Comparison: Top 3 China Virtual Number Providers

 

In today’s global economy, even small companies compete in the international market. Not long ago, only large corporations could afford the expensive phone lines and long-distance rates required to reach international customers. Now, thanks to international VoIP providers like AVOXI, it is easier than ever to buy Chinese virtual numbers and connect with customers from anywhere.

Top 3 China Virtual Number Providers

China’s statistics bureau reported 6.8% growth for the first quarter indicates a strong start for 2018. Good reasons to consider business expansion and growth in that economic region. AVOXI makes that easy for businesses to do in our role as a leading provider of China phone numbers for international businesses. But, we know we are not the only provider in the market. In this article, we compare our China virtual number services with two other top international providers: United World Telecom (Global Call Forwarding) and TollFreeForwarding.com.

Comparing China Virtual Number Providers: Toll Free and DID Numbers

There are multiple types of virtual numbers available in China. For this comparison, let’s focus on the two most popular options:

1. China 400 Numbers (Toll Free): China 400 numbers are the popular replacement for traditional 800 numbers in China. In China, mobile phones cannot access toll free 800 numbers. Additionally, you needed two 800 numbers to cover all regions in China. As a shared-cost number, callers incur local service rates when dialing China 400 numbers. However, rates are minimal and the numbers are accessible using a mobile phone. Plus, one number covers all of China.
2. China DID Numbers (Local): Provided on the local Chinese number exchange, DID numbers cost the same to the caller as a dialing a regular local phone number. These numbers are popular for businesses that want to project a local presence in China.

Factors to consider before choosing a China virtual number provider include:

• Identifying the purchasing process for China toll free numbers and local DID numbers.
• Determining the cost of China virtual number service, including add-on features and hidden fees.
  1. China 400 Numbers (Toll Free): China 400 numbers are the popular replacement for traditional 800 numbers in China. In China, mobile phones cannot access toll free 800 numbers. Additionally, you needed two 800 numbers to cover all regions in China. As a shared-cost number, callers incur local service rates when dialing China 400 numbers. However, rates are minimal and the numbers are accessible using a mobile phone. Plus, one number covers all of China.
  2. China DID Numbers (Local): Provided on the local Chinese number exchange, DID numbers cost the same to the caller as a dialing a regular local phone number. These numbers are popular for businesses that want to project a local presence in China. Confirming the features and services included with your China virtual number.There are multiple types of virtual numbers available in China. For this comparison, let’s focus on the two most popular options:

United World Telecom, commonly known by its sub-brand Global Call Forwarding, is a US company based in Florida. They provide VoIP call forwarding, DID and toll free numbers, callback services, and other basic VoIP telephony features.

United World Telecom: China Toll Free Number Pricing

For Chinese numbers, UWT has a five-tier pricing structure based on the number of minutes you plan to use each month. The basic 400 service begins at $68.95 for 103 minutes. The highest tier, Enterprise, has monthly minutes capping at 2,546 for $498.95 per month.

United World Telecom: Chinese DID Number Pricing

UWT’s China DID number plans start with a Basic package at $28.95 for 52 monthly minutes and rise to an Enterprise plan at $498.95 per month for 2,603 minutes. DID options include local phone numbers for Beijing, Shanghai, and Tongchuan.

Call Features

United World Telecom virtual numbers come with the following features:

• Advanced IVR/PBX
• Black and White Lists
• Customized Greetings
• Failover Forwarding
• Local Ringback Tone
• Simultaneous Ringing
• Forward Fax
• Call Transfer
• Advanced Call Forwarding
• Online Account Management
• Voicemail and Voicemail-to-email
• Access to the UWT API

You can set up call recording service with your numbers for an additional cost. Call recording charges include a monthly fee between $1 and $5, and usage rates between $0.01 - $0.03 per minute of recordings.

TollFreeForwarding.com

Located in California, USA, TollFreeForwarding.com offers global call forwarding for toll free and local DID numbers. Like UWT, TollFreeForwarding.com also provides virtual PBX services.

TollFreeForwarding.com: China Toll Free Number Pricing

The company offers tiered number packages, with six price tiers published online. If none of the listed tiers meets your business need, custom quotes for high volume packages are available.

The TollFreeForwarding.com Starter package has two options. First is a Pay As You Go package charging $0.0267 per minute and $49 monthly ($39/month for annual billing). Second is a 105-minute package for $69 per month ($55/month for annual billing). Their highest volume published package provides 1,150 minutes for $229/month ($199/month billed annually).

TollFreeForwarding.com: China DID Number Pricing

China DID Starter packages include Pay As You Go, charging $0.07 per minute on top of $24 per month ($19/month for annual billing), and the 169-minute package for $29 per month ($23/month for annual billing). Their highest volume published package provides 3,059 minutes for $134 per month ($113/month billed annually).

Tollfreeforwarding.com: Virtual Number Features

TollFreeForwarding provides the following features standard with their toll free service:

• Time of Day Routing
• Advanced IVR/PBX
• Sequential Forwarding
• SMS Forwarding
• Local Ringback Tones
• Simultaneous Ringing
• Fax to Email
• Failover Forwarding
• Voicemail to email
• Black and White Lists

Services such as Call Recording include additional charges, as displayed in the table.

AVOXI

In operation since 2001, AVOXI is a global provider of toll free and DID number services and maintains offices in the USA, Jamaica, South Africa, and Costa Rica. Like UWT and Tollfreeforwarding.com, virtual numbers are easily purchased, registered, and activated online with AVOXI.

AVOXI: China Toll Free Number Pricing

AVOXI offers six-tier pricing for China 400 numbers, beginning with Business Classic, a pay-as-you-go option at $0.18 per minute for $25.99. Business Basic includes 249 minutes for $34.99 per month. The largest package, Business Premium, includes 1,150 minutes for $205.99.

AVOXI: China DID Number Pricing

AVOXI’s China DID packages start with Business Classic’s pay-as-you-go option for $43.99 per month and $0.240 per minute. Business Basic for Shanghai includes 168 minutes for $25.99 per month. The largest package, Business Premium, includes 3,058 monthly minutes for $120.49 per month. Recently announced, AVOXI expanded its service for local China numbers for Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

 

AVOXI: Virtual Number Features

Business-class VoIP features come with the purchase of a China toll free or DID number, including:

• Global Call Forwarding
• IVR/Auto Attendant
• Ring Groups (Hunt Groups)
• Find Me/Follow Me
• Mobile User Interface
• Call Transfer
• Virtual PBX
• Voicemail to Email
• Time of Day Routing
• Many more

Like UWT and Tollfreeforwarding.com, hosted call recording is available for an additional rate. A 15-day plan is available at no charge.

Which China Virtual Number Provider Is Right for Your Business?

As you get ready to decide which provider is right for you, think about the following:

• Which provider has the best minute-usage packages for your needs?
• Which provider offers the best call quality and customer service?
• Which company has the features you need, and for what price?

This comparison gives you an overview of what to look for when choosing a virtual phone number provider for your China numbers. Use this as an aid in your purchasing process to help you choose the provider that best suits your business needs.

Talk to one of our specialists about your specific needs. AVOXI combines its number services with the advanced communication solutions needed for reservation centers, call centers, customer service centers, and more.

Interested in purchasing a China DID or 400 number from AVOXI?