Are Toll-free Numbers Free Internationally?

Foremostly, a toll-free number is divided into two groups: Regular and Vanity. The regular toll-free numbers only consist of numerical digits like 800-123-4567, whereas the vanity numbers contain specific alphabetic characters like 800-PIZZA.

Furthermore, such numbers can be categorized into three types: Domestic & International Toll-Free Numbers and Universal International Freephone Numbers.

Like the name suggests, Domestic Toll-Free Numbers (DTFN) are for the people of a particular country. Only the individuals who reside in the same nation where the number is located can call them free of charge. It is suitable for companies whose audiences are spread nationwide.

For example: If you have a toll-free number of Spain, only those residing there can contact you for free. If someone outside of the boundary calls them, then they incur international calling charge.

Similar to DTFN, International Toll-Free Numbers (ITFN) are for people in a specific country where you have expanded your firm. Still, clients can get to you even from a different nation, as it uses international toll-free services for call routing and forwarding. It is beneficial for businesses that have international consumers.

For example: You have an organization based in the US with customers in Germany. Then, you can get an international toll-free number for Germany. The German callers can reach you without paying even if you’re operating the business from US. The calls are routed to your location using international call forwarding.

Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN) differ somewhat from DTFN and ITFN. A UIFN is the same for all the nations and a company can advertise the same number to all of its consumers. Unfortunately, its services are available only in over 60 countries.

Well, it has a fixed dialing format consisting of 11 numbers, starting with 800, followed by 8 digits. Moreover, the customer must dial an international prefix before the UIFN, depending on where they are calling from.

Yes, toll-free numbers are free internationally, but it depends on whether they are domestic or international toll-free numbers. Let’s say a US-based enterprise has allocated a toll-free number for Germany. Then, the people from Germany can call you for free, though you’re located in the US. However, if people from other nations dial the same toll-free number, they will bear international calling costs.

Moreover, different countries have different rules for toll-free numbers. For instance, as stated earlier, a DTFN is primarily for the people of the same country as the number’s origin. But, multiple nations like Canada, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, among others can call a US toll-free number since they all use the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

Nonetheless, there are still some restrictions for NANP, and the caller could bear call costs. For example, you can call a US toll-free number from Canada, without worrying about cost, as they are both under the NANP. However, a call from Puerto Rico can cost you despite being in the NANP. So, it’s always better to ask the number provider.

The situation is similar in the United Kingdom too. While it can be free to call from one location, for others it may incur a charge. A UK toll-free number covers England, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, and Wales, depending on service providers.

As for China, its toll-free numbers start with 400 and 800. While 800 numbers are free, callers must pay a local access charge for 400 numbers. Also, 800 numbers are accessed via landline only, whilst both landline and mobile users can contact 400 numbers.
 

You can get international toll-free numbers from reputed telecommunication or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers. Comparing the two, it is better to buy a toll-free number for businesses from VoIP providers as they come with additional business communication features. These numbers save costs, create a global presence, and improve customer service.

Following these simple steps, get an international toll-free number with ease.
 

• Step 1: Sign Up with Calilio by providing the necessary information, such as your Name, Email, Phone Number and Password.
• Step 2: Select a Toll-Free Number with your desired toll-free area code by going to Setting > My Number > Purchase Number.
• Step 3: Proceed to checkout with your Toll-Free Number, which will be activated instantly after the completion of payment.

International toll-free doesn’t cost money for international audiences irrespective of a country’s boundary, whereas domestic toll-free is just limited to people of a specific country.

You can have as many international toll-free numbers as you want. Contact Calilio for multiple toll-free numbers. With Calilio, you can even use the numerous toll-free phone numbers from a single device.