How to Make Cheap International Calls

Make Cheap International Calls with VoIP

With most VoIP plans, unlimited domestic calls are included in your package at no additional cost. In many cases, calls to Canada are considered domestic. If you make more than five dollars worth of international long distance calls a month, then you can opt for a global plan. This plan includes nearly forty of the most popular countries.

If your relatives live in a country not covered by the global plan, then VoIP offers significantly lower rates for most countries than you'll find with a domestic carrier. It may even cost less than having your call routed through a domestic "free calling" service.

It's also more convenient to make international long distance calls with VoIP. You can dial the number you want to reach directly. There's no need to call a domestic number, follow the instructions on a phone menu, and then dial the international number. It may not seem like much, but all that dialing can get annoying when you have a lot of calls to make in one day, such as on holidays.

How to Make International Calls

There are four ways to place an international call, which is partially determined by the phone service you have and partially by the way phone service operates in the location you're calling. In most places, you can dial direct, but there are still a few places where an operator must intercede. The below instructions apply to direct-dialed calls.

VoIP Calls

1. Pick up a VoIP handset anywhere in your home.
2. Dial 011 + country code + city code (where required) + number.
3. Talk to friends and family members as long as you want for free or at a very low rate.

Internet Phone Calls

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Open your internet phone software.
3. Dial the number you want to call.
4. Talk to friends and family members as long as you want at a low rate.

Free Long Distance Service

1. Call the domestic number for the service, most likely located in the Midwest.
2. Follow the telephone menu prompts.
3. Dial the number you want to call.
4. Talk as long as you want, but remember that you're paying domestic long distance charges.

Traditional Long Distance Calls

1. Pick up the phone.
2. Dial the number you want to call.
3. Talk as long as you want at exorbitant call rates.

There are several ways to make cheap international long distance calls, but VoIP is the simplest and most direct. If you're still not sure, compare VoIP, internet phone, and other telephone options. As you'll see, VoIP is usually the best option for international calls to most locations.