What are the Benefits of an International Telephone Number?

Should Your Business Get an International Phone Number?

Having the opportunity to grow a business internationally is a long-term goal for many business owners. From increasing your customer reach to opening your business to new markets, there are many attractive benefits to taking your business abroad. However, when it comes to scaling your business at this level, it can pose some challenges. One of the biggest issues when operating your business in multiple countries, is the cost of building an international presence by setting up new office locations. International numbers provides the answer to this conundrum by enabling you to take international calls and have a local presence in a city or country of your choice from your business’s existing location. We’re going to explore how international numbers work, the benefits they can provide for your business and how to gain an international telephone number.

What is an International Phone Number?

With businesses moving their communication across to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, there are many benefits for your business. It fuels the digital transformation of your business, by taking your communication online, which provides a wealth of features, one of which is incorporating international numbers within your phone system. An international number allows businesses to establish a presence in a country without having to set up a physical office location there. When it comes to choosing an international number for your business, you have three main options.

International Local Numbers

International local numbers look exactly like the local numbers of the country or city you’re targeting. Calls are charged at the same rate as a local number, which means consumers are unaware that you are taking the call in another country. Increasing your international reach with an international local number is easy, as you can connect as many non-geographic numbers as you need within a single business telephone number.

International Toll Free Numbers (ITFN)

International Toll-Free Numbers work like any other local toll-free number. They allow overseas callers contact your business without being charged. International Toll Free Numbers can encourage more people to call into your business and therefore increase incoming calls and potential sales.

Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN)

Like ITFNs, UIFNs are also free to call. However, unlike ITFNs, they are not country-specific, which is great for businesses who are looking to expand in multiple countries, simultaneously. UIFNs use their own numbering format. They start with 00800 and resemble toll-free numbers. UIFNs are used by many large organisations and allow your business to build a local presence across many locations without the need to move or set up new offices.

What Are the Benefits of International Phone Numbers?

So now you have a clear idea of what international phone numbers are and the different types, let’s take a look at the benefits your business can take advantage of.

Global Reach, One System

By using an international phone number, you can expand your business to locations across the world, increase your customer base and sales potential, whilst still utilising your original business phone system. Connect multiple international numbers within your business phone number.

Local Presence

Choose phone numbers that are specific to the regions you want to target. From Azerbaijan to Quebec, you can choose prefixes that give the appearance of your business being local to international customers, whilst operating from your business’s country of origin. Having a local presence can encourage customers from that area to choose your business.

Free Calls for Your Customers

Having a phone number that is free to call means customers are more likely to engage with your business. More customers, means more sales potential, which means increased revenue.

Flexible Calling

When utilising international numbers within a VoIP business phone system, your team can take calls from international customers from any device. Simply assign this number to any device. With VoIP technology you can also take advantage of high quality calls, regardless of where your business is based, compared with traditional PBX telephony.

Rich Insights

One key benefit of VoIP phone systems is the access to rich insights into your customer’s experience and journey with you business. With international phone numbers within your existing phone system, you have full visibility of the service you are providing to your customers across the globe.

How Can I Find an International Phone Number For My Business?

When it comes to choosing the best international phone number for your business, working with an experienced specialist will take the hassle out of the process. Elite Group have over 20 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, so when it comes to choosing the right international phone number for your business, you know you are in good hands. Our expert consultants will work with you to discover what you need out of your international phone number to find the right one to help you achieve your goals.

Once we’ve found the right solution for you, your journey with us doesn’t stop there. Our team will ensure smooth implementation of your new number and we will assign a dedicated account manager to you to take the hassle out of managing your contract. Contact us today and let’s work together to expand your business overseas with a new international business phone number.