How to Get a Global Phone Number
As your brand grows outside of your country, you will need to find affordable ways for your customers to reach you while also establishing a professional presence— even if you’re not physically present there.
This is where a global phone number becomes incredibly beneficial. But before you get one, you’ll want to determine your company’s requirements in order to select the best number type. Some questions to evaluate might include:
- Is your current global phone number provider too pricey or lacking coverage?
- Do you need to consolidate billing strategies, vendors, or other service providers?
- How many countries do you need a phone number for?
To help ensure you select the right global phone number for your organization, we’re taking a deep dive into global phone number types, advantages, disadvantages, and guidance to set it up or switch providers for your company.
What are global phone numbers?
Global phone numbers are cloud phone numbers with international reach. No matter your location, callers can get ahold of your business.
Types of global phone numbers available:
Using a global phone number has become an ideal solution for IT professionals in today’s digital landscape. Several phone numbers are available to you depending on your business needs and preferences.
1. UIFN/Global Toll-Free Number
Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN), also called global toll-free, is a toll-free 800 number that has reach and accessibility within a 60-country program. Like a regular ITFS number, UIFNs are free for the person placing the call and the company that owns the numbers pays for the call charges.
2. Local DID
Local Direct Inward Dialing (DID) is when a phone number provider connects numbers to a PBX through SIP trunking. This type of call sends virtual numbers straight to a direct line rather than passing through a menu or phone tree. Callers can phone businesses from most countries. And with local presence dialing capabilities, companies can also make outgoing calls in addition to receiving inbound calls.
3. International Toll-Free (UIFN Alternative)
An International Toll-Free Number (ITFN) is assigned one market per number. All incoming international toll free numbers can be forwarded to direct numbers in different countries. It’s a popular UIFN alternative when that option may not be available.
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How to get global business phone numbers
Worldwide reach is essential to compete on a global scale today. Luckily, setting up VoIP services to increase that reach can be a simple process with the right cloud communications provider.
Look for an enterprise voice service provider with SIP trunking and direct routing capabilities to streamline phone number implementation. Getting a global business phone number should only take a few minutes, and they should also be easy to deploy to remote teams.
Additionally, consider the details and manner in which you can manage your portfolio: programmable voice APIs, document management, vendor consolidation and world-class customer support.
Frequently asked questions about global phone numbers
The registration fee is $500 USD plus standard monthly costs are applicable for a UIFN. Local DIDs do not contain a registration fee.
Callers must know their country’s IAC code (aka int’l country code). International toll-free and UIFN numbers include: IAC, 800 prefix type, and eight digits. Remember to consider that some countries post restrictions on international toll-free numbers/UIFN.
Most providers can set up your global toll-free number/UIFN number within 30 business days, but some may take longer. AVOXI always has inventory in stock in 60 countries!
You can find phone number formats on our phone number shopping cart– simply select the originating country and number type you need.
Yes, you can forward any call to your mobile device.
Our AVOXI Platform is the ultimate cloud-based communications tool to help companies scale their enterprise voice services around the world. With 170+ country coverage and no-code functionality, it allows you to customize your communications seamlessly, access smart tools such as IVR and call audio monitoring, and manage your phone number portfolio in one place.
Get the enterprise voice solution your business needs
From expanding your reach, supplying better voice service to your customers worldwide and establishing brand credibility, the benefits of investing in a global phone number are undeniable. Choosing the correct number for your organization’s needs doesn’t have to be difficult– especially when working with a phone number provider like AVOXI.
Contact us today to learn more about our global phone number options and expand your enterprise voice.
Start taking calls within minutes when you buy your business phone numbers online.
After your purchase, an AVOXI representative will contact you to confirm your account details and test your new phone number.
Worldwide: +1 (770) 937-9735
US & Canada: 1800 394 1980
Australia: 1800 834 558
Singapore: 800 852 6179
United Kingdom: 0800 652 5029
