Vodafone customer care number: the complete, practical guide
Contents
- 1 Why there isn’t just one “Vodafone customer care number”
- 2 Quick directory of Vodafone customer care numbers (checked for 2024)
- 3 When to call, and what it costs
- 4 Prepare before you dial: information that speeds up resolution
- 5 Alternatives to calling: official digital channels
- 6 Lost or stolen phone: act fast
- 7 Escalations and formal complaints
Why there isn’t just one “Vodafone customer care number”
Vodafone operates through country networks (e.g., Vodafone UK, Vodafone Deutschland, Vodafone España), each with its own short codes, geographic numbers, languages, and opening hours. That means the right number to dial depends on where your service is registered and where you are calling from (home country vs. roaming). Short codes like 191 (UK), 1212 (Germany), 22123 (Spain), 190 (Italy), 1555 (Australia), and 199/198 (India, Vi) connect you quickly from a Vodafone SIM in that market, while longer geographic numbers let you call from other networks or abroad.
Costs also vary by market. Some care short codes are free from Vodafone mobiles; others are standard‑rate or free only for some account types. Geographic numbers typically charge “standard” national rates (often covered by minute bundles). Toll‑free prefixes differ by country (e.g., UK 0800, Germany 0800, Australia 1300 is local‑rate, not toll‑free). If you are roaming, expect international charges unless you’re using in‑app chat or Wi‑Fi calling to a local toll‑free number.
Quick directory of Vodafone customer care numbers (checked for 2024)
Use the country set that matches your Vodafone account. When in doubt, start with the short code from a Vodafone SIM; if you’re calling from another network or from abroad, use the longer number. Always verify current details on the local Vodafone site, as numbers and hours can change.
-     United Kingdom (Vodafone UK)
• From Vodafone mobile: 191 (customer care; typically free for Pay Monthly) • From any UK phone: 03333 040 191 (charged at standard UK geographic rates; usually included in bundles) • Sales: 08080 408 408 (free) • Website: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/support • Postal (complaints): Vodafone Limited, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2FN 
-     Germany (Vodafone Deutschland)
• From Vodafone mobile: 1212 (Kundenbetreuung; free) • From any German phone: 0800 172 1212 (free) • Website: https://www.vodafone.de/hilfe 
-     Spain (Vodafone España)
• From Vodafone mobile: 22123 (Atención al Cliente; free for customers) • From other networks / abroad: +34 607 123 000 (or 607 123 000 within Spain; standard rates apply) • Website: https://www.vodafone.es 
-     Italy (Vodafone Italia)
• From Vodafone mobile: 190 (Assistenza Clienti; free) • From Italian landlines: 800 100 195 (free) • Website: https://www.vodafone.it 
-     Australia (Vodafone AU, part of TPG Telecom)
• From Vodafone mobile: 1555 (customer care; free) • From any AU phone: 1300 650 410 (local-rate) • From overseas: +61 426 320 000 (international charges apply) • Website: https://www.vodafone.com.au/support 
-     India (Vi — Vodafone Idea Limited)
• Complaints (toll‑free): 198 (per TRAI complaint channel) • General care: 199 (local/standard charges may apply; options vary by circle) • Circle‑specific care numbers and hours: https://www.myvi.in/help-support • Brand site: https://www.myvi.in 
When to call, and what it costs
Most Vodafone markets operate extended hours for general care (often 7 days a week), with 24/7 coverage for urgent issues like SIM barring and lost/stolen phones. Exact hours differ: many UK lines staff 8:00–20:00, while Spain, Germany, and Australia frequently offer longer weekday coverage and weekend teams. If you need off‑hours assistance, the My Vodafone app and web chat are typically available 24/7 and can perform actions like plan changes, add‑ons, and troubleshooting.
Charges depend on the number you dial and your plan. As a rule of thumb: short codes from a Vodafone SIM are often free; national geographic numbers (e.g., UK 03, DE 0800, ES 607, AU 13/1300) follow local pricing (03 numbers in the UK are usually included in bundles; DE 0800 is free nationwide; AU 1300 is local‑rate). Roaming calls to care lines are billed per your roaming tariff unless you use in‑app chat over Wi‑Fi/mobile data included in your plan.
Prepare before you dial: information that speeds up resolution
Having the right info handy can cut handling time by several minutes and helps advisors authenticate you quickly. Expect security checks, especially for billing changes, SIM swaps, or number ports. If you manage multiple lines under one account, be ready to specify which MSISDN (mobile number) you’re calling about.
- Account verification: account/PIN or memorable word (if set), billing address, and last 4 digits of the payment card or bank account on file.
- Service details: your mobile number (MSISDN), SIM ICCID (19–20 digits on SIM or in phone settings), device IMEI (dial *#06#), and any recent order/reference numbers.
- Fault evidence: time/date the issue started, exact error messages, affected locations/postcodes, speed test results (down/up in Mbps, ping ms), and steps already tried (e.g., APN reset, SIM reseat).
Alternatives to calling: official digital channels
The fastest path for many tasks is the official app and web portal. The My Vodafone / Mi Vodafone app lets you view bills, change plans, buy roaming/data packs, start live chat, and run guided diagnostics. Country links: UK https://www.vodafone.co.uk, DE https://www.vodafone.de/meinvodafone, ES https://www.vodafone.es/mivodafone, IT https://www.vodafone.it/area-privata, AU https://www.vodafone.com.au/myvodafone, IN (Vi) https://www.myvi.in/app.
Live chat and messaging support are available on the local support sites and via official social handles (examples: @VodafoneUK, @vodafone_de, @vodafone_es, @VodafoneAU, @ViCustomerCare on X/Twitter). Use only verified accounts and never share full card numbers or one‑time passwords in public channels.
Lost or stolen phone: act fast
If your phone is lost or stolen, contact Vodafone immediately to bar the SIM and blacklist the device’s IMEI. Use the country short code where your line is registered (UK 191, DE 1212, ES 22123, IT 190, AU 1555, IN 198/199) or the longer number if calling from another phone. Many markets operate a 24/7 bar/restore workflow; acting within hours can prevent fraudulent usage and charges.
After barring, change passwords for accounts that may auto‑login (email, banking, social apps), and file a police report if required by your insurer. When you recover or replace the device, Vodafone can unbar the line and help with SIM replacement or eSIM re‑provisioning; have your photo ID and account verification details ready.
Escalations and formal complaints
Start with frontline care and ask for a case reference. If an issue persists, request escalation to a specialist or complaints team. Keep a log of dates, transcripts, and promised actions. Many markets operate a two‑stage complaints process with a defined resolution window (commonly up to 8 weeks).
Examples: in the UK, write to Vodafone Limited, The Connection, Newbury, RG14 2FN, or use the online complaints form on https://www.vodafone.co.uk/support. If unresolved after 8 weeks or you receive a “deadlock” letter, you can go to Ombudsman Services: Communications (https://www.ombudsman-services.org/sectors/communications). In Australia, unresolved issues can be escalated to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) at https://www.tio.com.au or 1800 062 058 after you’ve tried to resolve them with Vodafone.
For all markets, verify the current complaints route on your local Vodafone website. Regulations, ombudsman schemes, and statutory timelines can differ by country and may change over time.
Important note
Numbers, hours, and charges can change. For the most current information, always check your local Vodafone site’s “Contact us” or “Support” page before calling.
 
