How to Call a Toll-Free Number (1800) from Abroad: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of not being able to call the 1800 toll-free number? Well, you are not alone. Making a call to a toll number (1800) from another country might appear challenging, given the complications with international dialing codes and different regulations in telecommunications. This can make it hard for people to connect to any US-based or Canadian business. 

But don’t worry, as we have prepared this comprehensive guide to help you understand and navigate the process of connecting with 1800 toll numbers from anywhere around the globe.

So, let’s learn how to call a toll-free number from abroad. 

What is the “1800” Number? 

The “1800” number is a prominent prefix for toll-free numbers in North American countries like the USA and Canada. Toll-free numbers refer to those numbers that do not charge callers any fees, as the businesses that own the number pay the calling costs. 

If you come across a phone number that begins with “1800,” feel free to dial it without any concerns about incurring charges within North America. Just keep in mind that making calls to a 1 800 number may not be free of charge if you are outside North America.

There are other similar toll-free number prefixes, like 1300, 800, 888, and 844, which are free of charge. 

📖 Also read: Domestic Toll-Free vs International Toll-Free: Differences

Are toll-free numbers free internationally?

Generally speaking, the toll-free number is not free internationally. When calling a toll-free number from outside the country, you will be charged the international rate set by your service provider. For example, if you call 1800 from Europe, let’s say Spain, you will be charged a certain amount. 

Saying this, there are businesses that opt for Universal International  Freephone Numbers (UIFNs), which can be called at a discounted rate or even free of charge. So, before making an international call to a toll-free number, consider researching if they offer UIFNs. If not, check the call rates before making the calls. 

🤔You might also be interested in Are Toll-Free Numbers Free to Call Internationally?

Challenges of Calling 1800 Numbers from Abroad

If you are dealing with a business in North America, the business’s customer service representative can be easily reached by calling an 1800 number. Unfortunately, if you are calling an 1800 number from abroad, you may encounter some challenges.

Cost Considerations

1800 is a toll-free number that is designed to offer free service in countries like the USA and Canada. However, if the caller makes the call from abroad, it will cost them a certain amount. The cost might be different depending on the location, country, and service provider. 

Difference in Time zone 

When calling from abroad, there might be differences in the time zone, which might make it harder for the customer to connect to the service provider. It may be challenging to find a suitable time to make the call if the company operating the 1-800 number is in a different time zone and does not offer a 24/7 service. 

International Carrier Support

Not all phone carriers from around the world allow the dialing of toll numbers in the United States and Canada. Certain carriers may not be familiar with the toll format, such as 1 800. Therefore may not be able to connect the call.

How to call a toll-free number from abroad: Steps to Call 1800 Number

To call an 1800 number from Abroad, enter the country’s exit code, then the US country code “1,” and after that, dial 1800 and enter the business phone number. Then call the number.

Calling the 1800 number from abroad might not be possible from every country. However, for those countries and carriers that connect, the 1800 phone number can follow this simple process to make the call. 

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type your country’s exit code. For example, if you are from England, dial 001
• Step 3: Find out that country’s ISD code *Type the ISD code*
• Step 4: Type the Toll-free Number, i.e., 1800
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the Call

For Example: If you are calling the U.S. toll-free number 001-(1800)-123-4567 from England, you would dial 001-44-1800-123-4567 or +44-1800-123-4567.

Where,

001: UK dial-out (exit) code,

44: England Country code,

(1800)123 4567: demo business phone number.

How do I call an 1800 number from a mobile?

The dialing format and process for an 1800 number from a mobile is the same as when calling from abroad.

To call 1800 numbers from the mobile, dial the country’s international exit code + International country code + 1800 + toll-free with mobile number.

Follow these steps to call an 1800 number (Toll-free Number) from Mobile:

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type your Country’s exit code
• Step 3: Dial the Country’s ISD code
• Step 4: Type the Toll-free Number (in this case, 1800)
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the call.

For example, To call USA Apple’s Toll-free Number from Australia for Business from mobile, dial 11-1- 800–854–3680

Where,

• 11 is the Australian exit code (dial-out) code,
• 1 is the USA country code,
• 1300-369-095 is the Apple store’s small toll-free number for small businesses.

Can I call 1800 numbers from the landline?

Yes, you can call 1800 numbers from the Landline. The dialing format and process for an 1800 number from a landline is the same as when calling from abroad or calling from a mobile.

To call 1800 numbers from the mobile, dial the country’s international exit code + International country code + 1800 + toll-free with mobile number.

Follow these steps to call an 1800 number (Toll-free Number) from Landline:

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type your Country’s exit code
• Step 3: Dial the Country’s ISD code
• Step 4: Type the Toll-free Number (in this case, 1800)
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the call.

For example, To call Canada’s Toll-free Number from Ireland for Business from a landline, dial 00 1 800-123-4567

Where, 

• 00 is the exit code of Ireland
• 1 is the country code of Canada
• 800-123-4567 is the demo business phone number.

[ 🤔 Remember: Landline numbers vary between countries, and there is no general rule about how to call any country’s 1800 landline number from another country. ]

How do you call an Australian 1800 Number from overseas?

The dialing format to call an Australian 1800 number from overseas is the country’s international dial-out code + Australia’s country code, which is 61  + 1800 Australian toll-free number + the phone number.

Here are the detailed steps to call an Australian’s Toll-free Number from Overseas:

• Step 1: Open the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type the exit code for your country. For example, if you are from the USA, dial 011.
• Step 3: Dial Australia’s ISD code, which is 61
• Step 4: Dial the Toll-free Number 1800
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the call.

For example, your number should look like this: 011-61 1800-123-987. 

Where,

011 is the USA dial-out code,

61 is the Australian country code,

1800-123-987 is a demo Australian toll-free number.

How do you call the 1800 number from Germany?

The dialing format to call the 1800 number from Germany is Germany exit-out code (0) + 49 (Germany’s country code) + 1800 and the remaining toll-free number.

Here are the detailed steps to call the 1800 number from Germany:

• Step 1: Open the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type the exit code for Germany, which is 0.
• Step 3: Dial the country’s ISD code. For example, if you are calling Australia, Dial 61
• Step 4: Dial the Toll-free Number 1800
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the call.

For example, your number should look like this: 0-61 1800-123-987. 

Where,

0 is the German exit code,

61 is the Australian country code,

1800-123-987 is a demo Australian toll-free number.

How do you call the 1800 number from India?

The dialing format to call the 1800 number from India is India exit-out code (0) + 91 (India’s country code) + 1800 and the remaining toll-free number.

Here are the detailed steps to call the 1800 number from India:

• Step 1: Go to the dial-up mode of your phone
• Step 2: Type the exit code for India, which is 0.
• Step 3: Dial the country’s ISD code. For example, if you are calling Australia, Dial 61
• Step 4: Dial the Toll-free Number 1800
• Step 5: Enter the business’s phone number
• Step 6: Make the call.

For example, your number should look like this: 011-61 1800-987-654. 

Where,

0 is the Indian exit code,

61 is the Australian country code,

1800-987-654 is the toll-free number

📕 Consider reading The Pros and Cons of Toll-Free Virtual Numbers for Call Centers

Conclusion

Summing up, calling an 1800 toll-free number from outside North America can be a daunting task. However, once you learn the simple format and process, you can easily connect to any American or Canadian business very easily. 

You can cover the common issues and complexities of making an international call on a toll-free number and take steps to address them, as mentioned above. Furthermore, follow the steps and enhance your communication potential. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make a free 1800 call?

You can make a free 1800 call using a landline phone, mobile number, VoIP service, or any other online service. 

How do I get an 1800 number from Google?

While Google does not offer 1-800 numbers, its alternative Google Voice can assist you with free international calls, or you can purchase Dialaxy toll-free numbers.

Can I call 1 800 from Europe?

Yes, you can call 1800 numbers from Europe, but it won’t be free like within the US or Canada. Follow these simple steps to call 1800 from Europe.

• Dial the exit code for your European country (usually 00)
• Dial the country code for the US (1) 
• Dial the 10-digit 1-800 number.

Does it cost to call 1800 numbers from a mobile?

No, If you’re calling within the country, 1800 numbers don’t cost anything from a mobile phone, but be sure to check your provider’s plans.