What is an international 800 number? It is also known as a UIFN, or a universal international freephone number. This number is issued by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). It uses the ITU country code 800, which means that the UIFN can be called from any country. All you need is just to dial the international access code plus the 8-digit number. As of now, there are around 30 countries, from which you can call a UIFN.

There used to be a time when international business was done only by big multinational companies. Well, not anymore. With advances in technology and with the use of international 800 numbers, small scale companies as well as individuals can be connected to the opposite end of the world. Now, small businesses are connected internationally and can process orders from other countries.

With increasing connectivity comes a tremendous impact on the supply-demand chain. This has a positive effect on prices - which tend to fall, thus making products and services more affordable. What's more, you don't need to pay an arm and a leg to buy an international 800 number.

An international 800 number makes it possible for you to receive a call from a customer from the other side of the world, say Japan, even when you are in Chicago riding on an elevator. The sound quality is crystal clear, the prices very affordable. Also, you do not need to get in line to have your account activated. The process is simple and can be done almost instantly.

The multiple benefits of this virtual phone type, include its superior connectivity and real-time operational facility. You could have the international 800 number rung from as many phones as you like across the globe - it's up to you to focus on the countries which you wish to reach with your products and services.

When a customer from one country calls an international toll free number, the call is automatically and promptly routed to the phone number of your choice. You can even provide as many as you need. You can also change this number or numbers as often as you need. This is usually a free benefit.

The international toll free number is very useful - you can receive and make calls anywhere in the world, all with the use of just one number. There will be no need for extra phone lines and other sophisticated facilities to support the international toll free number.

Here are some examples of how much you might have to pay, if you had an international 800 number and received calls from some countries in the world. All rates are pence per minute:

Australia - 12p, Bahrain - 92p, Brazil - 36p, Canada - 13p, Bermuda - 69p, China - 99p, Cyprus - 22p, Austria - 13p, Belgium - 9p, Denmark - 11p, Finland - 18p, France - 10p.

(To convert these numbers to dollars and cents, multiply by 1.5).