Using overseas numbers

SCO

Most credit cards offer an overseas number, it is one that would be free (within usage allowance) from a mobile instead of the 0870 numbers etc.

Is it possible to use the overseas number and still get through to the call centre's? Has anyone done it?

OK_Sauce

I use overseas numbers ALL THE TIME!

2sides2everystory

Me2 :money:

SCO

What happens when u call them, do you still go through to the automated system?

Are the representitives ok with it?

chattychappy

Until a few years ago, I found they were great. You'd generally bypass the automated systems and get through to someone useful. (I'd add that most of the time I am overseas...) I think now they are "getting wise" to people using the international number from the UK.

More recently I've found:
1) some cards look at the number presented and if it is a UK they tell you to dial the normal number or put you into the automated system.

2) for some cards the "international" number seems to be treated exactly the same way as the usual number wherever you are calling from.

3) some cards do not appear to publish a separate international number anymore.

When I've used the numbers from the UK, no rep has ever complained.

If calling the international number I suggest withholding your number.

SCO

chattychappy wrote: »

Until a few years ago, I found they were great. You'd generally bypass the automated systems and get through to someone useful. (I'd add that most of the time I am overseas...) I think now they are "getting wise" to people using the international number from the UK.

More recently I've found:
1) some cards look at the number presented and if it is a UK they tell you to dial the normal number or put you into the automated system.

2) for some cards the "international" number seems to be treated exactly the same way as the usual number wherever you are calling from.

3) some cards do not appear to publish a separate international number anymore.

When I've used the numbers from the UK, no rep has ever complained.

If calling the international number I suggest withholding your number.

Its a balance transfer i want to do with M&S, only company i have that has no online facility for this, will they be able to do that from the international number?

Most of mine still have a seperate number printed. It wouldent bother me if they put me through to the automated system as it would still be free as i have not re-dialed.

chattychappy

SCO wrote: »

Its a balance transfer i want to do with M&S, only company i have that has no online facility for this, will they be able to do that from the international number?.

I suppose so - unless it's a dedicated lost/stolen number.

callum9999

chattychappy wrote: »

Until a few years ago, I found they were great. You'd generally bypass the automated systems and get through to someone useful. (I'd add that most of the time I am overseas...) I think now they are "getting wise" to people using the international number from the UK.

More recently I've found:
1) some cards look at the number presented and if it is a UK they tell you to dial the normal number or put you into the automated system.

2) for some cards the "international" number seems to be treated exactly the same way as the usual number wherever you are calling from.

3) some cards do not appear to publish a separate international number anymore.

When I've used the numbers from the UK, no rep has ever complained.

If calling the international number I suggest withholding your number.

I've personally never come across a single company who blocks the use of the overseas number from the UK. Which cards do that?

Otherwise, I always get through to the exact same system as the normal numbers.

SCO

Phoned the m&s overseas number.

They done the BT transaction no problem.

Sounded like a foriegn call centre though.

chattychappy

callum9999 wrote: »

Which cards do that?

Santander Zero were doing this about a year ago (not tried since). You got a message saying the number was intended for overseas callers only and to please call the UK number which they then gave you before cutting you off.

The ironic thing was that I was in Hong Kong at the time. I was using Skype but had programmed in my UK mobile number as the presenting number.

samwsmith1

Generally there's no difference between the two, the only difference I've found is when you call First Direct on the 0113 2345678 number they answer asking for a postcode or international ID number rather than just asking for your post code which they do on the 08 456 100 100 number.

chattychappy wrote: »

Santander Zero were doing this about a year ago (not tried since). You got a message saying the number was intended for overseas callers only and to please call the UK number which they then gave you before cutting you off.

The ironic thing was that I was in Hong Kong at the time. I was using Skype but had programmed in my UK mobile number as the presenting number.

Santander do still restrict access to their 01908 number to overseas only.