Most people would like to save some money on their phone bill. If you call a directory enquiry, or 118 prefix number, then it can be quite costly. Here are a few ideas to avoid shocking phone bills.

1. Do your research

Picking the right 118 number can be the most important action you can take towards reducing the cost of your directory enquiries. Different service providers charge vastly different fees. However, most of them offer very similar services. Before you call a 118 phonenumber, you should know how much the service charges for the first minute along with the charge for additional minutes. You can look up the details of the fee structure when you are online, or request the information from the phone number company itself.

When you find a good number, store it in your phone for when you need it. This will insure that, when you make a directory enquiry, you will not get any nasty surprises on your bill.

2. Mobile or landline

Directory enquiries made from mobile phones and landlines are often charged different rates. Usually calling from a mobile phone is much more expensive. If you have a choice, you should try to make your call from a landline. Landlines are becoming less popular every year. It may soon be the case that the price of making directory enquiries from mobile phones will be much lower.

3. Just say no to the connecting service

Most directory enquiry companies make quite a bit of profit on their connecting service. After you request a phone number, the operator will offer to connect you directly. This saves you the trouble of having to hang up and dial the number yourself. However, the price of this convenience is often very high. It is much more economical to hang up and dial the number yourself.

In rare cases it might actually be cheaper to have the direct enquiries operator connect you to the number you want to reach. Knowing the details of your phone price plan as well as the fees charged by your favourite 118 number can pay off in the form of big savings.

4. Phrase questions efficiently

Before you call to make your enquiry, make sure you know what information you are looking for. Since most calls are charged by the minute phrasing your question, so the operator understands exactly what information you are looking for, can save you money. Not only can it save you money, clearly communicating your needs will insure that you get the information you need quickly and without frustration.