I don't know if this helps but a couple of months ago, I was misled into getting a Debenhams Mastercard (I was told at the time I was merely reactivating my storecard!).   The number I rang was the 0800 (can't find it at the moment but maybe the other o would give it to you as the 0870 no wouldn't work for that) given for validating the new Mastercard and they then put me through to customer services without any query because they were only able to validate cards.   This might not work for you but, if you phrase it right, perhaps saying you have a complaint or something or merely sound confused, may get you put through at least on one occasion while waiting to find a geo number.

At least you have the 0845 and not the 0870 as touted here
http://www.helmgodfrey.com/cms/knowledgearticle/cardsbestbuys/all/cards_foreignu...
Debenhams MasterCard 0870 120 0111

The card is run by GE Finance
General Enquiries (switchboard)
GE Money
Trent House, Torre Road
Leeds
LS99 2BD
Telephone +44 (0) 113-280-7080
http://global.gemoney.com/whereweoperate/unitedkingdom.html
They still list 0870, but perhaps switchboard could transfer you.

http://www.debenhams.com/site_services/heading_summary.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id...
Debenhams Credit cardholders must activate their card by calling 0800 915 2205.

0208 1810000 is GE Capital Card services - Account enquires & at the time I researched them (way back when) this number automatically diverted to Leeds. It may well be that at the time I rang, it was "Out of Hours" so it was an Automatic diversion, I have no way of knowing, or perhaps they have since changed its purpose.

So you should try 0113 2807080 which is GE Capital Card services & they will sort you out OK. I know this as I used to work there.

I had a bad experience with my Burton store card (also operated by GE Capital, GE Money or whatever they call themselves). I received a phone call from someone there, promoting a "protection" scheme. I would cost me 1.5p for every £1 spent on the card and would protect me in the following ways:

• Price protection - claim if the price of an item is reduced at a later date. For me to claim, I must firstly be aware that the price has come down. Am I really going to go back and check? 
• Purchase protection - Protection against loss, theft and accidental damage for up to 100 days.
• Payment protection - If unable to pay due to hospitalisation or involutary unemployment, payments will be made for me.

At the end of the call I confirmed my date of birth and address. At the end of the call I was told that I would receive the policy information. I expected this to be a form to sign confirming acceptance into the scheme.

No such thing as I had apparently accepted it all during the phone call. To remove myself from this I had to write, at my expense. I did this twice and received no acknowledgement or anything. I also complained about the way this was handled in the first place. I emailed before sending the second letter about cancelling this "Account Cover" and was told that it was still active (so the first must have fallen into a black hole). It was then cancelled after sending the email.

I then wrote to Finance & Leasing Association detailing all the complaint, who passed my letter to the GE Capital executive office. End result, I received a cheque for £25 for my troubles.

Try Nationwide Building Society. Their cards show a geographic number and they do not charge the 2.75% penalty on foreign use. Oh, they also apply funds in the best order for the balance.