UAE: 800 or 600, which number is toll free?

If you dial a 600 number, the cost of the call will be borne by you. — Which number is toll-free? Image Credit: Stock image

Dubai: Not all hotline numbers are created equal – while the contact number for your bank or go-to restaurant delivery might seem like it is toll free, look again. Depending on whether the hotline starts with an 800 or a 600, you may or may not be paying for the call you make.

800 Toll Free Service

Etisalat offers companies the option to choose an 800 number, which is toll free for customers calling in. The ‘800-‘ is usually followed by easy to remember digits, normally three or more. If a UAE hotline starts with 800, you can be rest assured that you will not be charged for the call you are making, whether from a landline or a mobile.

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telephone-586266_1920 smartphone generic — For illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Supplied

‘600-‘ hotlines

Etisalat’s ‘Service 600’ package is another option available to companies in the UAE, where organisations can have easy to remember numbers for their customers, but these are not toll free. Normal call rates would apply if you are ringing in the company, depending on whether you are calling from a landline or mobile, and these charges can add up, especially if you are on hold for long.