Over-the-Phone Interpreting
Do you need a over-the-phone interpreter? Over-the-phone interpreting is a flexible and cost-effective solution that gives you immediate access to professional interpreting services – wherever you are and at any time of day. At Linguacom, we can connect you with a telephone interpreter in over 250 languages, with short waiting times and high availability.
What is over-the-phone interpreting and when does it apply?
Over-the-phone interpreting means that you, the person you are communicating with, and the interpreter take part in a three-way call over the phone. No physical meeting is required, and no technical equipment beyond a regular phone is needed.
An over-the-phone interpreter is an excellent solution in situations such as:
Healthcare - doctor's appointments, consultations, tests and hospital meetings where the patient does not speak the local language
Government and public services - contacts with the Swedish Migration Agency, the Social Insurance Agency, the Public Employment Service and similar authorities
Social services and schools - home visits, parent meetings, conversations with students
Legal matters - initial consultations, contact with legal representatives
Business and private conversations - business calls, customer service, urgent communication needs
If physical presence is important – for example during court proceedings or sensitive social investigations – our on-site interpreter servicemay be a better fit. If you prefer a combination of audio and video, we also offer video interpreter.
The benefits of over-the-phone interpreting with Linguacom
Choosing a telephone interpreter through us means choosing a reliable and professional service:
High availability and fast matching
With a network of around 2,000 interpreters and translators, we can assist you in 99% of cases regardless of the language you need. We are available around the clock, every day of the year. If you need help urgently, our Express Interpreter service guarantees an interpreter within one hour.
Confidentiality and security
All our over-the-phone interpreters are bound by professional secrecy and work in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by Kammarkollegiet. Interpreting always takes place in a secluded environment, with no risk of unauthorised parties overhearing the conversation. This makes phone interpreting with us a safe choice even for sensitive matters in healthcare, legal contexts and public administration.
An environmentally friendly option
Over-the-phone interpreting eliminates the need for the interpreter to travel, reducing the carbon footprint compared to on-site interpreting. Environmental responsibility is part of Linguacom's values, and we encourage the use of telephone and video interpreting whenever the situation allows.
A wide range of languages
We offer over-the-phone interpreting in over 250 languages and dialects. Whatever language you need, there is a strong chance we have a qualified interpreter available.
How it works – booking an over-the-phone interpreter
Getting started is straightforward:
Already a customer? Call us at 010 178 36 15 or send us an email, and we will connect you with a phone interpreter as quickly as possible.
Are you using Linguacom for the first time? Then please, for:
- Private individuals: Call us at 010 178 36 15 to register as a customer.
- Businesses or organisations: register your details here.
Linguacom currently serves the majority of Swedish government agencies as well as municipalities and private companies with professional interpreting services. We have been named a DI Gazelle Company three years in a row and received the Master Gazelle award in 2020 – recognition of our growth and commitment to quality.
If you have feedback after a completed assignment, please get in touch. We will follow up with you and the interpreter within three working days.
Over-the-phone interpreter or video interpreter – which should you choose?
It can sometimes be difficult to know whether telephone or video interpreting is the better option. Here is a simple guide:
Choose a phone intepreter when the conversation is shorter, visual contact is not necessary, and you need a quick connection without any technical preparation.
Choose a video interpreter when it helps for the interpreter and the parties to see each other - for example during medical consultations where body language and facial expressions matter, or when building trust is important.
Read more about video interpreting , or explore our full range of interpreting services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get a phone interpreter?
We can often arrange a phone interpreter at a very short notice. How quickly depends on the language you need and our current availability.
For urgent matters, our Express Interpreter service guarantees a phone interpreter within an hour.
What languages do you offer phone interpreting in?
Linguacom offers over-the-phone interpreting in over 250 different languages. Contact us to find out whether we have an available phone interpreter for your specific language.
Is it safe to use a phone interpreter for sensitive matters?
Yes, all our phone interpreters are bound by professional conidentiality and work in a secluded environment, in accordance with the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency’s rules for interpreting ethics. Phone interpreting with Linguacom is a secure choice for healthcare, government matters and other sensitive conversations.
How much does a phone interpreter cost?
The cost of over-the-phone interpreting varies depending on the language and the length of the assignment. Contact us for a quote or for information about current rates and terms.
Can a phone interpreter be used in healthcare settings?
Yes, phone interpreting is widely used in healthcare to communicate with patients who do not speak Swedish. Linguacom's phone interpreters have experience of medical interpreting and meet requirements regarding confidentiality and professional conduct.
Do you have more questions?
If you have further questions regarding over-the-phone interpreting, you are always welcome to contact us on 010 178 36 15 or send us an email. Our translation coordinators will help you to place an order and find the right type of translation.