Key Takeaways

  • Online fax services offer a modern, borderless solution allowing you to send faxes from anywhere without a physical machine, providing cost savings, enhanced security with encryption, and compliance for sensitive information, like HIPAA for medical documents. 

  • If for some reason online solutions are not an option then your local UPS, business networks, and even hotels and airports can be reasonably convenient sources for finding international fax services, particularly for travelers or those needing immediate fax capabilities.

Where to Start

We often forget that despite the digital revolution, faxing is far from obsolete. A large number of businesses and regular people continue to utilize international fax services for secure transmission of sensitive information. The beauty of faxing in today’s world is the variety of options available to us. Whether you’re an old-school fan of traditional fax machines or a tech-savvy individual who prefers online faxing, the world of faxing has got you covered.

Sending an international fax might seem intimidating, but services like Fax App have simplified the process immensely. Bear in mind, however, that the sender must enter the appropriate country code before the recipient’s fax number when sending an international fax. But hey, if you own an international fax number, you can bypass the need for country codes, making your faxing process smoother.

Price Comparison Table Across the Most Popular Methods

Provider/Method Pricing Structure Price per Page Notes
Online Fax Services (apps, cloud and desktop) Subscription-based plans, starts at around $10  Varies depending on plan, the average is $0.2 – $0.4 per page Typically offer a fixed number of pages per month included in the plan, with additional charges for extra pages. Examples: eFax, MyFax, HelloFax
Office Supply Stores Per-page pricing $2.00 – $3.00 Prices may vary depending on location and store policy. Examples: Staples
Shipping Companies (FedEx, UPS) Per-page pricing $2.00 – $5.00 Prices may vary depending on location and store policy.
Post Offices Per-page pricing $2.00 – $5.00 Prices may vary depending on destination country and postal service provider.
Standalone Fax Machines Per-page pricing $0.10 – $1.00 with $500 average for a fax machine Traditional fax machines for use in offices, often with a separate phone line. Prices vary based on model and provider.
Fax Service Providers Pay-per-use or subscription-based Varies Companies offering fax services through dedicated phone lines. Examples: MetroFax, Nextiva Fax

Online Fax Services & Apps

Although traditional faxing methods retain their relevance, the transformative impact of online services on faxing cannot be overlooked. These services allow individuals to:

  • Transmit documents internationally within minutes

  • Send faxes without the need for a physical fax machine or phone line

  • Enjoy the convenience of faxing while on the go

This is particularly advantageous for those who are always on the go.

Online faxes can be sent and received via a range of platforms including websites, emails, mobile and desktop applications, providing flexibility for users. They offer significant savings on time, money, and resources, eliminating the need for physical maintenance of fax machines. What’s more, online fax services provide secure fax transmission, using encryption technologies to protect data, and some services like mFax offer HIPAA compliance for medical faxes. With varying service plans to accommodate low to high faxing needs, as well as free storage and backup for faxes, online fax services like Dropbox Fax stand out from the crowd.

Faxing Apps

Faxing has also gone mobile and with with great success. Now you can send and receive faxes anytime and anywhere thanks to the high convenience offered by online fax apps. Apps like Municorn’s Fax App provide efficient solutions for sending international faxes directly from both iPhones and Android phones, catering to the needs of frequent fax users. Moreover, there’s no catch with international faxing – it costs exactly the same as domestic faxes do over the internet. 

Moreover, the app comes with the ability to add electronic signatures, scan documents using your device’s camera, and track the status of your sent faxes. It’s designed to integrate with cloud storage services, allowing you to easily access and fax documents stored on platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. With the tiered pricing plans, international faxing is accessible to anyone including casual users who only need to send faxes occasionally. The cost to fax internationally 

A Fax App is International, Secure and Affordable – Try it Free!

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Send & receive faxes on the go. Dedicated fax number provided with all subscription plans. 

Cloud Fax Platforms

Cloud-based fax services have taken the faxing world by storm, offering convenience, flexibility, and the ability to access faxing capabilities from mobile devices. Online faxing services like Everyfax and eFax provide web-based portals, starting at reasonably priced monthly plans for various faxing needs, including per-page faxing services for those on a tight budget. In addition to faxing, these platforms also offer printing and faxing services, catering to a wider range of business communication requirements. 

For larger businesses with a high monthly fax limit, companies like Everyfax integrate fax into its comprehensive business communications offerings. SRFax offers HIPAA-compliant fax solutions, with plans tailored to different sizes of healthcare practices.

Traditional (Offline) Places to Fax Internationally

Major Shipping Centers (UPS and FedEx)

Shipping centers aren’t just about shipping anymore. Major players like FedEx Office and UPS Store have long since stepped up to provide a range of services to customers, including international fax services. So, whether you’re sending a document across the state or across the ocean, these shipping centers have got your back.

Interestingly, the cost structure of faxing at these centers is very straightforward. For instance, The UPS Store charges $1 per page for local faxes, $2 per page for domestic faxes within the United States, and $3 to send an international fax overseas. Apart from faxing, these centers offer additional features such as the ability to receive or faxes, providing a complimentary fax cover sheet, and printed confirmation receipt, giving you peace of mind and ensuring a smooth faxing experience.

Office Supply Chains

Another often-overlooked resource for fax services is office supply stores. Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max, for instance, all offer fax services. These stores are equipped with self-service fax machines that you can use to send and receive faxes. These machines are typically located near the printing and shipping services, making it easy to find them when you walk into the store.

A significant advantage of using fax services at office supply stores is their cost-effectiveness. These stores offer fax services at competitive rates, making them a great option for those who need to send faxes but don’t have a fax machine at home or in the office. Plus, with their widespread locations, you’re likely to find an office supply store near you.

Hotels and Business Centers for International Faxes

Ever thought hotels could be your fax ally? Yes, you read that right. Hotel business centers often provide quicker and potentially cheaper fax services compared to the hotel front desk. So, whether you’re a business traveler or on vacation and need to send an urgent fax, your hotel might just be the place to do it.

Keep in mind that though fax services are typically available at hotel concierges and business centers, their presence is not assured at every hotel or hostel. Sending or receiving faxes at most hotels typically costs around $3 per minute or about $1.50 per page. This is in addition to the cost of the phone call. If you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s best to contact them directly to confirm the availability and cost of fax services, as the fees for non-guests can differ. It’s important to double-check to avoid any surprises.

Post Offices with International Capabilities

Most U.S. post offices provide fax services, including international faxing as part of their office services suite. So, if you’re in the U.S. and need to send an international fax, your local post office might be able to help you out.

To utilize international faxing services at U.S. post offices, customers need the recipient’s exact fax number and a printed copy of the document they wish to send. Before utilizing international fax services for confidential documents at post offices, it is recommended to verify with the specific location regarding the availability of such services and the security protocols in place. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Private Postal Businesses

Private postal businesses such as PostalAnnex are not just about shipping. They’re also equipped with facilities to provide international fax services. These businesses cater to urgent faxing requirements by enabling instant document transmission and secure reception for customer retrieval.

Banks and Credit Unions

While banks and credit unions may not be the first places that come to mind when thinking about fax services, they might just be your unexpected fax allies. Access to fax services in banking institutions is typically restricted to existing clients or may be solely available to VIP customers. Moreover, the fax services available at banks can be limited, and they might not be equipped to handle large volumes or international faxing. So, if you’re considering using your bank’s fax service, it might be a good idea to check with them regarding their capabilities.

Online Versus In-Person: Weighing Your International Fax Options

Should you opt for online or in-person services? This is a frequent query when it comes to international fax services, especially when considering the convenience of fax online options.

Online fax services and apps typically offer:

  • Support for various file formats

  • An easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the faxing process over the internet compared to traditional fax machines

  • Cost-effectiveness due to savings on expenses associated with print materials, machine maintenance, and landline costs, making an online fax service a great choice for businesses.

  • Incredible convenience of faxing and scanning documents with your phone instead of searching for a suitable location  

Moreover, in-person fax services can incur significant costs, sometimes up to $4-$8 per page, and are affected by operational constraints and potentially complicated processes for international transmission. Considering these factors, it’s safe to say that online fax services offer greater convenience and cost savings, making them a more reliable choice for international communication needs.

Summary

In conclusion, while the world becomes increasingly digital, faxing remains an essential part of business communications. Whether you need to send a fax from your local post office, an airport, a hotel, or your smartphone, there are numerous options available to suit your needs. While traditional fax machines are still in use, online fax services offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution. They improve productivity, save costs, enhance security, and provide the flexibility to send and receive faxes from any location. So whether you’re about to send your first fax or your hundredth, remember that you have a world of options at your fingertips.

FAQ

How can I find an international fax service near me?

You can find international fax services near you by searching online, using Google Maps and Yelp, or by downloading an app with international faxing capabilities. Good luck!

Do hotels offer international fax services?

Yes, many hotels offer international fax services, but availability and costs may vary. It’s best to check with the specific hotel.

Can I send international faxes at post offices?

Yes, you can send international faxes at most U.S. post offices, but it’s best to double-check their availability and security protocols.

Are online fax services a suitable choice for internationalfaxing needs?

Absolutely, online fax services are a reliable choice for international communication due to their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and security features. They make international communication much easier and more secure. Try it!