Hello there! Are you currently abroad and need to get in touch with Nationwide? Whether it's for general enquiries, reporting a lost card, or dealing with something more urgent like fraud, calling a UK-based institution from overseas can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. But don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you can connect with Nationwide seamlessly and efficiently.
Let's get started, shall we?
How to Call Nationwide from Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Calling Nationwide from outside the UK requires a few key pieces of information and understanding how international dialing codes work. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth connection.
Step 1: Identify Your Reason for Calling (This is crucial!)
Before you even think about dialing, determine why you're calling Nationwide. Different departments and services within Nationwide have different contact numbers, and using the correct one will save you a lot of time and frustration.
- Are you calling about a general current account enquiry?
- Is it related to your FlexDirect or FlexPlus account specifically?
- Have you lost your debit or credit card?
- Are you reporting suspected fraud?
- Do you need help with your mortgage or savings?
Knowing the exact nature of your query will help you choose the correct international contact number.
Step 2: Locate the Correct International Contact Number
Nationwide provides specific international numbers for various services. It's vitally important to use the correct one for your specific need. Here are some of the most common international contact numbers for Nationwide:
Sub-heading: General Enquiries (Current Accounts)
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For most current account general enquiries (excluding FlexDirect and FlexPlus):
- +44 1793 65 67 89
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday and bank holidays, 8 am to 8 pm (UK time); Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm (UK time).
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For FlexDirect general enquiries:
- +44 1793 65 67 89
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm (UK time); Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm (UK time); Bank holidays, 8 am to 8 pm (UK time).
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For FlexPlus general enquiries:
- +44 1793 54 12 00
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm (UK time); Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm (UK time); Bank holidays, 8 am to 8 pm (UK time).
Sub-heading: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards
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For Lost or Stolen Debit/Savings Cards (24/7 Service):
- +44 1793 65 67 89
- This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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For Lost or Stolen Credit Cards (24/7 Service):
- +44 2476 43 89 96
- This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sub-heading: Reporting Fraud
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For Current Account Fraud (24/7 Service):
- +44 1793 65 67 89
- This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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For Credit Card Fraud (24/7 Service):
- +44 2476 43 89 97
- This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Important Note: Always verify the most up-to-date contact numbers on the official Nationwide website before dialing, as these can occasionally change.
Step 3: Understand International Dialing Codes
This is where many people get tripped up! When calling from abroad, you need to use specific codes to connect to a different country.
Sub-heading: The International Exit Code (IEC)
- What it is: This is the code you dial to "exit" the phone system of the country you are currently in. It varies by country.
- Common Examples:
- Most of Europe, Asia, and Africa: 00
- North America (USA, Canada): 011
- Australia: 0011
- Some other countries use different codes (e.g., 001, 002, 009).
- How to find yours: A quick online search for "international exit code [your current country]" will give you the answer. For instance, if you're in India, the exit code is 00.
Sub-heading: The UK Country Code
- The UK's country code is +44. This is a universal code.
- When you see a number like "+44 1793 65 67 89", the "+" signifies that you should replace it with your country's international exit code.
Sub-heading: Dropping the Leading Zero
- Crucial Rule: When dialing an international number for the UK, you must drop the leading zero from the UK local area code.
- For example, if a UK number is 01793 65 67 89, when calling from abroad, you would dial +44 1793 65 67 89. Notice the "0" from "01793" is removed.
Step 4: Put It All Together: Dialing the Number
Now that you have all the components, let's dial!
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Scenario 1: Dialing from a country where the exit code is 00 (e.g., India, most of Europe):
- You would dial: 00 44 [Nationwide number without the leading zero]
- Example (for general enquiries): 00 44 1793 65 67 89
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Scenario 2: Dialing from a country where the exit code is 011 (e.g., USA, Canada):
- You would dial: 011 44 [Nationwide number without the leading zero]
- Example (for general enquiries): 011 44 1793 65 67 89
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Dialing from a mobile phone: Many modern mobile phones allow you to simply hold down the '0' key until a '+' appears, or directly type the '+' symbol. If you can do this, then you can just dial: +44 [Nationwide number without the leading zero]
- Example: +44 1793 65 67 89
- This is often the easiest method for mobile users.
Step 5: Consider Time Zones
The UK operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during the summer months. Before you call, check the current time in the UK to ensure you're calling within Nationwide's operating hours. Calling outside these hours will likely result in an automated message or no answer.
- For instance, if you're in India, which is GMT+5:30, and it's 4 PM in Dhule, it would be 10:30 AM in the UK. This would be within their operating hours.
Step 6: Prepare Your Information
Before you connect with a Nationwide representative, have all your relevant account information ready. This will make the call much smoother and quicker.
- Your Nationwide customer number.
- Your account number(s).
- Your debit or credit card number (if applicable and safe to provide).
- Your security details (e.g., telephone banking passnumber, security questions).
- Details of your query or issue.
Step 7: Alternative Contact Methods (If Calling is Difficult)
While calling is often the quickest way to resolve urgent issues, if you're experiencing difficulties with international calls, Nationwide might offer alternatives:
- Internet Banking: Log in to your Nationwide Internet Bank. You might be able to send secure messages or use a chat function.
- Nationwide Banking App: The app often provides options for managing your accounts, reporting lost cards, and sometimes even a secure messaging service.
- Social Media (for general queries, not sensitive data): Nationwide has official social media channels. You can use these for general queries, but never share personal account information publicly. They may direct you to a secure channel for private discussions.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions and quick answers about calling Nationwide from abroad:
How to Find My Nationwide Customer Number?
Your customer number can often be found by logging into the Nationwide Banking app (under 'Details & Settings' > 'Your details') or the Internet Bank. If you can't access these, you'll need to call Nationwide, though they can usually identify you with other details.
How to Register for Nationwide Telephone Banking from Abroad?
You usually need to register for telephone banking by phone or in a UK branch. If you're abroad and haven't registered, you'll need to call the general enquiries international number and they can guide you through the process, which will likely involve sending a passnumber to your registered address.
How to Report a Suspicious Transaction if I'm Abroad?
Immediately call the relevant Nationwide fraud department international number: +44 1793 65 67 89 for current account fraud or +44 2476 43 89 97 for credit card fraud. These lines are available 24/7.
How to Check the Time in the UK for Calling Nationwide?
You can use a simple online search like "current time in London" or "UK time now" to find the precise time and compare it with your local time zone.
How to Save on International Calling Costs?
Consider using internet-based calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp (for calls if they support international numbers), or other VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services. These often offer significantly cheaper rates than traditional mobile roaming or international calls from landlines.
How to Get a Replacement Card While Abroad?
Call Nationwide using the lost/stolen card international number (+44 1793 65 67 89 for debit/savings, +44 2476 43 89 96 for credit). They can arrange for a replacement card to be sent to your overseas address, though delivery times may vary.
How to Deal with a Blocked Nationwide Card While Abroad?
If your card has been blocked due to suspected fraud or unusual activity, call the relevant fraud department number immediately. They can investigate and, if legitimate, unblock your card or issue a new one.
How to Access Nationwide Internet Banking from Abroad?
You can usually access Nationwide Internet Banking from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Ensure you have your login details and any necessary security devices (like a card reader) if required for certain transactions.
How to Get Help with Mortgage Enquiries from Abroad?
For mortgage-related enquiries, you would typically use the general enquiries international number (+44 1793 65 67 89) during their operating hours, and they will direct your call to the appropriate department.
How to Send Money Internationally with Nationwide While Abroad?
Nationwide offers international money transfers. You can usually do this through your Internet Banking service if you're registered. If you need assistance, call the general enquiries international number and they can guide you on the process and required details.
