How To Dial Toll-Free Numbers Abroad
Free and Cheap Ways To Call Toll-Free Phones Internationally
Nov 28, 2008
Typically, calls to toll-free or freephone numbers can only be made from within certain countries or calling areas. One way of circumventing this is to call your local operator and ask to be connected to the toll-free number in question.
This operator assistance, even for toll-free or freephone numbers, can be costly. However, with the advent of voice-over-IP services, and the links they provide to ordinary phone lines, it is now possible to dial the toll free numbers of countries throughout the world, internationally, without operator assistance.
Calling Toll-Free Numbers from a Regular Phone with Sipbroker.com
Sipbroker.com provides free access numbers, also called PSTN numbers, in many countries throughout the world. This service is called the PSTN gateway. VOIP lovers can use these access numbers to call their friends’ computers on hundreds of VOIP networks from their regular landline or mobile phones. People can also use the access numbers to dial toll-free or freephone numbers in their own, or other countries. Here are a few easy steps.
- Dial the closest PSTN number. This will either be a local or a long distance call, but there is no additional charge.
- If calling a toll-free number in the United States, dial the number after the prompt, including the 1.
- When calling toll-free or freephone numbers in other countries, dial either 011 or *013, then the country code (i.e. 44 for the United Kingdom or 61 for Australia), and then the number. There will often be a 0 or a 1 in front of these toll-free numbers, which usually must be omitted.
- After a pause, the system will connect the call. If you made an error, or if the network is busy, you will hear a busy signal and have to redial.
Using Voipbuster.com Access numbers to Dial Internationally
Voipbuster.com also provides access numbers in many countries. However, unlike sipbroker.com, voipbuster.com access numbers can be used to reach other international destinations (not just toll-free numbers) for free as well. Alternatively, people can use the service over the Internet, using their computer and the Voipbuster software.
When dialing an access number from a phone that has not been registered with voipbuster.com, callers will have limited trial minutes to use the service, even for toll-free numbers. People who register their home or mobile numbers with voipbuster.com, and who purchase credit, will be able to place more calls. Currently, during the first 120 days after buying credit, calls (including toll-free calls) to destinations marked as “free”, such as the United States and Australia, will not use any of the purchased credit, as long as the user stays within 300 free minutes per week.
To use voipbuster.com access numbers, follow these easy steps.
- Dial the access number closest to your location. This will be either a local or a long distance call, but there is no additional charge for dialing the access number.
- Dial 00, then the country code, and then the number, followed by the pound key (also called the number sign or the hash button). If calling a destination marked as “free”, your call will connect.
Using Calling Cards or Phone Cards
When choosing a calling card, be sure to check whether a local or toll-free access number is available. Unlike the previous services mentioned in this article, using a calling card will almost always cost money (or deduct credit from your account), even when dialing a toll-free number. Phone card sites such as enjoyprepaid.com provide toll-free access numbers in many countries. When using enjoyprepaid.com phone cards, follow these steps.
- Dial the closest toll-free access number.
- Dial your pin number, or register your phone number with the Web site to provide pin-free access.
- If calling the United States, dial 1, plus the ten-digit telephone number, followed by the pound or number sign.
- If calling another country, dial 011, plus the country code, plus the telephone number, followed by the pound or number sign.
Using Skype.com to Call Toll-Free
Normally, calls to ordinary phones using skype.com require credit. However, calls to toll-free numbers in many countries throughout the world are free. Simply install the Skype software and create an account. To dial a toll-free number, type it in international format, i.e. +44 800 100 100 or +1 800 555 8355. The first part of the phone number that contains the plus sign is the country code.
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