A professional phone system helps customers reach you and makes your business look established.
Why a Business Phone Number?
- Separate business from personal - Work-life balance
- Professional image - Dedicated business number
- Track business calls - For expenses, analytics
- Multiple people can answer - As you grow
- Voicemail and call routing - Professional features
Options for Business Phone
Option 1: Second Mobile Number
How: Buy second SIM card for business use
Pros:
- Simple and cheap ($15-30/month)
- Familiar to use
- Mobile and portable
- Available immediately
Cons:
- Need dual-SIM phone or carry two phones
- No advanced features
- Doesn't scale well
- Still feels like personal phone
Best for: Solo entrepreneurs just starting
Option 2: VoIP Business Phone
What is VoIP? Voice over Internet Protocol - calls over internet
Popular Services:
- Google Voice (US only, won't work in Suriname)
- Skype Number ($50-70/year for local number)
- WhatsApp Business (Free, very popular in Suriname)
Pros:
- Lower cost
- Works on any device with internet
- Professional features (call forwarding, voicemail transcription)
- Take calls anywhere
Cons:
- Requires reliable internet
- Some customers may not trust VoIP numbers
- International calling can be expensive
Best for: Small businesses, remote work, international clients
Option 3: Traditional Business Line
From: Telesur or other telecom provider
Pros:
- Traditional phone number customers expect
- Reliability (doesn't need internet)
- Multiple lines possible
- Integrates with desk phones
Cons:
- Higher cost ($50-150/month)
- Less flexible (tied to office location)
- May require installation and equipment
Best for: Established businesses with physical office
Option 4: WhatsApp Business (Popular in Suriname!)
Cost: Free
Features:
- Business profile with address, hours
- Quick replies and automated messages
- Message labels and organization
- Broadcast lists
- Product catalog
Pros:
- Everyone in Suriname uses WhatsApp
- Free
- Feature-rich
- Mobile-first
- Easy for customers to reach you
Cons:
- Requires smartphone
- Not as "formal" as phone number
- Mixing chat and voice calls
- Data usage on mobile
Best for: Most Surinamese small businesses—customers already use it!
Recommended Setup for Suriname
Starting Out:
- WhatsApp Business (free, everyone has it)
- Second SIM for business calls ($20-30/month)
Growing Business:
- WhatsApp Business for quick messages
- Dedicated business line from Telesur
- Or Skype number for international clients
Established Business:
- Business line with multiple extensions
- WhatsApp Business for customer service
- Separate numbers for different departments
Setting Up Your Phone System
Step 1: Choose Your Solution
Based on budget and needs above
Step 2: Get Your Number
- Mobile: Buy SIM at Digicel/Telesur
- VoIP: Sign up online
- Traditional: Schedule installation with Telesur
Step 3: Set Up Voicemail
Record professional greeting:
"Hello, you've reached [Company Name]. We can't take your call right now, but please leave your name, number, and brief message, and we'll call you back within 24 hours. Thank you!"
Step 4: Configure Call Handling
- Call forwarding (to mobile when out of office)
- Business hours vs after-hours greeting
- Backup person if you're unavailable
Step 5: Spread the Word
- Update website
- Update business cards
- Update Google Business Profile
- Inform existing clients
- Add to email signature
Phone Etiquette
Answering Calls
"Good morning/afternoon, [Company Name], this is [Your Name]. How can I help you?"
Professional Practices
- Answer within 3-4 rings
- Smile (it comes through in your voice!)
- Take messages accurately
- Return calls within 24 hours
- Don't eat, drink, or chew gum while talking
Voicemail
- Check at least twice daily
- Return calls promptly
- Update greeting if on vacation
Cost Comparison
WhatsApp Business Only:
- Free + mobile data ($20-30/month)
- Total: $20-30/month
Mobile + WhatsApp:
- Second SIM: $20-30/month
- Data plan: included
- Total: $20-30/month
VoIP Service:
- Skype number: $6/month
- Internet: already have
- Total: $6/month + internet
Traditional Line:
- Business line: $50-100/month
- Equipment: $100-300 one-time
- Total: $50-100/month
When to Upgrade
Start with: WhatsApp Business + mobile number Upgrade when:
- Getting too many business calls on personal phone
- Need call routing to multiple people
- Want professional features (IVR, call queues)
- Office location is permanent
International Calling
If you work with clients/suppliers internationally:
Cheap Options:
- WhatsApp/Skype calls (free or cheap)
- Viber (popular in Europe)
- Google Meet/Zoom for scheduled calls
Traditional:
- International calling plans
- Usually expensive from Suriname
Tip: Most international business is done via email and video calls now, not voice calls.
Mobile Integration
Most business phone systems work on mobile:
- VoIP apps on smartphone
- Call forwarding to mobile
- WhatsApp always mobile-first
This is actually an advantage—take business calls anywhere.
Next Steps
→ Video Conferencing → Document Management
Start with WhatsApp Business—it's what your Surinamese customers already use. Add formal phone line as you grow.