Most companies are trying to go global to expand their reach and generate more sales. But how do you communicate with international clientele without increasing your expenses? International toll-free numbers are the way to go! Here we compare all the types of international toll free numbers so you can find one that is perfect for your needs.
Comparing All Types of International Toll-Free Numbers
An international toll free number or ITFN is a number type that enables international calling between a business and its customers. Callers dial this number for free and it connects to employees or agents in a different country by forwarding calls internationally to any device.
Certain types of international toll free numbers, such as traditional international numbers, are country-specific. That is, they are free to call from within the country they are assigned to. On the other hand, universal or global freephone numbers can be contacted for free from a predetermined list of countries.
If your business has an international clientele and you want to provide international customers with the same customer service and care you offer domestic or local customers, then your business could greatly benefit from international toll free numbers. It is known that global consumers want convenience in 2021.
Let’s look at the different types of international toll free numbers so you can identify which is more suitable for your needs.
ITFN
ITFN are country-specific and can be called for free by residents of the country they are assigned to. You can forward incoming calls to smartphones, computers, VoIP softphones, and more. Businesses with international clientele will find these numbers useful. With these numbers, your company can create a virtual presence in different countries and offer customer service globally.
Domestic Toll-Free Numbers
Domestic toll-free numbers are similar to ITFN in that they too can be called by a resident of the country the number is assigned to. In other words, residents of the US can call a US toll-free number for free when in-country. These numbers are true “800 numbers.”
The main difference between domestic and international toll-free numbers is that the former does not generally have additional fees for calls connecting to mobile or pay phones. Therefore, businesses that want to provide callers with a free way to call from any device will find domestic toll-free numbers more suitable.
Local 2-Way Numbers
Local 2-way voice enables users to place outbound calls with a local phone number and display an in-country caller ID. These are essentially cloud-based local numbers that support both inbound and outbound voice calling, no matter where the business is located.
Calls made with local 2-way voice are routed through local routes instead of international routes, even if your business is not located in that specific region. This means these calls are guaranteed to connect and show a local caller ID. Additionally, since these are local phone numbers, they have country and region-specific phone number formats. These are recognizable and familiar, helping your business increase response rates and encourage callbacks.
UIFN
A UIFN is a single unique number that is accessible and free to call from multiple countries. Currently, 45 countries are included in the UIFN number program monitored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). There are, however, some factors to consider when purchasing UIFNs:
- Your number must be registered in at least 2 countries.
- You must use the number between 2 countries within the first 180 days of purchase.
- These numbers have a significant, one-time setup fee.
- The different dialing formats are different from regular or standard toll-free numbers.
- Not all countries are included in the program.
- The more countries selected, the higher the cost.
If you run operations and want to offer customer service in the countries included in the UIFN program, then you may consider a UIFN number to streamline incoming calls and provide just one number for customer support, sales, account management, etc.
What Type of International Toll-Free Number is Right for Me?
If your business extends operations to 2-3 different countries, then you can get international toll-free numbers or domestic numbers for each country and list them on your website or social media platforms. This way, you can provide customer service and sales assistance to clients within these countries.
However, for a business like a travel or hospitality company with multiple locations involved, a UIFN is more useful. This way, customers from around the world can connect with you through one number.
Want to Learn More?
Global Call Forwarding is the leading provider of international toll-free numbers. We have been in this business for over 25 years and we offer unmatched quality, affordability, and service features. We can help you find the ideal phone number for your company. Call us today to learn more!
