Alternatives to 1890 and 1850 Phone Numbers

There were Changes to  the way phone companies in Ireland charge for 1850 and 1890 numbers from December 2019. Read more about the changes here.

The changes mean that 1890 and 1850 mumbers are now charged just like any other landline call. These numbers are now also included in any “inclusive” call bundles or plans.

So you no longer  need to worry about extra call charges or out of bundle extra charges for 1890 or 1850 calls . There is no need to look for alternative numbers anymore.  


From December 2021 – no one should be using 1890 numbers or 1850 numbers. They are being replaced by 0818 numbers. Read more about 0818 Call Costs


Many companies and government departments in Ireland made use of the so-called “Lo call” 1890 or 1850 numbers. Before December 2019 – making a call to one of these numbers could have cost more than ringing a “normal” landline number. If you were on a call package where you had inclusive landline minutes – these 1890 or 1850 numbers were not usually included in the free calls.


All the figures below are related to call costs prior to December 2019

Calls to 1890 numbers were are charged per minute. Calls to 1850 numbers are charged at a fixed rate per call.  For longer calls, it will usually be cheaper to call 1850 numbers instead of 1890 if you have a choice.

Calls from landlines to 1890  numbers could cost you up to 7c a minute and from mobiles as much as 35c a minute. See details of the charges for calling 1890 numbers here.

More information here about the Cost of 1850 numbers

See more here about 0761 Numbers