no-contract structure and already use software phones or hardware devices compatible with SIP.
Website: https://freevoip.co.uk/
Comparison Chart: Calling the UK from Turkey
| Provider | Cost to UK Landlines | Cost to UK Mobiles | Notes / Billing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vonage | Unlimited on UK calling plans | From approx. 10p/min on standard UK bundles | Monthly plans with inclusive minutes; ideal for regular UK callers |
| Virtual Landline | From ~1.1p/min outside bundles | Around 4p/min | Low-cost monthly plans; top-up required for outbound calls |
| Localphone | From around 0.5p/min (very low) | Typically around 1.8p/min | Extremely competitive per-minute rates; prepaid credit |
| sipgate | Around 1.0p/min | Around 9.9p/min | Simple pay-as-you-go billing; strong call management features |
| FreeVOIP.co.uk | Very low per-minute national rates | Varies | No contract; SIP-based calling with top-up credit |
Which Option Is Best for Expats?
If you make many calls to UK landlines, Vonage’s unlimited bundles provide excellent value.
If you prefer pay-as-you-go with ultra-low per-minute charges, Localphone or sipgate are strong choices.
If you want maximum flexibility with no contract, FreeVOIP.co.uk or Virtual Landline offer simple month-to-month solutions.
And if call management features matter (such as call routing or voicemail-to-email), sipgate provides a business-grade experience suitable even for home use.
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