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Guide to Calling Internationally with a Local Number

Did you know that there are more than 330 million companies operating worldwide?

You might have started your business with local ambitions, but the Internet has created many opportunities for global expansion. At some point, depending on the nature of your business, you’ll want to tap into those opportunities and expand overseas.

While there are different ways to expand internationally, there will come a time when your business must communicate with clients and prospects over the phone.

If your sales and support operations are centralized, and your agents are making international calls from a regional office or global HQ, those calls might not get answered. But you can improve connection rates by showing a local number and caller ID when calling internationally.

This guide will show you how to make international calls with a local number and the associated benefits.

Benefits of Using a Local Phone Number to Call Internationally

Businesses can reap numerous benefits when calling internationally with a local number.

Basically, this concept means that your agents can show a local number that corresponds with the country they’re calling. For example, if your sales reps are sitting in the UK but making calls to France, they can still show a local +33 France phone number as their caller ID, rather than a +44 UK number.

Here are 7 benefits associated with making international calls using a local in-country caller ID:

1. Increase Connection Rates

People are more likely to answer calls from a familiar local phone number that they recognize.

Think about it — when you receive an incoming call from a foreign number that you don’t recognize, how likely are you to answer? You’ll probably ignore the call or send it to voicemail.

When your sales reps call internationally with a local caller ID, prospects are much more likely to answer the phone. You can boost connection rates and improve the ROI on salespeoples’ activities.

2. Give a Number to Receive Return Calls

When you use a dedicated local caller ID and phone number to call internationally, prospects and customers can reach you back at the same number. This means if your salespeople are calling prospects and one of those prospects doesn’t answer, that prospect can still return the call locally.

Your business can also customize how incoming calls are handled. This means that calls can either be routed directly back to the rep making the call, to a sales group, to an auto-attendant, or even to a voicemail.

3. Establish a Local Virtual Presence

International virtual numbers allow companies to establish a local presence in other countries. For example, the business could be situated in the United States, but still achieve a local presence throughout LatAm and EMEA using virtual numbers.

Clients feel more comfortable dealing with a local company. Thus, when they receive calls from a business with a local presence, they’re more likely to feel at ease.

What’s best is they don’t necessarily have to know your business is located in another country!

4. Eliminate the Need to Manage Contracts with Multiple Local Operators

While it’s possible to procure global phone numbers for your various offices and locations through multiple local operators, this is not the most efficient route. Managing contracts and services with different operators can be painstaking.

You’ll spend unnecessary time renewing contracts and managing service lines across different portals; not to mention, dealing with various levels of service quality.

We allow you to procure phone numbers from multiple countries to call internationally and manage your service in a single place.

5. More Cost-Effective than Having Local Offices

One way to make international calls with a local caller ID is to set up physical offices in other countries. But this involves various hurdles like registering your business locally, local hiring, leasing office space, etc. These cost money and take time.

However, you can still have a local business presence without having employees and local office spaces, thanks to international phone numbers.

6. Build Local Trust and Loyalty

Consumers oftentimes trust local businesses over international ones. By making calls with a local caller ID, you encourage clients to trust and do business with you. Build trust with new markets by using local phone numbers for your outbound calling efforts.

7. Serve Multiple Locations from a Single Office

Rather than setting up multiple offices for the same purpose, situate your sales and support reps in a central location. They can serve multiple locations by changing their caller ID depending on where they’re calling. This improves ROI on agents’ performance and lets businesses do more with less.

How to Make International Calls with a Local Caller ID

Provided you have international dialing capabilities with your service provider, the process of making an international call is quite simple. You just need to dial the + sign, followed by the country code, and the subscriber number.

If you don’t have international calling enabled through your service provider, you’ll need to sign up for a calling service that allows international dialing. However, by doing so, you will not necessarily be able to show a local in-country caller ID. Your caller ID will likely display your subscriber number.

But still, you can achieve this in two ways. The first, more limited option, is by getting a local SIM card.

  • Not flexible – you can’t change your caller ID depending on where you’re calling.
  • Need to install a physical SIM card in your phone.
  • Expensive compared to a cloud phone service.

The second option is to use a local international calling solution like the one offered by United World Telecom. We allow you to easily buy local phone numbers to manage both incoming and outgoing calls.

In essence, you make international calls with our services and show a local caller ID corresponding to the country or region you’re calling.

Once subscribed, follow these steps to show a local caller ID when calling internationally:

1. Add a local or national phone number in the country you’ll be calling, along with an outbound calling plan. Local numbers start at just $7.95 per month and outbound calling plans start at $25.

2. Sign in to your dialer or softphone. In this example, we’ll be showing you how to call internationally using our proprietary dialer.

An image of the web phone used to make international calls with a local phone number.

3. Click on settings and then choose the caller ID corresponding to the local phone number you would like to use for your international outbound calls.

4. Using E.164 format, dial the destination number that you would like to call.

It’s really quite simple and you can set it up in just a few minutes.

More About United World Telecom

We have been providing international calling solutions since 1996. Thousands of clients rely on our solutions to receive and make international calls with local phone numbers.

To get started, reach out to us 24/7 or sign up online.

7 Advantages of Using Automatic Call Distribution

Businesses the world over have been using an Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system for better call management and to enhance caller experience. Let’s review the top 7 ACD advantages to understand how your business can use an ACD system to improve customer service.

7 Automatic Call Distribution Benefits

An ACD system is a telephony service that automatically routes incoming calls based on rules input previously by the account manager. These rules are based on various factors such as the time of the call, location of the caller, agent skills, agent history, and more. By routing calls automatically, the ACD system assists businesses by sending callers to the right agent or department for customer support or sales.

Read on to learn about the top 7 ACD advantages.

1. Automatic Call Routing

The most attractive benefit of an ACD system is its ability to route calls automatically and intelligently. The calls are routed based on predetermined rules and algorithms. Some ways to use ACD for call routing include:

    • The caller or customer’s information and history with the company
    • The caller’s area code or location
    • The time of the call
    • Agent availability
    • Agent skill such as language or area of expertise
    • Voice menu configurations

By using these call routing strategies, your business can save on missed or dropped calls, wrong transfers, and wasted time. Instead, callers will reach the right agent or department quickly, leading to better customer service and call resolution.

2. Quick Response to Calls

By transferring calls immediately to the right department and the right agent, your employees can answer customer calls quickly, almost instantly. Furthermore, you can even provide users the ability to leave a voicemail or offer a callback option during high call traffic periods. This ensures that callers will not abandon their call before speaking with an agent.

Furthermore, some ACD systems even offer a service to identify VIP customers and instantly route them to the appropriate agents. All of this makes it possible for businesses to quickly respond to calls and better manage your call handling process.

3. Better Agent Productivity

By routing calls effectively, your agents are better equipped to handle incoming calls. They won’t be overburdened or under-burdened as calls will be distributed equally. Additionally, less time will be spent on transferring callers to the right department or figuring out how to help a customer beyond one’s training or experience.

4. Increased Cost Savings

One of the most attractive ACD benefits is the system’s cost-effectiveness. An ACD transfers calls automatically, reducing the need for a receptionist or for employees to transfer calls back and forth. By doing this instantly, the ACD system makes it possible for the right agent to answer the call quickly, increasing first call resolution rates. Your business can improve customer service this way as callers don’t need to wait to be transferred to the right agent who knows their history or language, and so on.

Furthermore, you can subscribe to a cloud-based ACD system which is hosted by the provider. This reduces costs that would have been spent on installation and maintenance. All your business does is use the ACD service and improve call management.

5. Benefits of Cloud-Based Phone Systems

As mentioned above, cloud-based phone numbers do not need installation or purchase of new hardware. Additionally, you do not need an experienced IT team to maintain, manage, or update this hardware or software. All your business needs is a high-speed internet connection and you can use the service without interruption.

By going virtual, your business can connect agents and employees from any location through your ACD system. This makes remote working possible as your agents can work from any location as long as they have an internet connection.

6. Streamlined Business Processes

ACD systems can easily be integrated with a business’ CRM, helpdesks, social media platforms, live chat, and lead generation tools. By doing so, agents can get a wholesome understanding of each customer’s needs, preferences, and their previous interactions with the business. Through voice over IP integration, all customer information can be viewed and tracked in one interface instead of bouncing between multiple apps and software. As such, ACD systems can streamline business processes and make it easier for agents to perform efficiently in their jobs.

7. Increased Office Efficiency

All of the above automatic call distribution benefits indicate that such an automated system can vastly improve office efficiency and agent productivity. By having calls automatically routed to the right destination, no time is wasted on providing customers with assistance and support. And by creating a comfortable and integrated workplace, employees can stay up to date in regards to their callers and collaborate better with their fellow teammates.

Using ACD in Your Business

ACD systems can greatly impact the way your business interacts with its customers and enhance caller experience. Customers do not have to wait in long lines or deal with being transferred from one person to another. You can even use interactive voice response — a component of ACD systems — to have your phone system interact with callers and provide them with multiple options and assistance. To learn more about ACD and IVR systems, speak with our cloud communication specialists at 1 (877) 898 8646 today.

International Sales: 7-Step Checklist to Sell in a Global Market

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Want to improve your international sales strategy? Try this 7-step checklist to ensure you are doing everything you can to help your company succeed internationally.

How to Increase International Sales: 7-Step Checklist

Selling in the international market can be overwhelming. However international sales can greatly boost your business and help it grow. So, what can you do to enter your business in the global market and support it?

1. Review Local Competition

It is important to check out the local competition and find out how they are making their sales and what benefits and perks they offer. Then you can utilize similar strategies or go beyond them to attract customer attention. Specifically, pay attention to local pricing structures and service expectations so you can match them instead of sticking out as different.

2. Get International Business Numbers

To successfully sell internationally, it is necessary to create and maintain a reliable communication system. This means getting international business numbers such as international toll free numbers or local business numbers. You can have calls made to these numbers routed to your main office, remote employees, or a device of your choice in any location. This helps your business remain accessible no matter its location is.

You can get toll free numbers for international countries and give locals the option to call your business for free. Incoming calls are forwarded to a number or destination of your choice. This lets you manage international sales from any location of your choice.

Similarly, you can get local numbers for specific cities or regions in these countries. Locals can call these numbers for regular local calling charges, even if the call forwards to your main office in a different country.

3. Invest in International Payment Methods

A big hurdle — when it comes to international sales — is being able to accept various payment methods. Most international buyers will use a MasterCard or Visa for international transactions. However, apps and services such as PayPal also make international purchasing possible. Find the right international payment method for your target location, one that locals are comfortable using.

4. Offer Global Customer Support

As mentioned above, a reliable communication system is fundamental because it lets you offer global customer support. Customers who need help with a purchase or want to inquire about new products should be able to quickly get in touch with a representative. Be available not only via phone conversation but also by offering localized omnichannel support. Think: email, social media, live chat, video conferencing, etc. This helps you offer support in more ways, making customers of every type comfortable.

5. Execute International Marketing

Besides making your business accessible, you will want to increase brand visibility and awareness in the international market with the help of international marketing. Some common ways to get started are:

  • International SEO
  • Targeted social media ads
  • Developing an international-friendly URL structure
  • Language targeting
  • Advertising local contact information
  • Translating your website and social media to local languages
  • Advertising in local markets and directories, and more

These local advertising ideas can help your business become more visible and accessible in foreign markets.

6. Be Available in Different Languages and Time Zones

Another way to support your international sales is by making your company accessible through localization. For example, convert prices into the currency of your target areas. Translate your website to local and regional languages for every country you extend operations to. Offer customer support and sales in local languages. You may even choose to hire remote agents within target areas to match language and time zone requirements.

7. Make Shipping & Delivery Affordable

Lastly, make delivery affordable. Many customers and prospects switch providers or services if shipping and delivery charges are high. And this is especially true of international shipping as those prices stack up significantly. To combat this, you want to be clear and upfront about shipping and delivery charges, including customs charges and beat the logistical issues. Find a carrier that fits your budget as well as offers reasonable shipping charges. For instance, the cost of shipping should not be more than one third the price of the purchase.

Start Selling Internationally!

Not all ideas mentioned in the above checklist may fit or work with your business. However, try and experiment with ones that may and adjust them according to your needs. And before you know it, your business will be offering international sales and gaining recognition globally!

Top Germany Toll Free Number Providers [2024]

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Toll free numbers in Germany are free for callers. The receiver (the business) is charged for the calls. Callers from anywhere within Germany can call these businesses with a toll free number for free. These numbers are excellent for businesses for this reason. They are an instant indicator that a business is established and poised for communication. If you are considering purchasing a business phone number for communication in Germany, a toll free number may be ideal.

Germany Toll Free Number Providers in 2024

If you need Germany 0800 numbers to support your business plans to expand to Germany, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top Germany toll free number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

1. United World Telecom

Since 1996, United World Telecom has been offering toll free numbers for businesses all over the world. Furthermore, the company provides a global call forwarding service to keep businesses connected across the world. They provide a wide range of telecommunication services to support businesses that need high-quality, cost-effective virtual services for a variety of purposes.

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Germany toll free number plans range from $17.95/month (€15.04) to $528.95/month (€443.22).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Extensions for different departments
  • Direct inward dialing for individuals and teams
  • Cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding options
  • Call transfer
  • Voicemail and SMS to email

2. Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding was launched in 2007 and has become one of the world’s leading outlets for virtual business phone numbers. The company offers toll free, local, and international numbers as well as voice over IP.

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Germany toll free numbers start at $17.95/month (€15.04) and go up to $528.95/month (€443.22).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Unlimited extensions
  • Interactive voice response
  • Call forwarding options
  • Time of day routing
  • Select country forwarding
  • Simultaneous ringing
  • Voicemail & SMS to email
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Call transfer

3. Vodafone

Vodafone (Germany) was founded in 1990. The company, since then, has been supplying business phone solutions to users within Germany.

Virtual number plans: Vodafone’s Germany virtual business number plans range from $26.89/month (€22.90) to $281.35/month (€239.60), depending on the number of users needed.

Features included:

  • Multiple voice channels
  • Up to 10 blocks of phone numbers at one location
  • IP connection

4. Telekom

Since 1995, Telekom, a German telecom company, has been offering communication solutions across Germany. You can get services such as fixed network, mobile, and internet services.

Virtual number plans: Telekom offers different virtual phone numbers plans ranging from $29.30 (€24.95) to $64.53 (€54.95) per month.

Features included:

  • Multiple numbers
  • Multiple channels (language channels included)
  • Call forwarding
  • Call waiting
  • Voicemail, and more

5. O2 (Telefonica)

Since 1995, O2 (Telefonica) has supplied Germany with broadband, landline, and mobile telecommunications. They remain a reputable option in the market.

Virtual number plans: O2 (Telefonica) voice connection plans range from €40/month to €160/month, depending on the number of voice channels you need.

Features included:

  • Voice connections
  • SIP telephony
  • Easy extension management
  • Call management features
  • Conference calls

Get Germany Toll Free Numbers Today

Here at United World Telecom, we can help you get Germany toll free numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. You have the option of using a variety of features and there are no contracts. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!

Best Hong Kong Virtual Number Providers [2024]

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Need Hong Kong virtual phone number to support your business plans to expand to Hong Kong? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top Hong Kong virtual phone number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

Types of Hong Kong Virtual Phone Numbers

Before discussing Hong Kong virtual phone number providers, let’s look at the different types of Hong Kong virtual numbers.

Toll free numbers:
Hong Kong toll free numbers are business phone numbers that do not charge the callers. Therefore, when people call toll free numbers, they incur no charges. Instead, the receiver is charged.

National numbers:
Hong Kong national numbers are phone numbers that are charged normal local calling rates and are accessible from anywhere within the country.

Now that we have listed the different types of Hong Kong virtual numbers available, let’s look at the top providers and what they offer.

Top Hong Kong Virtual Number Providers in 2024

There are countless virtual numbers providers that exist today. These are the top 5 virtual number providers in Hong Kong, according to extensive research by our team.

1. United World Telecom

United World Telecom is a leading provider of virtual communication features and tools since 1996. The telecom company provides business phone numbers (toll free, local, international, and more) as well as IP telephony services.

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Hong Kong virtual phone number plans range from $17.95/month (HK$139.12) to $348.95/month (HK$2704.46).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Extensions for different departments
  • DID numbers for individuals and teams
  • Cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding options
  • Call transfer
  • Voicemail and voicemail transcription

2. Global Call Forwarding

Since 2007, Global Call Forwarding offers business communication solutions to businesses all over the world. These solutions include business phone numbers, VoIP technology, SIP trunking, and more.

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Hong Kong virtual phone numbers start at $17.95/month (HK$139.12) to $348.95/month (HK$2704.46).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Unlimited extensions
  • Advanced cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding options
  • Voicemail to email
  • Voicemail transcription
  • Outbound calling
  • Call transfer

3. China Mobile Hong Kong Company (CMHK)

CMHK is a subsidiary of China Mobile and is one of Hong Kong’s biggest telecom companies.

Virtual number plans: CMHK’s Hong Kong phone numbers range from HK$28/month ($3.61) to HK$296/month ($38.19).

Features included:

  • 5G network
  • High-quality data
  • Unlimited calls
  • International calling

4. HKT

HKT is a Hong Kong telecom provider offering fixed-line, broadband internet, IP telephony services for small businesses and enterprises.

Virtual number plans: HKT’s business phone number plan includes:

  • Monthly charge — HK$189.90
  • Installation charge — HK$475
  • The DID number plans include:
  • Tone DID line monthly charge — $281/line
  • Pulse DID line monthly charge — $344/line
  • Installation — $475/line, plus additional charges

Features included:

  • Voice and unified communications
  • IP telephony
  • Video intelligence
  • Cloud services
  • Caller display
  • Call transfer

5. 3 Hong Kong

3 Hong Kong is a leading mobile service provider in Hong Kong. They offer voice, roaming, 5G, LTE, and more.

Virtual number plans: The lowest plan starts at HK$188 /month. Within this plan, you get a Hong Kong virtual number, data, and unlimited local voice calling.

Features included:

  • Roaming service
  • IDD service
  • Data Top-up

Get Hong Kong Virtual Numbers Today

Here at United World Telecom, we can help you get Hong Kong virtual numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!

Top Mexico Virtual Phone Number Providers in 2024

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Need Mexico virtual phone numbers to support your business plans to expand to Mexico? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top Mexico virtual phone number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

Types of Mexico Virtual Phone Numbers

Before we discuss different Mexico virtual phone number providers, let’s look at the different types of Mexico phone numbers.

Toll free numbers:
Toll free Mexico phone numbers are business numbers that are free for callers. The receiver (the business) is charged instead of the caller. Callers from within Mexico can call a business with a Mexico toll free number for free.

Geographic numbers:
Mexico geographic numbers, on the other hand, have specific area codes for different regions — such as Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Mexico City, etc. — spread across the country. These numbers are assigned to different cities. Calls made to these numbers incur local calling fees.

Now, let’s look at the top Mexico virtual phone number providers and what they offer.

Top Mexico Virtual Number Providers

These are the best providers of virtual Mexico numbers in 2024.

1. United World Telecom

United World Telecom has been in the telecommunications industry since 1996. The company offers virtual business numbers and international call forwarding for more than 160 countries across the world.

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Mexico virtual phone number plans range from $12.95/month ($287.09 pesos) to $158.95/month ($3,523.78 pesos).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Extensions for different departments
  • DID numbers for individuals and teams
  • IVR
  • Call forwarding options
  • Call transfer
  • Voicemail and SMS to email

2. Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding was launched in 2007 and has grown to become a leading supplier of business numbers for more than 160 countries around the world. From Global Call Forwarding, you can get local numbers, toll free numbers, international numbers, IP telephony, and more.

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Mexico virtual phone numbers start at $12.95/month ($287.09 pesos) and go up to $158.95/month ($3,523.78 pesos).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording
  • Unlimited extensions
  • Advanced cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding & routing options
  • Voicemail to email
  • SMS to email
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Call transfer

3. Telcel (América Móvil)

América Móvil, a division of Telcel, is a telecom company in Mexico. They offer fixed voice, data, business communication solutions, and more.

Virtual number plans: Telcel’s Mexico virtual numbers start at $8.98/month ($199 pesos) and go up to $58/month ($1,299 pesos).

Features included:

  • SMS
  • Social media: Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter
  • Anti-fraud policy

4. Movistar (Telefonica)

Movistar (Telefonica) is a Mexican telecom company offering communication solutions for personal and business use. They offer IP telephony with voice, data, and video services.

Virtual number plans: Movistar’s virtual numbers for Mexico range from $10.78/month ($239 pesos) and go up to $25.67/month ($569 pesos).

Features included:

  • Unlimited calls & SMS
  • International roaming
  • Social media:
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • WhatsApp
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Uber

5. AT&T Mexico

AT&T Mexico is a subsidiary of AT&T for Mexico. The company offers phone solutions for personal and business use with voice, video, SMS, MMS, and email services.

Virtual number plans: AT&T Mexico’s phone numbers for business range from $10.78/month ($239 pesos) and go up to $58.59/month ($1,299 pesos).

Features included:

  • Unlimited social networks
  • Minutes and SMS included
  • 1.5GB – 18GB internet

Get Mexico Virtual Numbers Today

Here at United World Telecom, we can help you get Mexico virtual phone numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!

Best Japan Virtual Number Providers in 2024

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Need Japan virtual numbers to support your business plans to expand to Japan? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top Japan virtual phone number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

Types of Japan Virtual Numbers

Before we discuss different Japan virtual number providers, we first need to look at the different types of Japan virtual numbers that exist.

Toll free numbers:
Japan toll free numbers are business numbers that offer free calling to customers. Callers can call these numbers from within Japan for free.

National numbers:
Japan national numbers are business numbers that can be dialed from within Japan and from other countries.

Geographic numbers:
Local Japan numbers are assigned to certain areas within the country and have distinct area codes. Callers are charged regular local calling fees for these numbers.

Best Japan Virtual Phone Number Providers

Now that we have listed the different types of Japan virtual numbers available, let’s look at the top Japan virtual phone number providers and what they offer.

USD to Yen conversion rates are accurate as of January 11th, 2024.

1. United World Telecom

Since 1996, United World Telecom has been providing virtual communication tools such as business phone numbers and call forwarding to businesses around the world. United World Telecom provides:

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Japan virtual number plans range from $17.95/month (¥2608.03) and to $598.95/month (¥87,023.84).

Features included:

2. Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding was launched in 2007 to provide easy and convenient communication tools to companies the world over. The telecom company currently offers business toll free and local numbers from over 160 countries. Global Call Forwarding offers

  • Mobile-accessible toll free numbers
  • Geographic Japanese phone numbers
  • Non-geographic Japanese phone numbers
  • Universal toll free numbers (UIFN)

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Japan virtual business number plans start at $17.95/month (¥2608.03) and go up to $598.95/month (¥87,023.84).

Features included:

  • Unlimited extensions
  • IVR technology
  • Time of day routing
  • Select country forwarding
  • Simultaneous ringing
  • Hosted call recording
  • Voicemail transcription
  • Outbound calling

3. KDDI

Japanese telecom operator KDDI has been supplying Japan with telecom solutions since 2000. They provide local and long-distance voice connections and IP telephony.

Virtual number plans: KDDI’s Japan phone plans include

  • Registration fee ¥2,000 ($)
  • Dial-in registration fee ¥1,000 ($)
  • Business Call Direct fee ¥10,000 ($)
  • Basic monthly fee ¥600 ($)
  • Plus equipment rental costs and additional calling charges

Features included:

  • Dial-in services
  • Call rejection
  • International calling

4. NTT DoCoMo

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) DoCoMo is a Japanese telecommunications company offering voice communication tools to users in Japan.

Virtual number plans: DoCoMo’s phone plans include

  • An initial cost of ¥1,000 ($6.88) – ¥2,000 ($13.77)
  • Monthly cost of ¥900 ($6.19) – ¥5,000 ($34.42)

5. SoftBank

Among other things, SoftBank offers broadband, fixed-line telecom, and internet services. You can get different phone plans for personal and business use.

Virtual number plans: SoftBank’s Japan business phone plans range from ¥400/contract line ($2.75) to ¥1,400/contract line ($9.64). VoIP gateway’s monthly charge ranges from ¥500/equipment ($3.44) to ¥5,000/equipment ($34.42).

Get Japan Virtual Numbers Today!

We at United World Telecom can help you get Japan virtual numbers for your business with quick installation and fast activation. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!

Top Germany Virtual Phone Number Providers in 2024

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Need Germany virtual numbers to support your business plans to expand to Germany? We’ve got you covered. Here are the top Germany virtual phone number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

Types of Germany Virtual Numbers

Before we discuss different Germany virtual phone number providers, we first need to look at the different types of Germany virtual numbers available.

Toll free numbers:
Germany toll free numbers are business numbers that are free for callers. Calls from within Germany incur no charges. Instead, the receiver (that is the business) is charged for these calls.

National numbers:
Germany national numbers are accessible from anywhere within the country and are charged local calling fees.

Geographic numbers:
Local Germany numbers are numbers assigned to specific area codes within the country. For example, you can call Germany geographic numbers for Berlin, Cochem, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and more. Calls made to these numbers are charged local calling rates.

Top Germany Virtual Phone Number Providers

Now that we have listed the different types of Germany virtual numbers available, let’s look at the top Germany virtual phone number providers and what they offer.

1. United World Telecom

Since 1996, United World Telecom has been offering virtual phone numbers and international call forwarding for businesses across the globe.

Types of virtual numbers offered: United World Telecom provides:

  • Germany toll free numbers as well as mobile-accessible numbers
  • Germany geographic numbers
  • Germany national numbers (32)
  • Universal toll free numbers (UIFN)

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Germany virtual number plans range from $12.95/month (€11.02) and to $608.95/month (€518.10).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Cloud IVR
  • Outbound calling (customizable caller ID)
  • Extensions and DID numbers for different departments and teams
  • Call forwarding
  • Call routing
  • Voicemail and SMS to email, and more

2. Global Call Forwarding

Launched in 2007, Global Call Forwarding has become a reliable outlet for business phone numbers and virtual communication features to enable easy international communication.

Types of virtual numbers offered: Global Call Forwarding offers:

  • Germany toll free numbers as well as mobile-accessible numbers
  • Germany geographic numbers
  • Germany national numbers (32)
  • Universal toll free numbers (UIFN)

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Germany virtual business number plans start at $12.95/month (€11.02) and go up to $628.95/month (€518.10).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Unlimited extensions
  • Advanced cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding options:
    • Time of day routing
    • Select country forwarding
    • Failover forwarding
    • Sequential forwarding
    • Simultaneous ringing
  • Voicemail to email
  • SMS to email
  • Outbound calling
  • Call transfer

3. Telekom

Telekom was formed in 1995 and has since been offering telephone solutions across Germany such as fixed network, mobile, and internet services.

Types of virtual numbers offered: Telekom offers German business phone numbers for landline and mobile networks.

Virtual number plans: Telekom offers different virtual phone numbers plans ranging from $29.30 (€24.95) to $64.53 (€54.95).

Features included:

  • Multiple numbers
  • Multiple channels (language channels included)
  • Call forwarding
  • Call waiting
  • Voicemail, and more

4. Vodafone

Vodafone Germany was founded in 1990 and since then has been providing communication solutions to personal and business users in Germany.

Types of virtual numbers offered:

  • Business phone numbers
  • Landline and mobile numbers

Virtual number plans: Vodafone’s Germany virtual business number plans range from $26.89/month (€22.90) to $281.35/month (€239.60), depending on the number of users needed.

Features included:

  • Multiple voice channels
  • Up to 10 blocks of phone numbers at one location
  • IP connection

5. O2 (Telefonica)

Since 1995, O2 (Telefonica) has supplied Germany with broadband, landline, and mobile telecommunications.

Types of virtual numbers offered: O2 (Telefonica) offers:

  • 0800 toll free numbers
  • 0180 numbers
  • Local phone numbers

Virtual number plans: O2 (Telefonica) voice connection plans range from €40/month to €160/month, depending on the number of voice channels you need.

Features included:

  • Voice connections
  • SIP telephony
  • Easy extension management
  • Call management features
  • Conference calls

Get Germany Virtual Numbers Today

Here at United World Telecom, we can help you get Germany virtual numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started.

What is International Call Forwarding & How Does It Work?

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What is International Call Forwarding?

International call forwarding, also known as global call forwarding, is a service that routes incoming calls from a virtual phone number to another destination anywhere in the world. Calls can be forwarded internationally to any phone number(s), PBX, or SIP destination worldwide.

How International Call Forwarding Works

International call forwarding is the redirection of incoming calls to an international destination. When you set up international forwarding on a virtual number, calls to that phone number can be automatically routed to another office location or device that you have set anywhere in the world.

Callers will typically not notice that their call is being forwarded. Modern technologies have developed a number of features that make the forwarded phone calls indistinguishable from regular local calls. For example, you can set a local ringback tone that corresponds to many countries’ unique local dial tones or even configure a customized greeting in a local language.

Forwarded Phone Conversations Have Two Legs

A single forwarded phone conversation actually consists of two phone calls – which are commonly referred to as “Leg A” and “Leg B.”

First, there is Leg A – this an inbound call, from your customer for example, to your forwarding number. Leg A gets connected to your service provider’s network. After connecting to the network, Leg A call needs to get forwarded to the destination you chose.

Leg B is the outbound call from your provider’s network to the pre-specified destination. Subscribers are usually billed for both legs.

How Long Does It Take?

A subscription is required. International call forwarding can be set up in just a few minutes. Further, the full service can be integrated in less than a day. Some countries, however, require basic documentation in order to enable calls to be forwarded internationally. Once that documentation is taken care, calls are then seamlessly forwarded to your destination.

This service used to be reserved for large companies with international operations. Recent advancements in technology, however, have made it now possible for businesses of all sizes to use international call forwarding. In most cases, the forwarding takes place instantaneously.

However, there can be some latency issues associated with very long-distance calls. For example, a call from Australia to the United States has a long distance to travel. This can lead to minor delays.

To combat this, top service providers like United World Telecom have global infrastructure to minimize any potential delays. We know how important it is for calls to get forwarded instantaneously and with superior voice quality.

Can I Forward Calls to More Than One Phone?

The best part about a call forward service is that calls can be routed seamlessly to more than one phone. The service was created for business usage and it comes with a number of features to enhance this capability. For example, there are settings to enable simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, and time-of-day routing, which forwards calls to different numbers at different times of the day. International call forwarding can support an unlimited number of extensions.

need forward calls internationally

Top 3 Benefits of International Call Forwarding

We’ve been helping international companies expand across borders for more than twenty years. These are the most common international call forwarding benefits that real customers have reported to us over the years.

Working Remotely

Telecommuting has become a fast-growing trend for businesses in 2020. Major institutions like Facebook and Harvard have started to work remotely. In some companies, in-person operations have been replaced completely by remote work! One of the benefits of international call forwarding is the ability to work remotely.

A phone forwarding service enables employees to work from anywhere in the world. Not only can an international forwarding service help companies comply with an immediate need for remote work, it can also expand a potential talent pool to include candidates from other countries.

Expanding Internationally

As the name suggests, international call forwarding helps businesses expand internationally. The service is available from most of the 195 countries worldwide and it enables any business to establish a virtual telephone presence in those countries. There is a very minimal charge and the service is without commitment.

Enhancing Customer Experience

Let’s face it – your paying customers don’t want to have to pay more to get in touch with you over the phone. But that’s what happens when a multinational business doesn’t have international call forwarding set up.

Offer a free way for international customers to get a hold of your business over the phone. It will undoubtedly enhance your customer experience.