Grow Your International Business with Virtual Numbers and PBX

• What is a virtual number?
• How can virtual numbers help expand your international business?
• What is a PBX and why is it beneficial for international businesses?
• The advantages of a virtual office for your international business
• 5 steps to opening a virtual office
• Why a PBX phone system and virtual numbers can boost international growth
• FAQ

If you are looking to accelerate the growth of your international business, then it is worth looking into virtual numbers and cloud PBX phone systems. They are transforming the way businesses communicate on a global scale. VoIP communication is breaking down barriers, and opening up a world of opportunities to growing global businesses.

What is a virtual number?

Virtual numbers are telephone numbers that are not tied to a specific physical phone line. Instead, they operate in the cloud via the internet, allowing users to make and receive calls and text messages just like traditional phone numbers. Through a single device, a virtual number can connect your business, opening up international markets.

Zadarma offers a variety of virtual numbers paired with hugely affordable call tariffs, allowing businesses to extend their international reach easily. If your company plans to expand into North America, you can also check out our guide on how to get a US phone number while overseas, which explains the process in detail and highlights the benefits for global teams.

How can virtual numbers help expand your international business?

When you set up a virtual number, it will usually be associated with a geographical region of a country. This geographical relevance provides a local presence in the vicinity, without your business needing to be physically located there. A virtual number is routed through the internet to your smartphone, computer, or landline. This allows users to answer calls and respond to messages when on the go, wherever they are.

What is a PBX and why is it beneficial for international businesses?

A PBX (Private Business Exchange) phone system is a telephone system based in the cloud and built using VoIP technology. Zadarma has a ready-made PBX solution available to all registered members. There is no need to buy expensive equipment and deal with hardware and telephone wires.

You simply connect to the network via the internet while your phone system is created and maintained on the operator's servers. You can then add new lines as and when needed.

No matter what timezone you are in, the PBX phone system can ensure effective call management. Zadarma’s PBX offers a range of features including the following:

• Voice menu (IVR);
• Conditional and unconditional call forwarding;
• Call pick-up and call transfer;
• Autoresponder for non-working hours;
• Call recording;
• External phone line connection;
• Video conferencing and much more.

The advantages of a virtual office for your international business

Virtual international numbers can often come with local area codes, perfect for establishing your local office in a new country or region. The ultimate benefit is that your growing business has a local presence, whilst ensuring that potential customers won't have to pay extra to contact your business. A virtual number and the appearance of a virtual office are essential to any international firm with growth objectives.

Virtual offices provide the following advantages:

• A virtual office can be set up quickly and affordably, anywhere in the world
• Your office can change its geographical location while retaining all of the existing company phone numbers
• Local customers and suppliers will call you on their local phone number, while you can be based outside their region, with no extra charges incurred
• A virtual office and local lines can provide both local and global visibility as well as portray credible and professional image
• Customers can always reach you and so you will never need to miss a single incoming call

5 steps to opening a virtual office

If you are looking to scale the growth of your business, then setting up a virtual office is a really wise move. The following phases summarise some simple steps you could consider as part of your virtual office location set up.

1. Firstly, research and register with a VoIP provider. This will kick-start your cloud communication foundation. Ensure you sign up with a provider who offers virtual numbers specific to your business target area.
2. Once registered, you can go on to purchase a virtual phone, selecting the local dialing code if required.
3. When you have familiarised yourself with your new local virtual number, you may wish to enable the cloud PBX phone system and set up the voice menu. Zadarma provides free PBX access to all registered users. Users can access the CRM, voice menu, call management and analytics features, as well as video conferencing facilities, all free of charge.
4. Optionally, you may like to choose a reputable virtual postal address provider that offers compliant services. You can then leverage the new local address for mail handling and any local marketing.
5. You are now ready to promote your new local number and address by adding it to your website, as well as across social and marketing channels.

Why a PBX phone system and virtual numbers can boost international growth

PBX phone systems and virtual numbers are a powerful pairing. They support business growth by increasing productivity through features such as call routing and forwarding. A PBX unifies communication operations. They significantly reduce costs when compared to a traditional phone line and physical office set up. This enables scalability with easy adding new users and locations.

Furthermore, productivity is often improved. Greater collaboration is typically achieved due to the PBX allowing for free internal calls between employees. The cost saving advantages of leveraging VoIP technology provides huge competitive benefits to growing businesses.

Lower maintenance fees due to the minimal upkeep required from a PBX, creates savings alongside the reduced hardware requirements. Additionally, the fact that VoIP operates through the internet, significantly cuts down on traditional call fees and offers a cost-efficient way to manage global communication.

The flexibility of a PBX system gives businesses the opportunity to add new extensions and phone users as and when needed, without the need to rewire or provide additional installations and maintenance. Businesses have the ability to connect multiple locations, connecting different offices and virtual locations under a single, unified phone system which facilitates seamless calling worldwide.

Expanding your international business with a VoIP communication foundation, offers cost savings and global reach, enhancing flexibility for remote work, improving customer service, and easing collaboration across borders. Virtual numbers reduce international call costs and roaming charges, while allowing teams to work from anywhere in the world.

FAQ

1. What makes a virtual number different from a regular phone number?

Unlike traditional numbers that rely on a SIM card or landline, a virtual number works through the internet. You can make and receive calls from your laptop, smartphone, or softphone app — no matter where you are in the world.

2. How does a PBX phone system help a business go global?

A cloud PBX keeps all your calls and team members connected under one system, even if they’re in different countries. It helps manage calls efficiently, makes your company look local in every market, and cuts communication costs at the same time.

3. Are virtual numbers a good fit for small businesses?

Definitely. Virtual numbers are affordable, easy to set up, and can grow with your team. They let small businesses sound professional and stay flexible without big investments in office space or hardware.

4. How much does it cost to create a virtual office with Zadarma?

There’s no setup fee — Zadarma’s PBX is free for all registered users. You just pay for the virtual number and outgoing calls, while most features like call forwarding, IVR, and CRM integration come included.

5. Can one virtual number be shared by several team members?

Yes! Calls to a virtual number can easily be routed to multiple devices or employees. That means customers always reach someone — whether your team is in one office or spread across time zones.