Published : April 5, 2023In today’s global business landscape, staying connected with customers and stakeholders across the globe has become important. However, international calling can be expensive, especially if you have customers in many countries. This is where international toll-free numbers come into the picture.
An international toll-free number is a unique type of phone number that enables businesses to receive calls from customers across the globe without incurring any charges. In simpler terms, customers can call your business at no cost, and you pay for the call charges.
However, what exactly are international toll-free numbers? Do these toll-free phone numbers allow free phone calls internationally? Let’s discuss this deeply in this article.
What is an International Toll-free Number?
An international toll-free number is a phone number that customers can use to contact your business without paying any charges. The service is available in most countries worldwide, allowing businesses to reach out to their customers quickly regardless of location.
Additionally, international toll-free numbers allow companies to establish a direct connection with their customer base, which can be highly beneficial for efficient communication. Moreover, business owners don’t need to worry about billing or long-distance calls fees when using an international toll-free number – this service is completely FREE!
Are International Toll-free Numbers Free to Call Internationally?
Yes, international toll-free numbers are completely FREE to call internationally. You will only pay the phone charges incurred when a customer contacts your business via this service. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about long-distance fees or billing arrangements – you only need an active telephone line and an international dialing plan.
International Toll-free Numbers
Even though toll-free and international numbers are compatible, you will be charged international rates when calling internationally. Businesses can avoid paying international rates to block receiving international calls from premium numbers, which allow them to keep local access charges offer a local number to their customers for calls instead.
A universal standard format for international freephone numbers would be similar to a global toll-free number and would serve as a standard format a universal international freephone number.
Even though UIFNs (universal international freephone numbers) are not global toll-free numbers, they can be dialed from multiple countries. These international numbers have specific rules and restrictions:
- It is mandatory to have a universal international freephone numbers registered in at least two countries.
- Your business must have a UIFN number in service for two or more countries and be active for at least 180 days from the day it was reserved to fulfill this requirement.
A UIFN number is often a viable choice for businesses that want to use one number in multiple countries. Before signing any contracts, you must contact your provider to confirm coverage and restrictions, as UIFN numbers can be costly and possess a hefty setup fee.
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UK Toll-free Numbers
UK toll-free numbers start at 0800 or 0808. However, some parts of the UK do not have toll-free number services, despite most of the country having access to them.
China Toll-free Numbers
China’s 800 and 400 toll-free phone numbers possess certain distinct features. The most significant of these divergences is that the 800 numbers can only be accessed by landline users, while the 400 numbers can be accessed by both landline and mobile users.
Additionally, while 800 numbers do not incur any fees for the caller, 400 numbers mandate local access fees. Ten-digit sequences beginning with “800” or “400” represent these toll-free numbers in China, with no prefix before the ten digit numbers beginning from “800” series. A China toll-free numbers start from 800-XXX-XXX or 400-XXX-XXXX.
United States Toll-free Numbers
The telephone numbering system utilized by the United States is notably distinct from conventional domestic toll-free numbers, given that it caters to a broader market encompassing countries other than the United States. Specifically, the United States employs what route calls the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), a comprehensive telephone numbering structure that covers 25 distinct regions, including:
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- The British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guam
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States
- United States Virgin Islands
Nevertheless, the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) toll-free calling service has a few limitations. Albeit regular telephone number in various countries fall within the ambit of this service, dialing to and from different countries may attract international charges. For this reason, it is important to enquire with your service provider before initiating such calls.
Benefits Of An International Toll-Free Number
An international toll-free number is a valuable asset that helps businesses to expand their reach, improve their customer service, and increase their sales. Here are some of the benefits of having an international toll-free number:
- Global Expansion: Having international toll-free phone numbers will help businesses expand their business presence in many countries worldwide. By finding a new overseas market, businesses can expand their customer base and develop better efficiencies through international toll-free numbers.
- Reduces operational costs: Business managers and business stakeholders may consider outsourcing specific business tasks while having international toll free numbers for their business’s international calls. Usually, it will be customer support service, telemarketing, IT support, etc. Outsourcing such tasks to lower-wage countries with cloud technology will help enterprises significantly reduce their operating costs.
- Improves brand experience & credibility: International toll-free phone numbers will help businesses to set up global communication and marketing operations easily and quickly. Through this, brands may easily communicate with their global customers and provide reliable services.
- Better customer satisfaction: Satisfying customers is the most important aspect of successfully running any business. With international toll-free numbers, you can provide seamless customer support services to overseas customers, which will result in improving customer satisfaction rates.
- Measuring & Improving business performance: Finally, with the help of international toll-free numbers, you can measure your business performance by analyzing customer calls. Moreover, the call analysis reports will help business stakeholders take appropriate measures to improve business performance.
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Types of International Toll-Free Numbers
In this section, you will get the detailed information regarding the available types of international toll-free numbers and pricing details.
1. International Toll-Free Numbers (ITFN):
For businesses looking to provide seamless services to their international customers, owing International Toll-Free Numbers (ITFN) would be the ideal solution. Such types of toll free numbers are also known as national toll-free numbers or freephone numbers that can be dialed for free within a specific country. Since ITFNs use an International Toll-Free Service (ITFS) to process global call-forwarding operations, you can easily expand your business presence anywhere.
This gives a significant advantage to businesses in many ways, particularly in cost, reachability, and flexibility when compared with other types of business contact numbers. The cost of an international toll-free numbers start from just $13 per month.
2. Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN):
The International Telecommunications Union creates and assigns the Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN), otherwise known as global toll-free numbers, which businesses use for global expansion. Customers or people from all over the world can dial the UIFNs free of cost. However, these toll free numbers are not accessible by all mobile operators around the world, and the dial-outs of those numbers will vary across countries. The cost of owning UIFN starts from $80 per month.
3. Domestic Toll-Free Numbers (TFN):
Domestic toll-free numbers (TFN), called DFN, often start with the classic 3-digit prefix 888 code. These TFNs/DFNs can be dialed free of cost within the country where those phone numbers are located. Also, TFN numbers are accessible only for the callers who are dialing within the country the phone number is located. The cost of owning TFNs starts from $13 per month.
How do International Toll-free Numbers work?
To make your business visible, use international phone numbers, which are domestic phone numbers for each country you want to have a business presence. Because they act and appear like normal local phone numbers, customers can use them toll-free or for a standard call rate.
The international phone number is not connected to a direct phone line, as a landline would be. Instead, it uses the internet to connect incoming calls.
The number can be assigned to any device, including
- Conventional IP phones or mobile phones,
- Virtual phone system for tablets and laptops.
It would be impossible for you to handle all your customers using a regular phone line—the ease of managing them not being with their high call rates for international calls. One of your customers has set up a phone number specific to their country code to handle their calls. Your call center’s main phone line is redirected to this number when any of the customers want to reach you.
A number that is specific to China, but is dialed by people living in separate country code from Australia, is used in China. In contrast, a number that is local to Australia but is dialed by people living in a country specific to China is utilized in Australia. Your primary phone number receives all these calls, which are then forwarded to your other number.
Gaining insight into several other benefits of a global toll-free number, let’s take a look at them.
How Can an International Toll-free Number Help Your Business?
First, toll-free numbers can help your business by giving customers an easily accessible way to reach you. Additionally, international numbers are usually domestic for each country they’re assigned to so that callers from those countries don’t have to pay high international toll free calling rates. Finally, toll-free numbers can simplify handling customer inquiries and support calls.
1. 24*7 customer listening
This is a huge benefit of having an international, toll free calling call-free numbers. You can provide customer service round the clock, regardless of your customer’s time zone. This allows you to respond quickly and effectively to any customer inquiries or complaints that may arise during non-business hours.
2. Increased brand awareness
With such a number or global phone number, you can achieve increased brand recognition compared to local numbers for each country you want a business presence in. This type of accessible phone line or virtual number will help attract new customers, who are more likely to be familiar with brands with an international reach.
3. Boost your employees’ productivity
An international toll-free service allows your employees to take calls from customers worldwide without worrying about long wait times or high call rates. This will enable them to focus on more critical tasks and increase their productivity in general.
4. Better customer service
An easy-to-use international toll-free number means better customer service for you and your customers. When someone dials into your phone line, they will be directed straight to a live person who can help them with whatever issue they have.
People will only have to go through automated systems that may be able to handle their inquiries adequately. Improved customer service is a top priority for many businesses, and toll-free numbers allows customers to reach you without contacting multiple departments.
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5. Better call tracking and analytics
Having an international toll-free number allows you to track all of your customer’s calls in real time, understanding your customers’ needs better and making more informed decisions about how best to serve them. This is a valuable tool for increasing sales and overall business success.
6. Caring brand image
A global phone number sends the message that your business is open to serving customers worldwide. This carefree and approachable image can help you attract new customers who want to associate themselves with a confident, friendly, and professional company. A world-class international toll-free number will help your business stand out and attract new customers.
7. Positive word-of-mouth marketing
An international toll-free number can help you build a positive reputation for your business. When people know you have a phone line available to call from anywhere in the world, they are more likely to tell their friends and family about it. This can create a steady stream of new customers who are familiar with your brand and eager to discover what new products or services you offer.
8. Better customer retention
When you give your customers the option to contact you internationally, they are likelier to stick around and enjoy your products or services. Having an international toll-free number makes it easy for them to connect with you anywhere in the world. This can decrease customer turnover and lead to a longer-term relationship with your company.
9. Better staff training
When your employees can reach you quickly and easily no matter where they are, it is much easier for them to provide high-quality customer service. They will be more likely to remember important information about your products or services, and they will be able to offer better advice to customers who have questions.
10. Increased visibility
When people know that you have an international toll-free number available, they are more likely to look at what you offer. This exposure can lead them to discover new products or services that complement their existing portfolio, or it may spark an interest in your company that wasn’t previously apparent.
Choosing an International Toll-Free Number Provider
- Uptime & Quality of Service: Choosing a toll-free service provider with high uptime and quality of service is essential. This will ensure that customers can always reach you, regardless of the time of day or night.
- Cost: Finding a toll-free service provider with low costs is also important so you can save money in the long run.
- Availability & Locations: Make sure your chosen toll-free number is available in all locations where you operate your business, as well as internationally, if necessary.
- Customer Service: Make sure the customer service team for your toll-free number is knowledgeable and able to provide quality assistance to customers.
- IVR Integration: Make sure to choose a toll-free service provider that has integrative voice response (IVR) capabilities so you can manage your customer interactions more efficiently.
- User Reviews: Before choosing a toll-free number provider, read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality of service and uptime each company offers.
- Mobility- & Technology: Make sure to choose a toll-free number provider that offers mobility and technology solutions that are compatible with your business.
- Ease of use: Make sure your toll-free number provider is easy to use and navigate. This will make managing your customer interactions easier.
- Scalability: Be sure to choose a toll-free number provider that can scale up or down as your business requires.
- Team management: Make sure to choose a toll-free number provider with robust team management capabilities to keep track of customer interactions and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Conclusion:
International phone numbers are a great option if you’re looking for a way to improve your business communication capabilities. Not only do they allow you to reach customers and customers in different countries easily and quickly, but they also offer some other benefits that can be very helpful.
In this post, we discussed some of the main benefits of using international phone numbers and how to get one quickly. By reading this post, you’ll learn everything you need about the benefits of international phone numbers and how to get one quickly. So, if you want to upgrade your business communication capabilities, check it out!
FAQS
1. How do I get a free international toll-free number?
Getting a free international toll-free number is easy, as you can set one up through your web hosting plan or your current phone number. The process is relatively simple. However, you must be able to have access to the number for at least two years. If you must use your voice service provider (VSP), then make sure your VSP offers an International Destination Number (IDN) on their calling card rates and gets you your IDN as listed in the product finder. The IDN should match the one from your VSP website.
2. Can I set up a universal toll-free number for multiple countries?
Yes, you can set up a universal toll-free number that works for multiple countries. The service will provide your business calls and customer support from all over the world.
3. How do I know if a number is internationally toll-free?
If a business offers an international toll-free number, they generally provide a different phone plan, or service. See if the organization you’re trying to reach charges fees based on where your call originates. If they do, there’s a good chance their international toll-free number is available in your area.
4. Is 888 toll-free internationally?
Yes, it is. The 888 toll free call network, including the USA and Canada, is available worldwide but not in France. 888 toll-free services are available in most countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and most European countries. However, a charge might be applied to make a call from landlines outside the country, depending on your local telecom provider.
Updated : October 29, 2024
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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