How to Call RBC from Abroad (Without SIM or Roaming)
If you’re outside Canada and need to reach Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), using your local phone plan can get expensive fast. International calls to Canadian toll-free numbers often fail, and some VoIP apps are unreliable for banking. Even dialing from a hotel or using a local SIM may not work or could incur high charges.
This guide shows the easiest way to call RBC from anywhere in the world without paying roaming fees or installing any apps. You’ll get step-by-step instructions and all the RBC numbers you might need.
How to Call RBC from Abroad
- Go to Callshake.com.
- Create an account and add pay-as-you-go credit.
- When prompted, dial the RBC number you need (see the list below).
Why use Callshake?
- No roaming charges from your carrier: You only pay Callshake rate for the call.
- No active roaming or eSIM required: Call Royal Bank of Canada from overseas, no matter where you are.
- No Canadian number needed: Call using Callshake’s public number or verify your number to show your Caller ID.
- Pay only for what you use: No subscription, no hidden fees.
RBC Customer Service Numbers
Here are the main Royal Bank of Canada phone numbers for customers calling from abroad:
| Department | Phone Number | Hours (Eastern Time) |
|---|---|---|
| General Inquiries & Assistance | +1 800 769 2511 | 24/7 |
| Lost or Stolen Card (North America) | +1 800 769 2512 | 24/7 |
| Outside North America | +1 514 392 9167 | 24/7 |
| TTY Assistance | +1 800 661 1275 | 24/7 |
- All numbers above accept international calls and connect you to RBC support teams.
- If your country blocks Canadian numbers, use Callshake’s local access number to connect.
Why Calling RBC from Abroad Often Fails
Most Canadian toll-free numbers, like 1-800 numbers, won’t work from outside Canada or the U.S. Even if you use Royal Bank of Canada’s international numbers, you might still face:
- High roaming charges ($3–10 per minute)
- Dropped calls or poor connections
- Keypad menus not working properly
| Method | Why It Fails |
|---|---|
| Hotel Phone | Expensive, limited control |
| Local SIM Direct Dial | Blocked or high cost |
| Banking Apps | May not work abroad or for calls |
To avoid these issues and connect more reliably from abroad, you can use a browser-based calling service like Callshake.
Tips for Calling RBC
- Have your account details ready: account number, Social Insurance Number, or card number
- Know your issue: write down what you need help with before calling
- Check Canadian time zones: RBC operates on Eastern Time for most services
- Keep records: write down any reference numbers or agent names for follow-up
Alternative Contact Methods
If calling isn’t working, try these options:
- RBC Online Banking Message Centre: Log in to send a secure message to RBC support
- RBC Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android with chat support
- Social Media: @RBC on X/Twitter
- Branch Visit: If you are in Canada, visit a local RBC branch for in-person assistance
