How to Call 1800 Number from Overseas
How To Call An 1800 Number From Overseas
Calling an 1800 number from overseas can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the steps. However, with the right guidance, you can find connecting to any Australian 1800 number fairly simple.
This how-to guide not only covers the technical aspects of calling toll-free numbers for overseas callers but also highlights the potential obstacles you might face calling an Australian toll-free number.
It offers practical solutions to overcome unexpected issues you may have to make such calls.
By following these few steps and tips, you can ensure that your call goes through smoothly, connecting you to the necessary services or support without unnecessary delays or unexpected additional fees.
The 3-step process to call an 1800 number from overseas
Understanding the nuances of international calling an 1800 number can save you time, money, and frustration.
This is especially true if you are a frequent traveller, an expatriate, or simply someone needing to contact an Australian business from abroad.
Knowing the proper procedures and considerations of international 1800 calls can make a significant difference to what happens after you hit the call button.
Step 1: International Access Code (IAC)
The first step in calling an 1800 number from overseas is to dial the relevant International Access Code (IAC), also known as an international dial-out code or ISD code, for the country you are calling from.
The IAC allows you to connect to international phone lines. Individual countries have their own specific code to direct overseas calls, so always ensure your IAC matches your country of calling origin.
For instance, if you want to call an 1800 number from the United States or Canada, you would use the dial-out code: 011. It is crucial to know the country’s exit code because it is the gateway to making international calls from a specific country to a destination number in a different country.
Step 2: Other Prefixes to Add to the Phone Number
After dialling the IAC, the next step to call an international 1800 number is to enter Australia’s country code. Australia’s country code is +61. This code is necessary to route your call to toll-free phone numbers in Australia from other countries.
The country code essentially informs the international telephone network where your call should be directed. Without this code, your call cannot reach its intended destination in Australia from the other country.
Step 3: Format for Standard Toll-Free Numbers
The final step to make an overseas call involves dialling the 1800 number you wish to call. However, you need to modify the number slightly to fit the international format.
In Australia, 1800 numbers begin with ‘1800’, but for international calls, you replace the initial ‘0’ with ‘8’. So, if the number is 1800 123 456, you would dial it as +61 8 1800 123 456. This modification is essential for the call to go through correctly.
Once you dial the number in this format, your call should connect to the Australian 1800 number.
What to know when calling from overseas
Beyond just knowing what digits to use, there are plenty of things to know when you are calling an 1800 Australian toll-free number from abroad. Understanding these factors can save you from making unsuccessful calls and ensure you always connect when the recipient is available between the two countries.
Time zone difference
One important consideration when calling an 1800 number from overseas is the time zone difference. Australia spans several time zones, and being aware of this can help you avoid calling at inconvenient times.
Additionally, there is a significant time difference between Australia and countries in Europe or the Americas, which also requires forethought before making a call.
Fortunately, there are a multitude of apps and websites to help you figure out if your current time matches with your target’s waking hours, or if you need to stay up late!
These tools also often allow you to input your location and the location in Australia to find a suitable time for both parties.
Public holidays and business hours
When calling from overseas, it’s important to be aware of Australia’s public holidays and typical business hours.
That is because Australian businesses tend to operate within specific hours, usually from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Additionally, public holidays can vary by state and territory, causing some businesses to be shut on certain days.
It is always beneficial to check the significance of your targeted area’s dates before a call.
That way, you can ensure that you don’t call when businesses are closed, saving you time and potential frustration.
Higher calling rates
Another important factor to consider with toll-free calls is the higher calling rates that may apply when calling an 1800 number from overseas.
While 1800 numbers are toll-free within Australia, calling these numbers from outside the country can incur charges.
That is, unless the business has provided a universal international freephone number for inbound numbers as one of their call routing options.
Your own service provider also needs to offer international calls for the call to connect.
If you’re travelling and know you will need to call Australia during this time, it’s beneficial to secure an international call feature ahead of time to ensure your calls go through.
With proper preparation, you can also find a service feature that reduces or negates international call costs.
International support numbers
Many businesses provide separate international toll-free numbers (sometimes called universal international freephone numbers) for their overseas customers.
These numbers are specifically designed for international calls and often have different prefixes to provide call routing of toll-free services to more countries.
Using these numbers can reduce international call charges and is often more reliable than trying to reach a domestic toll-free number for multiple countries.
Always ensure that you are calling the correct international toll-free number to avoid unnecessary charges and to get the support you need promptly.
Costs of calling an 1800 number from overseas
Calling an 1800 number from overseas can come with various built-in international rate call costs to dial Australian toll-free numbers. Charges can vary based on your service provider and the call plan you have.
Some providers might offer packages that include cheaper international rates. Additionally, some businesses might have agreements with their telecom providers to offer lower rates for international calls.
Always verify the costs with your provider before making the call.
Potential issues you may encounter
When calling an 1800 number from overseas, you may encounter various issues due to the distance and need for call routing. These problems can stem from technical glitches, incorrect dialling procedures, or restrictions imposed by service providers.
Understanding these issues and how to troubleshoot them is key to making successful calls.
Common reasons for call failures
The most common reasons that an international call to an 1800 number will fail include:
Incorrect dialling format: This is the most common issue where the wrong numbers are used or a mix-up of the international dialling format occurs.
Blocked international calls: Your service provider may block international calls by default.
Network issues: Poor network connectivity can prevent calls from going through.
Time zone differences: Calling at an inappropriate time can result in missed calls.
Public holidays and business hours: Businesses may be closed during public holidays or outside business hours.
Troubleshooting tips
If you encounter any connection issues with your international call, there are some methods you can attempt to restore the call. Some simple yet effective troubleshooting tips include:
Verify the dialling format: Double-check the numbers you are dialling before making a call, ensuring that the correct IAC, country code, and modified 1800 number are used.
Check with your service provider: Ensure that international calling is enabled on your phone plan. Some providers of mobile phones might require you to activate this feature manually.
Use a reliable network: Make sure you are connected to a stable internet or mobile phone call network before dialling. If possible, use a landline for better call quality.
Confirm local time and business hours: Use time zone applications to ensure you are calling during appropriate hours in Australia.
Try alternative methods: If direct dialling fails, consider using services like Skype or Google Voice, which often have better connectivity for international calls and tend to be free as well.
Choose a reliable 1800 number service for your business
For business owners operating in global markets, ensuring that customers can reach you easily from overseas can be very beneficial. When you have an easily-accessible phone line you bring more calls and, therefore, more leads.
Having a reliable 1800 number service that supports international calls can significantly aid your business. It ensures that you can receive calls from international customers in the same way they would if they were in the same country as your business.
A good service provider will offer features like international call support, clear call quality, and affordable rates. Fortunately, Telcoworks offers these features and plenty more with their business-orientated number plans.
To learn more about 1800 numbers and how they can help your business, visit Telcoworks. Alternatively, you can directly contact one of our reliable team members to get started on integrating an international business number into your daily operations.
Frequently asked questions
What is an International Access Code?
An International Access Code (IAC) is a prefix used to dial out of your country when making an international call. It helps direct your international callers to the international telephony network.
Can I use a messaging service like WhatsApp to contact an 1800 number?
No, messaging services like WhatsApp do not support calls to toll-free numbers such as 1800 numbers. You need to use a standard phone line or a VoIP service that supports these calls.
Are 1800 numbers free from outside Australia?
No, 1800 numbers are not free when called from outside Australia. Charges may apply depending on your service provider and call plan.
How do I dial a 1800 number from my mobile?
Dial the International Access Code for your country, followed by Australia’s country code (+61), and then the 1800 number, replacing the initial ‘0’ with ‘8’. For example, +61 8 1800 123 456.
How to call 1800 numbers from specific countries?
Check the specific International Access Code for the country you are calling from, then follow these steps: dial the IAC, enter +61, and the 1800 number with ‘8’ in place of the initial ‘0’.
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