How to Send an International Fax

Faxing across borders works the same as a local fax — you just need the number formatted correctly. Here's how to get an international fax to land first time.

Format the number correctly

The most common reason an international fax fails is the number. Include the country's international dialing code, then the area code and fax number, following the format your fax service specifies (often a leading + or 011, then the country code). Get this right and the rest is identical to a domestic fax.

Account for time zones and lines

An international fax line may be busy or only attended during local business hours. If it fails, it's usually a busy line rather than a problem with your document — try again, and consider the recipient's local time. Keep your document high-contrast so it transmits cleanly over a longer connection.

Check the cost before sending

International faxes can cost more per page than domestic ones because of the long-distance connection. A pay-as-you-go online service shows the cost before you send, so check it — and send only the pages you need to keep it economical.

Frequently asked questions

How do I send a fax to another country?
Upload your document to an online fax service and enter the recipient's number with its international dialing code, country code, area code, and fax number in the service's required format. Otherwise it works like any fax.
Why does my international fax keep failing?
Almost always the number format or a busy line. Double-check the international and country codes, follow the service's formatting exactly, and retry — international lines are often attended only during local business hours.
Does it cost more to fax internationally?
Usually yes, because of the long-distance connection. A pay-as-you-go service shows the per-page cost before sending, so you can check it and send only the necessary pages.
Do I need a special service to fax internationally?
No — most online fax services support international numbers. You just need to format the destination number with the correct country and area codes.

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