Calling US toll free numbers from Germany
 

Hello everyone,
I have a problem! I absolutely need to call this company in the US, however, I can only reach them by dialing a US toll free number. (1-866-....). However, right now I am in Germany and I tried to get through to them, but it doesn't seem to be working. Does anyone know if there is any way that I can call a US toll free number from Germany? If so,how would that work, what would I need to do? Thanks so much for your help! Have a great week!

Hello minimeike, I don't know about Germany but I know one cannot call a toll free number from Italy and I think that is true for all of Europe.

Have you tried going on Google and searching for this company..if they have a website they no doubt give their non toll free phone number which you could use. Best regards.

You cannot. Call a friend in the US and have them call for you - either to resolve your matter on your behalf or at least to ask for an alternative phone number if you cannot find one yourself on the web.

You'd be surprised how many US-Americans (like yourself I guess??) don't know that, many companies will keep giving you their 800 number no matter how you protest that it doesn't work from outside the US. But such is the state of matters, just like you can't call a UK 844 number from the US for example.

If you have your own computer with you, you could download Skype. You might have to put a few dollars on the account to open it up but it will be free to call an 800 number.

Isn't this annoying? Skype has been the godsend for my U.S. toll-free number problem.

<<< Isn't this annoying? >>>

Why?

Calling 800 numbers from Europe has been a long standing problem. However I seem to recall doing it through AT+T. It definitely is not free. AT+T used to advertise in the IHT with a large display ad on the back page. Another option is to call the international operator in Germany. They were always very helpful when I lived there 15 years ago.

>Calling 800 numbers from Europe has been a long standing problem.

There are toll-free numbers in many European countries. They are country-specific, so you cannot call a French toll-free numbers from Germany and vice versa. Why should it be different for American toll-free numbers?

Not sure this qualifies as a problem. It is just one of those things that exist while the world has not yet become a totally uniform place. Electrical plugs, rail gauges, dare I mention languages - they are not all designed to the US-American model (yet?), so do as the Germans do and shrug it off with a "Andere Länder - andere Sitten" or as the French would say "Vive la différence".

Find a way around it, can't be hard - surely somebody you know in the US can make a call and email you or call you back with a non-800 nr.? That's what friends are for, no?

You can call US 800 numbers from Germany, but you will charged intl rates (as if you were calling a US non-800 number). The syntax to call would be 001-800-xxx-xxxx. Prior to getting connected you will hear a recording that you will be charged at the regular rate (so you can still hang up).

That does not work with US 866 numbers, though. Beats me why.

1-866 Works without problems from here. 2ct per minute with Telefonica/1und1.

You want me to try another 010-call by call provider that may be easier for you to access?

I've had no difficulty using my mobile phones, both country specific (UK, France and Germany) and international either directly dialed all via callback services reacing most US toll free numbers...as noted you get a recording saying, "The toll free number you dialed is not toll free if dialed from outside the United States. You will be charged international rates for the call. If you do not wish to be charged, please hang up now."

Have you tried a calling card?

Working with BT Germany,
just dial 01090-001-866-....
from any German phone that can do call by call (still the vast majority)
Price is 11ct per minute.

Google the company you are trying to call - i'm sure their web site will also list their local non 800 number and then call that - it may feed into the same 800 number you would have called.

I travel a lot and have the answer to your question (800 numbers).

Any company/entity with an 800 number (any toll-free number --- 888, 866, etc.) contracts with their phone company about from where that number is valid. For instance, they can contract, so that it is only valid in one particular state, in a combination of particular states, in one area of a particular state, etc. This is also valid for using that 800 number from overseas.

For instance, my stock broker has an 800 number valid in the USA, and they also have an 800 number valid from overseas. So, when I am in Europe, for instance, I am able to phone that 800 number in Austria, Germany, etc., and the call goes through without any charges to me.

The number you have is obviously only valid in the USA, because the company did not contract with their phone company to accept calls from overseas (which are more expensive).

You are getting lots of ill advice on this thread. Logos and Cowboy should have it right - stating that it's generally impossible to call US toll-free numbers from Germany is simply not based on facts.
US toll-free numbers normally can be accessed, but international rates will apply, i.e. the call will not be toll-free, just as logos and Cowboy laid it out.

You can try skype for better results of your problem of toll free.

<i>phonestar on Jan 20, 12 at 6:24am
You can try skype for better results of your problem of toll free.</i>

I use Skype but you also need a free WiFi.