The virtual phone number does not differ from traditional phone numbers: at first glance, they are the same and can be called both from a traditional phone and from another virtual phone number. You are already using it and have not realized it; consequently, you do not know the advantages of using this type of number for multiple situations, especially as far as international calls are concerned.
You all know a phone number, be it a landline or mobile. But in practice, they act as a username associated with a password and a VoIP switchboard service that you can access both from a configured terminal and through specific software or even a web browser. The advantages of these numbers are multiple, and they review them below:
- Mobility: Virtual IP numbers are accessible from any device connected to the Internet. This allows them to be used anywhere as long as you have a network connection.
- More functions than a conventional telephone: the software associated with the virtual number allows access to multiple services, such as answering services, calls on hold with personalized announcements, recording calls, synchronizing the calendar with the CRM, or even accessing usage statistics or the creation from a blacklist.
- Lower costs: It makes no difference if you contact a number within your city or on the other side of the world because it is a calling service made through the Internet and not through cable. Even calls between two or more users on the same platform can be free.
In what situations should I have an international virtual number?
One of the advantages of virtual numbers is that they can be adapted to what the company is looking for. But you can also request a telephone number from another country for a line in your same office. Let's imagine you will launch a specific product for the Area Code 213. You have everything ready: distribution, points of sale, translated landing pages, and you are even starting to receive orders.
But you need to include a very important point: customer service, which naturally should be in 213 Area Code. Before this, you have two options:
- Setting up customer service and taking advantage of the fact that you have an office there.
- Manage customer service from your office.
Both options are valid, of course, but the second option may be cheaper and more interesting, especially in order to save on expenses and not have to deploy a second switchboard using the existing infrastructure in the office. Remember that you can expand the 323 Area Code switchboard easily and in as many numbers as you want.
You have to keep in mind that to have access to an international VoIP phone number. You should check if you need any specific document (such as the existence of an office in the country for which you want to have a virtual number). Although in the vast majority of countries, no documentation is necessary.