CallHippo offers several types of phone numbers, each suited to a different use case. Understanding the differences between local, mobile, and toll-free numbers helps you pick the right one for your business presence, mobility, and customer experience.
Overview of number types
Below is a quick comparison of the main phone number types available through CallHippo.
| Number type | Best for | Typical format | Who pays for calls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | Establishing a presence in a specific geographic area | Includes a region-specific area code (e.g. 212, 646 for New York) | Standard calling rates apply |
| Mobile | Communication that requires mobility | Country-specific mobile prefix | Standard calling rates apply |
| Toll-Free | Encouraging customer inquiries with no cost to the caller | Prefixes such as 1-800, 1-888, 1-877 | The business (number owner) pays |
Local numbers
- Definition: A local number is a phone number that is specific to a particular geographic area or region.
- Procurement: You must provide local documents from the country where you are adding the number.
- Usage: Typically used by businesses to establish a presence in a specific locality. It helps build trust with local customers.
- Format: Local numbers usually include a specific area code that corresponds to the region.
- Example: If a business is based in New York, a local number would have the area code for New York (e.g. 212, 646).
Mobile numbers
- Definition: A mobile number is assigned to a mobile phone, allowing users to make and receive calls on the go.
- Procurement: Most mobile numbers can be procured using documents from anywhere in the world. However, please contact support for confirmation.
- Usage: Used by individuals and businesses alike; mobile numbers are essential for communication that requires mobility.
- Format: Mobile numbers may vary by country but generally include a specific prefix indicating it is a mobile line.
- Example: In the U.S., a mobile number might begin with a prefix like 415 or 310, but the specifics can vary by carrier.
Toll-free numbers
- Definition: A toll-free number is a special telephone number that allows the caller to reach a business without being charged for the call. The business owner pays for the call instead.
- Usage: Commonly used by businesses to encourage customer inquiries and support, as it removes the cost barrier for the caller.
- Format: Toll-free numbers typically start with specific prefixes like 1-800, 1-888, 1-877, etc.
- Example: A toll-free number could look like 1-800-555-0199, and callers are not charged for dialing it.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Will I be charged for incoming calls on the CallHippo toll-free number once added to my account?
A: Yes, you will be charged for incoming calls on your CallHippo toll-free number. The toll-free feature ensures that your clients are not charged when they call you, but the cost of these calls will be covered by your account.
Q: Is it possible to make outgoing calls using a toll-free number?
A: Outgoing calls using a CallHippo toll-free number are not guaranteed to work.
Q: Does selecting a local or a mobile number affect calling in any way?
A: No, calling services remain unaffected by the local or mobile number type.
Q: Is it possible to enable SMS services on a local number?
A: No, SMS services cannot be activated on CallHippo local numbers.
Q: Are the number charges different for different number types for numbers of the same country?
A: Yes, the charges vary by number type as well. Please refer to the CallHippo global number charges page for details.
Q: Will the caller be charged if they call my CallHippo toll-free number?
A: No, callers will not be charged for calling your CallHippo toll-free number. As the number owner, you will bear the cost of incoming calls to ensure a free calling experience for your customers.
We hope this helps. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out at [email protected].