UIFN refresher tips – got more questions?
Still looking for an International Number for your Business. A Universal International Freephone Number or UIFN is a unique option that you may want to explore.
In a rapidly evolving global marketplace, establishing a strong international presence is essential for businesses looking to expand their horizons. Universal International Freephone Numbers (UIFN) offer an effective solution for enterprises seeking seamless global communication. In this article, we will dive into the world of UIFN numbers, uncovering their significance, how they function, and the invaluable advantages they bring to your international business strategy.
So, what do you need to ask?
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Guatemala
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela
What countries do you need your customers to call you within.
International Coverage:
UIFN numbers transcend borders, offering a consistent contact point for customers across the globe. In contrast, traditional toll-free numbers are often limited to a specific country or region.
A Universal Toll Free number only covers certain countries.
Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) service was available in several countries. However, please keep in mind that the availability of UIFN numbers may change over time, and it’s essential to check with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or a UIFN service provider for the most up-to-date information. Here is a list of some countries where UIFN numbers were available:
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and the availability of UIFN numbers may have expanded to more countries or changed since this article. To get the most accurate and current information on UIFN availability in specific countries, it’s advisable to contact the ITU, one of our experts or a UIFN service provider.
Cost Efficiency? Find Out all of the Costs
UIFN numbers optimise your international communication costs by consolidating multiple contact numbers into one.
Find out the costs to set up the number by country.
The cost of a Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) can vary depending on several factors, including the telecommunications provider you choose and the specific services you require. UIFN numbers are typically offered by international telecommunications companies and may involve various fees and charges.
Registration Fee: There is often an initial registration fee associated with obtaining a UIFN number. This fee can vary depending on the provider and may include administrative costs.
Monthly or Annual Service Fee: Telecommunications providers typically charge a recurring service fee for maintaining and routing calls to your UIFN number. This fee can vary based on usage, the number of countries you want coverage in, and other factors.
Per-Minute Charges: You may also incur per-minute charges for incoming calls to your UIFN number. These charges can differ depending on the country from which the call originates and the provider’s pricing structure.
Once you have the list of countries you require you need to obtain costs. You will need to enquire of the set-up, monthly and call charges as they can be different for each country. You should also be able to only select the countries you need so that will help to you target the users you want to.
Minimum contract term:
Again, this may vary by carrier/supplier. Expect a minimum contract term of 12 months with some requirements being 3 or even 5 years. It’s worth checking these terms before you order any numbers.
What users need to access the UIFN number
Very, very important. Provide your supplier all the info you can about your intended callers. Make sure you highlight if they are mobile users as some restrictions can apply. Make sure that your provider is transparent and provides all the information they can about each country and its restrictions if any.
Who uses UIFN numbers
UIFN (Universal International Freephone Numbers) can be used by a variety of organisations and businesses that want to establish a unified international toll-free contact point for their customers. Here are some examples of entities that commonly use UIFN numbers:
1. Multinational Corporations: Large multinational companies often use UIFN numbers to provide a single, consistent contact point for customers across multiple countries. This helps create a unified brand image and simplifies customer support.
2. Global Customer Support Centers: Organizations with customer support or call center operations that serve customers worldwide may use UIFN numbers to streamline communication with their international clientele.
3. Travel and Hospitality Industry: Airlines, hotel chains, and travel agencies use UIFN numbers to make it easy for travelers from various countries to make reservations, inquire about services, or seek assistance.
4. E-commerce Businesses: International e-commerce companies utilize UIFN numbers to facilitate customer inquiries, order tracking, and support services for customers in different countries.
5. Non-Profit Organizations: International non-profit organizations and NGOs may use UIFN numbers to encourage global donations and provide a single point of contact for supporters around the world.
6. Export-Driven Businesses: Companies that export products or services globally may use UIFN numbers to make it convenient for international clients to inquire about products, request quotes, or receive assistance.
7. Education Institutions: Universities and educational institutions with a global reach may use UIFN numbers for international student inquiries, admissions, and academic support.
8. Tourism Promotion Boards: Government bodies responsible for promoting tourism in their countries often use UIFN numbers to provide information and assistance to travelers.
9. Medical and Healthcare Providers: Healthcare organizations offering medical tourism services or specialized healthcare to international patients may use UIFN numbers for patient inquiries and appointments.
10. Consulting Firms: International consulting firms can use UIFN numbers to facilitate communication with clients in various countries, making it easier to provide advisory services.
Routing a UIFN
They can all go to the same contact centre as an example however you should also be able to route each country independently. Forwarding costs will vary so make sure to gather all this info so you can cost this out. If you have any anticipated volumes for calls you can expect this can also help you budget for your requirements. Dependant on the carrier you many also have additional routing options – to mobiles, SIP etc.
Connecting to other services
Like any Other virtual number, you should be able to use enhanced routing services behind the numbers. So, contact centre software, IVRs etc should all be compatible, and some carriers can even provide these as additional services.
If you already use some sort of enhanced software or intend to use any in the future ensure your provider can support this, either by providing this as a service or if they will/can route to your 3rd party solution.
Are you getting confused with all the different names…. We are always getting asked this – so here is are a few below to help you:
UIFN Service: While not a different names for the number itself, providers or businesses might refer to the service of offering UIFN numbers using these terms.
Universal International Toll-Free Number: This is a descriptive alternative that emphasizes the toll-free aspect of the number.
Global Toll-Free Number: Similar to the above, this name emphasises the number’s global reach and toll-free nature.
International Freephone Number: Another descriptive name for UIFN, focusing on its international accessibility and being free for callers.
Worldwide Toll-Free Number: This name highlights the worldwide coverage and toll-free nature of the UIFN.
Global Freecall Number: In some regions, “freecall” is used instead of “toll-free,” so you might come across this term.
It’s important to note that UIFN is a standardised term recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When dealing with international toll-free numbers, it’s usually best to use the official term “UIFN” to avoid confusion.
How do you get a UIFN Number
To obtain a UIFN number, you would need to contact an authorised service providers. They can guide you through the registration process, help you choose your UIFN number, and provide you with the necessary services for managing incoming calls to your UIFN. Our experts can point you in the right direction if you some contacts,
It’s important to note that the availability of UIFN numbers and the specific services offered by providers may vary depending on your location and the countries you wish to operate in. Additionally, the costs and terms of service can differ between providers, so it’s advisable to research and compare options before selecting a UIFN provider that best meets your international communication needs.
In summary UIFN numbers are particularly beneficial for entities that want to create a consistent and user-friendly experience for their international customers. By offering a single toll-free number that works across multiple countries, these organizations can enhance their global presence and improve customer satisfaction.
Finally, dependant on your location we have lists of carriers and providers that we can share with you and will help you set up international numbers. Just fill in our contact form with some more details and we will get back to you.
