Phone interpreting
TIS National offers two types of phone interpreting services:
- Immediate phone interpreting.
- Pre-booked phone interpreting.
Immediate phone interpreting is available 24 hours, every day of the year for agency clients and non-English speakers who need to use an interpreter over the phone.
If you need to schedule a phone interpreter in advance, please use our pre-booked phone interpreting service.
Immediate phone interpreting | Pre-booked phone interpreting | |
Automated Telephone Interpreting Service1800 131 450The Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS) is our fastest and easiest way to connect with a phone interpreter immediately and provides services in over 50 languages.To use ATIS you need to have a:
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:
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 Centre131 450TIS 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 help our operators process your request as quickly as possible, please have this information ready to provide when requested. |
Pre-book a phone interpreter onlineBooking formThe 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 | |
On-site interpreting service (subject to eligibility) 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. |
Please view our interpreting service charges before requesting TIS National services.
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