For call forwarding applications, you will be creating two legs for each conversation
- An inbound leg from the caller to your Twilio number.
- An outbound leg from Twilio to the number you are forwarding the call to.
Each leg is billed separately to your Twilio project on a per-minute basis. Each call is also rounded up to the closest minute.
Note: These examples use pricing for the US and Canada. For per-leg pricing for other countries, please consult our pricing page.
Example 1: Simple call forwarding with a standard phone number
Let's say you have a local Twilio number (425) 555-1234. All calls to that number are set up to immediately <Dial>
your personal device, (206) 555-5678. If a user calls (425) 555-1234 and you speak to them on your personal device for 10 minutes, this is how much the call will cost:
Leg | Price/minute | Time | Total Price/Leg |
Inbound leg from user to (425) 555-1234 | $0.0085/minute | 10 minutes | $0.085 |
Outbound leg from Twilio to (206) 555-5678 | $0.013/minute | 10 minutes | $0.13 |
TOTAL | $0.215 |
Learn how to set up simple call forwarding.
Example 2: Simple call forwarding with a toll-free number
When your Twilio number is a toll-free number, for example (888) 555-6666, the inbound leg would cost $0.022 instead of $0.0085:
Leg | Price/minute | Time | Total Price/Leg |
Inbound leg from user to (888) 555-6666 | $0.022/minute | 10 minutes | $0.22 |
Outbound leg from Twilio to (206) 555-5678 | $0.013/minute | 10 minutes | $0.13 |
TOTAL | $0.35 |
Learn how to set up simple call forwarding.
Example 3: Outbound call, then another outbound call
In this example, calls are initiated not by someone dialing into your Twilio number, but instead your Twilio number initiates an outbound call with the REST API. This is often the case in click-to-call apps, or appointment reminders. For example, a user clicks a button, and then Twilio calls the agent at (206) 555-5678. As soon as you answer, Twilio dials the destination caller, and you talk for 10 minutes:
Leg | Price/minute | Time | Total Price/Leg |
Outbound leg from user to (206) 555-5678 | $0.013/minute | 10 minutes | $0.13 |
Outbound leg from Twilio to user | $0.013/minute | 10 minutes | $0.13 |
TOTAL | $0.26 |
Learn how to place an outbound call via the REST API
Example 4: Call forwarding with Twilio Client or Mobile SDK
In this example, the user is calling your Twilio number. Twilio then forwards all calls, not to another phone number, but to a Twilio Client instance or a mobile app built with our new Programmable Voice SDK. Calls to Twilio Client and the mobile SDK cost $0.004 per minute:
Leg | Price/minute | Time | Total Price/Leg |
Inbound leg from user to (425) 555-1234 | $0.0085/minute | 10 minutes | $0.085 |
Outbound leg from Twilio to Client or Mobile | $0.004/minute | 10 minutes | $0.040 |
TOTAL | $0.125 |
Learn how to setup Twilio Client or our Programmable Voice SDKs
Example 5: Call forwarding with SIP Registration
For this last example, the user is calling your Twilio number. Twilio then forwards the call to a Registered SIP Endpoint. Calls registered SIP endpoints cost $0.004 per minute:
Leg | Price/minute | Time | Total Price/Leg |
Inbound leg from user to (425) 555-1234 | $0.0085/minute | 10 minutes | $0.085 |
Outbound leg from Twilio to SIP endpoint | $0.004/minute | 10 minutes | $0.040 |
TOTAL | $0.125 |