How to Call an 1800 Number from Overseas?

how to call an 1800 number from overseas

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1800 numbers are incredibly popular these days. And why not? These numbers are beneficial for both businesses and customers. For customers, they can reach your business without any cost. On the other side, businesses can have a positive brand image by providing a free number for calls.

While dialing an 1800 number within your own country is usually straightforward, it can be a bit confusing when calling from outside the country. This is because the dialing prefixes are different when calling internationally.

But don't worry- you can call 1800 number from abroad successfully by using the right dialing sequence. In this article, we’ll learn how to call 1800 number from overseas in detail. Stay tuned.


What are 1800 Numbers?

1800 numbers are toll-free phone numbers that customers can call without any cost. As you call an 1800 phone number, the call is absolutely free for you. Instead, the phone number owner covers the cost. This makes it easy for customers to reach out for support, ask questions, or get information from the businesses without worrying about the call charges. This eventually helps businesses to increase customer engagement. This is why these numbers are widely used by businesses in their help desks or customer service centers.

Can You Dial 1800 Numbers Internationally?

Yes, you can call 1800 number from abroad, but it's not always as straightforward as calling locally. The process and ability to call depend on the country you’re calling from and the type of toll-free number you’re trying to reach. For instance, in some countries, you may need to dial specific dialing codes before entering 1800 numbers. In other cases, the 1800 numbers may not be toll-free at all when dialing internationally, meaning you may be charged for the call.

How to Call 1800 Number from Overseas?

To call 1800 numbers internationally, dial your country’s exit code, the country code of the origin country for the 1800 number, and then the complete phone number.

Let’s explore the steps in detail here:

Dial the Exit Code: Enter the exit code of the country you’re dialing from. For instance, if you’re calling from the UK, dial “00” - the UK exit code. Different countries have different exit codes. So, dial accordingly.

Enter the Country Code: Next, dial the country code of the toll-free number's origin. For example, if it’s from the United States, dial “1” following your country’s exit code.

Dial the 1800 Number: After entering the country code, dial the 1800 number you’re trying to reach. (Note: Omit leading “0” in the number, if there’s any).

Complete the Call: After dialing the number, simply press the call button.

Examples of Calling 1800 Numbers from Overseas

How to Call an 1800 Toll-free Number from India?

To call an 1800 phone number from India, dial India’s exit code, the country code, and the complete 1800 number.

Explore the steps in the details here:

Step 1: Enter the exit code for India, which is “00”.

Step 2: Dial the country code of the 1800 toll-free number you’re calling. For instance, if it’s a US-based number, enter ‘1’.

Step 3: Now, enter the 1800 toll-free phone number you’re trying to reach.

Step 4: Finally, hit the call button.

Example: To call the US 1800 number from India, dial 00-1-1800-XXXX

How to Call an Indian 1800 Toll-free Number from Overseas?

You can access the Indian 1800 toll-free number from abroad by dialing your country’s exit code, Indian country code ‘91’, and the local toll-free number.

Explore the steps in the details here:

Step 1: Dial the exit code of your country. For example, if you’re calling from France, dial ‘00’.

Step 2: Enter India’s Country Code, which is ‘91’.

Step 3: Dial the Indian 1800 toll-free number of the organization/business you’re trying to reach.

Step 4: Press the call button.

Example: To call an Indian 1800 number from France, dial 00-91-1800-XXXX

How to Call an 1800 Number Overseas from Australia?

To call 1800 numbers internationally from Australia, enter the Australian international access code, the country code where the 1800 number is registered, followed by the actual 1800 number.

Explore the steps in the details here:

Step 1: Enter - ‘011’. This is Australia's international access code.

Step 2: Next, dial the country code of the 1800 number you’re dialing.

Step 3: After the country code, dial the full 1800 phone number you’re looking to reach.

Step 4: Press the call button.

Example: To reach the US 1800 toll-free number from Australia, dial 011-1-1800-XXXX

How to Call an Australian 1800 Phone Numbers from Abroad?

You can reach Australian 1800 phone numbers from overseas with this dialing sequence - your county’s exit code, Australian country code, and local 1800 phone number.

Explore the steps in the details here:

Step 1: Dial your country’s international access code.

Step 2: Enter the Australia’s country code - ‘61’.

Step 3: Now dial the Australian 1800 phone number that you’re looking to connect to.

Step 4: Finally, press the call button.

Example: To call an Australian 1800 number from France, dial 00-61-1800-XXXX

Challenges of Calling 1800 Number from Abroad

The 1800 toll-free numbers are typically designed to work within the issuing country. When dialing internationally, different complications related to costs, network issues, and carrier policies may arise.

1. Cost Complications

Not all 1800 numbers are totally free when calling from overseas. While you can reach these numbers easily from abroad following the right dialing process, you may still be charged. And they are often charged at international rates, which can be quite expensive, especially if you’re a frequent caller.

2. Time-zone Differences

To let you know, toll-free numbers are often not available 24/7. These numbers are typically accessible during office hours (9 AM to 6 PM), or in some cases, they may be available up to 12 hours a day. So, when you’re reaching these numbers from overseas, it’s important to consider the time zone differences.

For instance, when calling the US from Australia, there’s a big time difference.  When it’s 9 AM in New York, it’s already 11 PM in Sydney. So, if you try calling during your daytime hours in Australia, the business might be closed in the U.S. It’s important to call at an office time in the US instead to make sure your call connects accurately at the right time.

3. Carrier Restrictions

Some toll-free number providers may not allow international calls. In this case, you’ll not be able to call the 1800 number from overseas at all. Even if the call is connected, it might not be routed correctly, causing network issues or failed calls. Another complexity is that some toll-free number providers allow you to dial internationally from specific countries only. This leads to even more confusion.

Wrapping Up

You can call the 1800 number from overseas, just like dialing locally, but there’s a slight difference in the dialing process. When dialing internationally, firstly, you’ll begin with your country’s exit code and international access code before entering the actual 1800 number.

As toll-free numbers are accessible from abroad, many businesses use them to expand their customer base internationally. Calilo offers a wide range of virtual 1800 numbers to establish your business nationwide and globally. Get yours today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you call 1800 numbers on WhatsApp?

No, you cannot directly call 1800 numbers through WhatsApp. WhatsApp doesn’t support landline numbers and traditional numbers. Its web-based calling feature only supports mobile numbers.

How to call India's 1800 number from Australia?

To call an Indian 1800 number from Australia, dial Australia’s exit code ‘0011’, India’s country code ‘91’, and then the complete 1800 number you’re trying to reach in India.

Can I get 1800 phone numbers from Google?

No, Google does not provide 1800 numbers. If you’re looking for 1800 toll free numbers online, then you can obtain it from the VoIP service providers like Calilio.


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