When expanding your business globally, choosing the right "entry point" for your customers is critical. AVOXI offers several varieties of phone numbers, each with unique accessibility rules and cost structures. Use this guide to understand which format best suits your business needs.

1. Toll-Free Numbers (The 800 Series)

Toll-free numbers allow customers to call your business at no cost to them. These are ideal for customer support and national sales lines. AVOXI categorizes these into two main types:

Domestic Toll-Free (DTF)

• What it is: A toll-free number that is only reachable from within a specific country.
• Best for: Businesses with a heavy focus on a single national market (e.g., an 800 number for US-based customers only).
• Pro: Usually the most cost-effective toll-free option with the fewest connectivity restrictions.

International Toll-Free (ITFS)

• What it is: A number that looks like a local toll-free number but is routed internationally to your central office.
• Best for: Providing a "local feel" in a foreign country without needing a physical office there.
• Note: Some ITFS numbers may have limited accessibility from mobile phones or payphones depending on the local carrier.

2. Landline-Only Numbers

In some specific global regions (such as parts of Asia and LATAM), "Landline-Only" numbers are a unique regulatory requirement.

• What it is: A number that can only be reached by callers using a physical landline (fixed line). Calls made from mobile phones to these numbers will fail.
• Why they exist: Local regulations in certain countries reserve specific number ranges for landline-to-landline communication to keep costs low.
• Best for: B2B companies where your clients are calling from a traditional office desk phone.
• Warning: If your target audience is mobile-heavy (B2C), we recommend a Mobile Virtual Number or a Standard DID instead.

3. Universal International Toll-Free (UIFN)

What it is: A single "super number" that is the same across multiple countries (e.g., +800 XXXX XXXX).

• Best for: Global brands that want one consistent number printed on packaging or marketing materials worldwide.
• The Catch: You must register the number in at least two countries, and there is a one-time registration fee per country.

4. Shared Cost Numbers (0845 / 0870)

• What it is: Common in the UK and Europe, these are "split" cost numbers. The caller pays a small local rate, and the business pays a smaller service fee.
• Best for: High-volume customer service lines where you want to share the cost of the call with the user to discourage "nuisance" calls.

Summary Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a Domestic Toll-Free number to receive international calls?

A: Generally, no. Toll-free numbers are designed for in-country use. If you need to be reached from outside that country, a Local DID is the most reliable choice.

Q: Why are Landline-Only numbers cheaper?

A: Carriers in specific countries provide lower wholesale rates for landline-to-landline traffic. We pass those savings on to you, but we always recommend checking your customers' behavior before choosing this type.

Q: What is a 400 Number in China?

A: In China, "400" numbers are the modern alternative to 800 numbers. The cost is shared between the caller and the business, and they are reachable from both mobiles and landlines—making them the standard for business in the region.

Need Help Choosing?

If you aren't sure which number type is reachable in your target market, contact our experts at sales@avoxi.com or check our [Global Country Requirements] for specific technical restrictions.