As an entrepreneur, you don’t want to limit your company’s growth to the Netherlands. Whether you have customers in Belgium, Germany, or further afield, a professional and international image is crucial for your success across borders. An essential part of this is being accessible to international customers via a phone number that is easy to use.

In this article, we discuss how to improve your company’s accessibility from abroad and the options available for international phone numbers.

Option 1: Let Customers Call the Netherlands

Dutch service numbers such as 0800 and 0900 numbers are ideal for customers in the Netherlands, but they are often not accessible from abroad. Even if a Dutch caller is abroad, they may not be able to use the service number. A common solution is to make your local Dutch number available to international callers: “Call us for free on our 0800 number. Calling from abroad? Use +31 20…”.

While this seems like a simple solution, it’s not ideal for companies that seriously want to operate in multiple countries. An internationally oriented company often chooses a phone number that inspires trust among local customers and is easily accessible, without the hassle of foreign country codes and the ‘double zeros.’

Option 2: Offer Callers a National or Local Number

A much more customer-friendly option is to offer customers in their own country a national or local number. With a national number, you increase the likelihood that international customers will contact you because it feels like they’re calling a local business.

At Belfabriek, you can choose from phone numbers in multiple countries. You can easily request a local number in Belgium, Germany, or other desired countries. The advantage? These numbers can be forwarded via us to any other number, whether it’s in the Netherlands or a call center in another country.

By giving your international customers a national phone number, you show that you’re active outside the Netherlands and truly invest in good service for foreign customers. This builds trust and can help you succeed in new markets. With Belfabriek, you can also easily adjust the destination of the number when needed.

Do you speak the language and know the local market? By leveraging this, you further increase your chances of success abroad.

How Do You Request a Foreign Number?

If you’ve decided to request a national number, you might be wondering:

  • How do I request such a number?
  • Who or where do I do this?
  • What about the costs?

You can choose to request a number directly from a local provider in the country of your choice. However, this can present challenges. Can they forward the call to your office in the Netherlands without issues? What does that cost exactly? And do they offer the same extra features you’re used to, such as menu options or welcome messages?

At Belfabriek, you can request an international number that can be easily and flexibly configured. Through our platform, you benefit from all the features you need, such as voicemail, menu options, and extensive call statistics. This ensures you and your colleagues never lose track and maintain control over your international communication.

The application process works the same as for a Dutch number. In our international phone number shop, you can view our available numbers in multiple countries and easily order them online. If the desired country or type of number is not listed, or if you have other questions, feel free to call us on our service number 0800-235 3227, even from abroad!

Start Today!

Requesting an international number can be a great step to increase your company’s brand awareness and attract more customers in other countries. By simulating a local presence, you ensure that you appear professional and accessible, without the boundaries of your own office or country.

Ready to expand your reach abroad?