Choosing International Business Numbers

Three broad number types

Local numbers carry a city or area prefix and signal presence in a specific place. National numbers work across a country without implying a location. Toll-free numbers move call cost to the business and are strongly associated with support lines in some markets and with cost-free consumer service in others.

• Local: strongest signal of proximity, best answer rates in most European markets
• National: neutral, useful when you serve a whole country from one team
• Toll-free: familiar for support, but reachability from mobile networks varies

Local requirements

Many countries attach conditions to number allocation, such as proof of an address in the region or documentation about intended use. These requirements differ per country and change over time, so treat published coverage as a starting point and confirm current conditions before committing to a market.

Designing the number plan

Decide early whether numbers map to markets, teams or products. A plan that mirrors your organisation is easier to route, report on and hand over than one that accumulated market by market.