How to Make Cheap International Long Distance Calls

If you’ve made international calls using your mobile phone or home phone (land line), you know that overseas long distance rates can be very expensive. Calling cards offer pretty good international rates, but it is often cumbersome to use them.

For people who make frequent or occasional international calls, the most cost effective method is VoIP. If you’ve never heard of VoIP, or want to learn more about this amazing technology that can easily save you 50% or more on your phone bill, read on….

What is VoIP?

This acronym stands for “Voice Over Internet Protocol”, and is the technical term for Internet Phone Service. It is also commonly referred to as “broadband phone service”, IP Phone Service” or “Digital Phone Service”.

What are the Requirements of VoIP?

The only thing required is a broadband internet connection. This is also referred to as “high speed” internet. Although VoIP will work well over DSL (high speed internet that is usually offered through your phone company), the recommended broadband connection is cable internet or T-1 service. Most telephone companies require you to maintain phone service when you subscribe to their high speed DSL internet. Since VoIP is designed to replace traditional phone service, you come out better off financially if you switch to cable or T-1 internet. Once you’ve got your internet phone service installed, you can then disconnect your “land line” phone service.

What is the Price of VoIP Internet Phone Service?

Most VoIP providers charge between $19.95 a month to $24.95 a month for unlimited local and long distance calling. A few VoIP companies offer “annual” unlimited VoIP plans that you can get for $199 a year (paid up front). An annual plan is the best value for your money! Unlimited internet phone service plans include an unlimited amount of free calls within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

What About Cheap International Long Distance Calls?

All of the best VoIP providers have super cheap international rates. These international long distance rates are lower than any other type of service. Rates vary by VoIP provider, depending on the country you call, so compare VoIP providers’ rates before subscribing to ensure you get the best possible deal. International calls are billed separately on a per-minute basis. The rates are so low, you’ll be amazed at how long you can talk for so little money!

Who are the Best VoIP Providers for International Calling?

It’s important to subscribe with a VoIP provider that is known for financial stability, quality of service and excellent technical and customer support. My recommendations include:

Voip.com – For people who make a lot of long distance calls within the US, Canada and/or Puerto Rico, the Voip.com annual plan is an exceptional value at $199 a year (less than $17 a month). This is an “all inclusive” fee, meaning there are no monthly charges for “taxes and fees”. Voip.com offers some of the lowest international long distance rates around, and you get a free softphone. A softphone is really nice for people who travel, as it allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop.

Packet8 – If you make international calls to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Moscow-Central, Moscow-Suburb, St. Petersburg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Chile, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, Israel, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam – the Packet8 Freedom Unlimited Global plan is the best deal. This plan costs $29.99 a month and provides unlimited free international calling to any of these countries.

How Do I Find Out More About VoIP?

For starters, visit my newest website – Cheap International Calling Choices. Here you will find out everything you want to know about internet phone service, in addition to recommended VoIP providers for international calling. You can compare VoIP providers’ rates and features as well as learn how to install and use VoIP.