Universal Toll Free Numbers

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For a business with a global footprint, securing a universal toll-free number is essential. It ensures customers and employees from various countries can reach you without incurring charges.

Discover the benefits of universal toll-free numbers, explore how to get one, and learn about the various options available to meet your business needs.

Types of Universal Toll Free Numbers

There are several types of universal toll free numbers:

  • ITFS numbers that are specific to particular countries
  • UIFN service that can be activated and dialed the same from more than 60 countries.
  • Toll-Free FlexDial which works as a single phone number that can be dialed from multiple countries.

The most commonly known type of universal toll-free numbers, UIFNs (Universal International Freephone Numbers), are assigned the toll-free prefix 800 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). They enable callers from participating countries to reach a business that subscribes to a universal toll-free number without being charged for the call. Because only a limited number of countries currently participate, it is important to be aware of which countries are eligible.

Businesses should note the regulations regarding purchasing this type of universal toll-free number. These regulations include:

  • Number Registration: universal numbers must be registered in at least two countries.
  • Setup Fees: universal toll free phone numbers typically require a one-time set-up fee. This fee includes a one-time charge for the number registration plus a per-country charge.
  • Dialing Conventions: universal toll free virtual numbers have a different dialing format than traditional in-country toll free numbers.

Universal toll-free numbers are similar to international toll free numbers in that they are free for your customers to call. The difference is that they can be dialed the same from multiple countries. Universal toll free phone numbers are currently available in more than 60 countries including:

  • Australia
  • Denmark
  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • Philippines
  • Uruguay

Who Uses Universal Toll Free Numbers?

We have decades of experience providing universal toll-free solutions to businesses worldwide. Some of our long-term customers include:

  • Leading healthcare and life science companies
  • Financial institutions
  • Software companies
  • Travel and hospitality brands
  • Managed service providers
The one thing that these businesses have in common is that they want to give their customers a single phone number, regardless of their location. This makes it easier for their customers to reach service customer service or sales.

Don’t forget that universal toll free numbers are not available in all countries. If you’re looking for a toll free number that’s global, make sure you consult with one of our toll-free service experts.

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How Much Do Universal Toll Free Numbers Cost?

We offer five different toll free number plans. They come with included minutes as well as an additional per-minute rate. Higher-priced plans offer greater calling minutes and lower additional per-minute rates.

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How to Buy a Universal Toll Free Number?

You can buy a universal toll-free number from Global Call Forwarding in two ways:

To purchase your numbers online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit our Pricing page.
  2. Select your new number from the left dialog box.
  3. Choose your desired country, type of number, prefix, and number available.
  4. Then, enter the necessary information in the right dialog box to have your calls routed.
  5. Note: You can route calls to any location or VoIP/SIP system.
  6. Click on View Rates and choose from our five different plans.
  7. Add premium services, if desired. We offer Call Recording, Outbound Calling, Voicemail Transcription, and Rollover Minutes.
  8. Submit your order and wait for your service to be activated.
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What Types of Businesses Use Universal Numbers?

Multinational businesses serving customers across various countries can greatly benefit from universal toll-free numbers. Companies from the following industries often use these numbers:

  • Healthcare and life science companies
  • Financial services, banking, and insurance companies
  • Travel and hospitality brands
  • Software companies
  • Education companies
  • E-commerce brands
  • Recruiting companies
  • Managed services providers and IT companies

Companies in these industries often have clients or employees in many different countries. Universal toll-free numbers enable people in other countries to call that business for free, whether for sales, support, or to reach a help desk. Additionally, companies in these industries often must include a phone number on product packaging and other product materials. Universal toll-free numbers enable businesses to publish a single phone number on their product packaging.

If you want to give your company a virtual presence in many different countries and enable your clients worldwide to call you for free, universal numbers could be the solution you have been looking for.

The Benefits of Universal Toll-Free Numbers

Using universal numbers allows you to maintain flexibility and limit risk while operating in different markets. You can advertise your business in multiple countries through a single phone number with a universal toll-free service.

These phone numbers require no hardware or dedicated phone lines. Calls to your number can be routed to other mobile phones, landlines, softphones, PBX systems, CRM, or even a combination of them. Additionally, calls can be routed based on caller ID or dialpad inputs from callers. Using your online dashboard, you can also easily track call activity.

Like international toll-free numbers, callers dialing universal toll-free numbers will not be charged for the call. Instead, the company they are calling will be charged.

Universal toll-free phone numbers are great if you have customers in multiple countries because you can advertise one single number for them all to call.

How Can Universal Toll-Free Numbers Attract Customers?

The instant attraction for “toll-free numbers” to potential customers has more power than you know. People know that they can call these numbers at no cost to them, which is an added plus. Therefore, people are more inclined to call and inquire about a business or service, which allows you to convert them into customers and promote your brand. Customers also feel reassured knowing they can reach your business for support without paying for the call.

Another benefit of universal toll-free numbers is that since you are paying for the calls instead of the caller, it gives the admirable impression that you are a company that cares about its potential customers by making the process a no-risk proposition. Getting universal toll-free numbers for your business is a great way to show customers that you care.

F A Q | Universal Toll-Free Numbers

There are several types of universal toll-free numbers to consider. The most common types of universal toll-free numbers are UIFN, ITFS numbers, and Toll-Free FlexDial. These numbers can enable universal toll-free coverage.

UIFN numbers are universal toll-free numbers that can be dialed from more than 60 countries worldwide. Top countries participating in the UIFN program include Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, United States, etc. While UIFN has many advantages, businesses must consider the drawbacks.

UIFN and ITFS offer different advantages and drawbacks. To learn more, read our detailed comparison of these two types of universal toll-free numbers.

You can easily purchase and set up universal toll-free numbers from Global Call Forwarding. We offer the most common types of universal phone numbers on a commitment-free monthly basis. Sign up for a universal toll-free number through our secure online checkout here.

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