US toll free numbers begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. These numbers are free for callers within the United States because the receiving company pays the cost of the call. However, this cost structure changes when calls originate from outside the United States.

This article explains how toll free billing works and why international callers may experience connection issues.

How US toll free billing works

Toll free calls are free for the caller only within the United States. The company that owns the toll free number pays for the inbound call.

When a toll free number is dialed from outside the United States, the call becomes an international inbound call, which is more expensive for the receiving company. Some companies allow these calls, while others block them to avoid international charges.

Why international callers may not connect

If you attempt to call a US toll free number from an international phone number, the call may fail. In many cases you will hear a message such as:
"Your call cannot be completed as dialed, please check the number and dial again."

This typically means the company has chosen to block international inbound calls to its toll free number.

What to do if your call cannot connect

If you cannot reach a US toll free number from an international number:

Steps:

  1. Look for an alternate contact number provided by the company.
  2. Dial the alternate number instead of the toll free number.
  3. Complete your call using the standard international dialing format for your region.
Note: Alternate numbers allow you to contact the US based company, but the international call charges will be billed to your account rather than the US company’s account.