Phone interpreting

Automated Telephone Interpreting Service

1800 131 450

To use ATIS you need to have a:

• TIS National client code
• ATIS account number
• ATIS access number.

Once you are set up with ATIS, you can skip the call queue and allocate an immediate phone interpreter directly by calling 1800 131 450 and following the prompts.

Why use ATIS?

If your client is with you at the time of the call or you have a phone that has conferencing ability to call them if they are not with you, ATIS is the easiest way to get an interpreter on the line.

Register for ATIS

To register for ATIS you can do one of the following:

• submit an ATIS application form
• contact the Client Liaison team
• add new ATIS account from within your TIS Online 'Agency account' tab:

1. Click 'Add new ATIS account'.
2. Enter your chosen account name and access number, then click 'Add'.  

ATIS Video

TIS National has produced a short video explaining the simple five step process to accessing an immediate phone interpreter through ATIS.

Watch the ATIS video.

More information about ATIS.

TIS National Contact Centre

131 450

TIS National provides operator-assisted access to an immediate phone interpreter in over 160 languages where you request your language and the operator allocates the interpreter for you. 

Why might I need operator assistance to allocate an interpreter?

Once TIS has the interpreter on the line, if you need your client to be called, simply tell the operator and they will be able to conference your non-English speaking client into the call.

Calling 131 450

When you dial 131 450, an automated prompt will ask you which language you need.

If you are registered with TIS as an agency client, you will be given an option to use our automated service, ATIS.

If you do not wish to use ATIS, simply say 'no' and you will be placed in the queue to speak with a TIS National Contact Centre operator who can allocate the interpreter for you.  

Information required

When your call is answered, the TIS National operator will ask you for the following information:

• to confirm the language you have requested
• your TIS National client code
• your agency's name and the section you work in
• your name and phone number
• the non-English speaker's name
• the non-English speaker's phone number (if you require TIS to conference them into the call)
• any required information your agency has requested be recorded by TIS National (for example, an identification number or claim number).

To help our operators process your request as quickly as possible, please have this information ready to provide when requested.

Pre-book a phone interpreter online

Booking form

The pre-booked phone interpreting service is available for agency clients to book a phone interpreter in advance of an appointment.

Pre-booking your phone interpreter will ensure any special requirements can be catered for and that the best available interpreter can be secured for the time you nominate.

Why pre-book?

Pre-booking an interpreter is recommended when the assignment may be complex, requires specialist knowledge or the availability of interpreters in a particular language is limited.

Pre-booking allows time for background or briefing material to be provided and examined by the interpreter, so the actual interpreting time is used in the most efficient manner. In many cases, using a pre-booked phone interpreter has proven to be an effective and less expensive alternative to providing an on-site interpreter.

Request a pre-booked phone interpreter

Requests for the pre-booked telephone service can be made by submitting a pre-booked phone interpreter booking form on the TIS National website.

Please submit pre-booked phone interpreting requests at least 48 hours prior to the time and date you require the interpreter.

Failure to provide at least 48 hours' notice for pre-booked phone interpreting requests may result in TIS National being unable to service your request.

TIS National will endeavour to allocate an interpreter to your request by close of business the day before the proposed booking time.

Once an interpreter has been allocated to the assignment, you will receive a booking confirmation email including the appointment details.

Bookings will only be accepted for appointments up to 90 days in advance of the date of request.

For existing booking enquiries, please contact the TIS National Pre-book team. 

On-site interpreting service (subject to eligibility)
Available for eligible agency clients to book an interpreter to attend an appointment face-to-face.

More information about the on-site interpreting service.

On-site interpreting services can only be requested through TIS Online, our automated booking tool.

Login to TIS Online.

Contact the Channel Support team for on-site interpreter enquiries.