If you run a small business in Australia and want to conduct business in the United States, having a US phone number would greatly benefit your business. This is how to get a US phone number for your Australian small business. This technique has been used by many US immigrants with family members living outside the US for many years. Actually, it’s quite easy and affordable. The quick simple answer is Magicjack.
First of all, what is Magicjack? It is a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone service. Think of it as having your own US landline or mobile phone number, but your physically located anywhere in the world with internet access. The easiest way to describe Magicjack – it uses the internet fiber optic networks like a landline phones use copper cables. Since Magicjack now have a mobile app, you can access your US phone number through your smart phone too. And YES – you can send and receive text messages with the mobile app. If you have the Magicjack USB device plugged into your desktop/laptop and the smart phone mobile app installed, both the USB phone and mobile app will ring when someone calls your number. Awesome, the same US phone number acts like a landline and a mobile phone.
When using Magicjack, you simply dial a phone number as though you are located within the United States. Just dial the area code and phone number. There is no need to dial 00-11-1-BLAH BLAH BLAH ever again. In fact, you will not need to pay mafia prices for the ability to make international phone calls either. (Well technically it is a domestic call from within the US. More specifically, your calls to any US or Canadian phone numbers are free – once you have paid for the service.) If you call any phone numbers outside North America, you will be charged international rates. So only use it to call North American phone numbers.
Once you purchase one of the service plans, any call you make is FREE within North America. Yep, the United States and Canada. I can assure you the prices are affordable for any small business. When I last renewed my 5 year plan in 2017, it cost $US90. (Please keep in mind, the prices may have changed by the time you read this article. So double check the current prices!) Perhaps try a 1 year plan first and test to see how it goes. If it works well, extend the plan. If not, don’t renew it. If you call the US often on business or even have friends living in the US, it is worth getting Magicjack.
If your phone is not turned on or you miss a call (consider the time differences), it will go straight to voice mail. If the caller leaves a voice mail, you’ll receive an email notification and a recording of the voice mail by email.
The way it has been done in the past. Many immigrants are living in the US with family members still living back home. Naturally they want to remain in contact and this is the easiest way. Usually the person who migrates to the US purchases the Magicjack device and sends it home by snail mail. The family receive the Magicjack and set it up online. Once the phone is configured, they can easily call each other. No matter where in the world the Magicjack is located, you are calling from within the US. Easy.
For anyone living outside North America, purchasing the Magicjack may be a little more difficult, but not impossible. The device is sold through Amazon, Best Buy (Like a giant version of JB Hi-Fi), Walmart, Radio Shack and on the Magicjack website. When anything is sold online and only shipped to North American address, there is at least one way Australians can get around this limitation. I would like to introduce you to Australia Posts very own Shopmate.
First I must confess, I have not used Shopmate, therefore I cannot confirm how reliable their service is? This sort of mail forwarding service will provide you with the ability to order an awesome product such as Magicjack.
If your running a small business in Australia and are in regular contact with clients in the US – forget about using Facebook video conferences, Google hangouts, Skype or Facetime. Not everyone uses all of these online services. It’s time to get an actual US phone number for your small Australian business.