get international phone numbers for business

get international phone numbers for business
avatar
Content production team 2025/12/08

Having a reliable way for customers around the world to contact you is essential for any modern company. International phone numbers make your business look professional, trustworthy, and easy to reach – even if you are a small remote team working from home. In this guide, we explain what international numbers are, why they matter, and how you can set them up using online services and virtual numbers. We will also show where phrases like buy google voice number online and buy sms online fit into your communication strategy.

What Is an International Phone Number for Business?

An international phone number is a number that lets customers in other countries call you easily, often at local or reduced rates. You do not need to have a physical office in every country; many of these numbers are cloud-based (virtual) and can forward calls to your main line, mobile, or call center.

For example, a company based in Europe can have:

  • A UK local number for British customers
  • A US toll-free number for American customers
  • A German DID (direct inward dialing) number for the DACH market

All calls from these numbers can ring on the same support team, even if the agents are in another country.

get international phone numbers for business

Why Your Business Should Use International Numbers

International phone numbers are more than just a contact option; they are a growth and trust tool. Some key benefits include:

1. Local Presence Without a Physical Office

When users see a familiar local prefix or toll-free number, they feel more comfortable calling. It looks like you are truly present in their country, not just a random foreign website.

2. Higher Trust and Conversion

Many customers still prefer to speak to a real person before making a purchase or signing a contract. Displaying an international number on your website, landing pages, and invoices increases credibility and can improve conversion rates.

3. Better Customer Support

You can route calls from different countries to specialized teams or specific languages. For instance, Spanish-speaking calls can go to Spanish-speaking agents, and VIP clients can be routed to a priority line.

4. Flexible Routing and Work-From-Anywhere

Because most international numbers for business are virtual, you can forward calls to mobile phones, VoIP apps, softphones, or cloud call centers. This works perfectly for remote teams and freelancers.

Types of International Numbers You Can Get

When you plan to get international phone numbers for business, you will usually choose from:

  • Local numbers – City-based numbers (e.g., +44 20 for London, +1 212 for New York). Great for building local trust.
  • Toll-free numbers (800, 0800, etc.) – The caller does not pay; the business pays the cost. Ideal for sales and support hotlines.
  • Mobile numbers – Look like a normal mobile number in that country; useful for messaging apps and SMS.
  • Virtual/Cloud PBX numbers – Work through the internet (VoIP) and connect to your call center or softphone software.

The best choice depends on your target market, budget, and how you want customers to contact you (voice, SMS, or both).

What Is an International Phone Number for Business?

How to Get International Phone Numbers for Business

You don’t need to go to a physical telecom company in every country. Most businesses today use online providers and virtual phone systems. A typical process looks like this:

1. Choose Your Target Countries

First, decide where you need a local presence:

  • Countries with most of your website traffic
  • Places where you run ads or paid campaigns
  • Regions with strategic partners or key clients

This helps you narrow down which prefixes and number types you should buy.

2. Select a Reliable VoIP or Virtual Number Provider

Search for reputable providers that offer numbers in multiple countries, easy management, and clear pricing. Make sure they support:

  • Call forwarding to your current phones or apps
  • IVR (voice menus) if you need them
  • Call recording and analytics for quality control
  • SMS capabilities if you plan to use messaging

This is where many users also look for complementary services like buy google voice number online to add an extra US-based number for verification, support, or sales calls.

3. Verify Documentation and Regulations

Some countries require business documents, ID, or address proof to issue numbers. Check:

  • If you need local business registration
  • Whether proof of address is required
  • Allowed use cases (support, marketing, etc.)

Doing this early prevents delays and number suspension.

4. Configure Call Routing and Business Hours

After you get an international number, configure:

  • Primary and backup forwarding destinations (e.g., main line + backup mobile)
  • Business hours rules (send calls to voicemail after hours)
  • IVR or simple menus (Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Support)

A good call structure reduces missed calls and improves customer experience.

5. Integrate With Your CRM and Helpdesk

For professional customer support, connect your numbers to CRM and support tools so that:

  • Caller details appear automatically when the phone rings
  • Call notes are saved in customer profiles
  • Missed calls create tickets or tasks

This integration helps you track the full customer journey and improve service quality.

Using Google Voice and Virtual SMS Services

Besides standard VoIP providers, digital businesses often combine their setup with tools like Google Voice and online SMS platforms.

When to Use Google Voice

Google Voice is popular for getting a US number that can be used for calls, voicemail, and sometimes account verification on various platforms. Many small businesses and freelancers:

  • Use a Google Voice number as their main US contact
  • Forward it to their personal mobile or VoIP app
  • Keep their private SIM card hidden from clients

If you need such a number, you can look for services where you buy google voice number online safely through trusted virtual number providers.

When to Use “Buy SMS Online” Services

Some businesses also need temporary or dedicated numbers for receiving SMS, especially for:

  • Verifying online accounts (social media, marketplaces, SaaS tools)
  • Testing OTP systems and SMS notifications
  • Managing multiple accounts for marketing or support

Here, using platforms where you can buy sms online is useful. These services provide numbers that can receive SMS via a dashboard or API, without needing a physical SIM card.

However, always keep in mind:

  • Use them according to the terms of service of the platforms you verify.
  • Avoid spam or illegal activities.
  • For long-term business branding, stable dedicated numbers and verified accounts are much better than temporary ones.

How to Get International Phone Numbers for Business

Best Practices for Using International Phone Numbers

To get the most out of your international phone strategy:

Display Numbers Clearly Everywhere
Show your international numbers on:

  • Website header and footer
  • Contact page
  • Google Business Profile and social media bios
  • Email signatures and invoices

Offer Multiple Contact Options
Combine international phone numbers with email, live chat, and messaging apps. Some customers prefer calls, others prefer text or email.

Track Call Performance
Monitor how many calls each country number receives, call duration, missed calls, and conversion after calls. This helps you optimize marketing and support.

Train Your Team for International Customers
Teach agents about time zones, cultural differences, and common issues from each region. This improves satisfaction and repeat business.

Keep Numbers Stable Over Time
Changing business numbers too often confuses customers and hurts your brand. Try to keep your main international numbers unchanged for years.

Conclusion

Getting international phone numbers for business is no longer complex or expensive. With modern VoIP and virtual number providers, even small teams can build a global presence, route calls smartly, and serve customers in multiple countries.

By combining professional international lines with tools where you buy google voice number online and platforms that let you buy sms online for verification and messaging, you can create a flexible communication setup that fits your exact business model.

If you plan your target markets, choose reliable providers, respect local regulations, and integrate your numbers with your CRM and support tools, your company will look more trustworthy, answer more leads, and grow faster in the global market.