How can I use my phone for International calls?

Ditch the Expensive Roaming: Your Guide to Making Cheap International Calls

International calls used to be a luxury, a costly endeavor reserved for special occasions. But today, with a smartphone and a little know-how, staying connected across borders is easier and more affordable than ever. This guide will walk you through making international calls directly from your phone, bypassing expensive roaming charges and complicated procedures.

The Basics: Dialing International Numbers

The foundation of making international calls lies in the correct dialing sequence. It’s a straightforward process, but a missed digit can lead to a failed call or unexpected charges. Here’s the breakdown:

1. The Plus Sign (+): This crucial symbol signifies an international call. It’s universally recognized and replaces any country-specific prefix your carrier might use.

2. The Country Code: This is a unique numerical code assigned to each country. For example, the United States is +1, the United Kingdom is +44, and Canada is +1. You can easily find a complete list of country codes online with a quick search.

3. The Area/City Code (If Applicable): Many countries use area codes to route calls to specific regions or cities. This number follows the country code. For example, in the US, you might dial +1 212 for New York City. If you are unsure if an area code is needed, try omitting it. If the call doesn’t connect, then you’ll know it’s necessary.

4. The Phone Number: Finally, enter the recipient’s local phone number.

Example: To call a number in London, UK (let’s say the number is 020 7123 4567), you would dial +44 20 7123 4567. Notice the removal of the initial 0 from the London number.

Beyond Basic Dialing: Avoiding Costly Pitfalls

While the dialing process is straightforward, avoiding unexpected costs requires a bit more planning:

• Roaming Charges: If you’re traveling internationally and using your phone’s data connection to make calls, be mindful of roaming charges. These can be exorbitant. Consider turning off data roaming or using Wi-Fi whenever possible.

• Toll-Free Numbers: US toll-free numbers (those beginning with 800, 888, etc.) generally don’t work internationally. Before calling a toll-free number from abroad, research alternative contact methods such as email, an international phone number, or a local number.

• VoIP Apps: Applications like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Viber offer inexpensive or even free calls over Wi-Fi or data. These apps are excellent alternatives to traditional international calling, particularly for frequent calls. Remember to check data usage when using these apps with mobile data.

• International Calling Plans: Many cell phone providers offer international calling plans or add-ons which can significantly reduce the cost per minute compared to standard international rates. Check with your provider to see if such options are available and compare pricing against VoIP alternatives.

Making international calls directly from your phone is remarkably simple. By understanding the correct dialing procedures and being aware of potential cost issues, you can maintain seamless communication with loved ones and business contacts worldwide without breaking the bank.