Spruce is designed for businesses operating in the United States and is not officially supported for organizations based outside the U.S. While international teammates can use the platform with certain limitations, Spruce only supports inbound and limited outbound international calling. Practices in Canada can download the app but face significant restrictions, including U.S.-based outbound numbers, lack of caller ID on Canadian numbers, no compliance policies for Canadian privacy laws, and no outbound SMS (as Canadian carrier registration requires a Provincial or Federal Corporation Registry ID). However, U.S.-based providers traveling abroad can continue using Spruce normally, provided they have a stable internet or cellular connection.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- International teammates on Spruce
- International calling on Spruce
- Using Spruce in Canada
- Using Spruce While Traveling Internationally
- Frequently Asked Questions
International teammates on Spruce
If you have staff members outside the U.S., they may be able to use Spruce, but there are limitations. For more details, please review this help article.
International calling on Spruce
Spruce supports inbound and limited outbound international calling. See this article for full details.
Using Spruce in Canada
While Spruce is available for download in Canada, we do not officially support businesses based in Canada due to several limitations:
- Calling Restrictions: Calls made through Spruce use a U.S.-based number, which may result in long-distance charges unless you enable Softphones (internet-based calling).
- Caller ID: This is not supported with Canadian numbers.
- SMS Limitations: Canadian regulations require a Provincial or Federal Corporation/Registry ID Number for outbound SMS registration, and therefore, you cannot send outbound SMS if you use Spruce.
- Security & Compliance: While we follow HIPAA guidelines and have completed a SOC 2 Type II audit, we do not have policies specific to Canadian privacy laws.
Due to these challenges, we do not recommend using Spruce for Canada-based businesses.
Using Spruce While Traveling Internationally
If you are traveling internationally with a U.S. mobile phone, Spruce will continue to function as long as you have a stable internet connection or cellular coverage. You can:
- Make and receive calls via the Spruce app (subject to international roaming or Wi-Fi availability).
- Manage secure messages, SMS texts, and voicemails from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spruce officially support practices based outside the United States?
No, Spruce is built for U.S.-based businesses and is not officially supported for businesses based outside the U.S., including Canada.
Why is Spruce not recommended for Canadian practices?
Spruce uses U.S.-based numbers which can trigger long-distance charges, does not support caller ID on Canadian numbers, cannot send outbound SMS due to Canadian regulations requiring a Provincial or Federal Corporation Registry ID, and has no policies specific to Canadian privacy laws.
Can a U.S. provider use Spruce while traveling abroad?
Yes, Spruce continues to work as long as the user has a stable internet connection or cellular coverage, with calls subject to international roaming or Wi-Fi availability.