International Calls

Making international calls from your mobile or landline tends to be incredibly costly, especially if you frequently call abroad. However you may be putting up with an unnecessary expense as there are options available which enable you to dial abroad at a fraction of the cost.

Some landline call providers offer international packages whereby for a fixed monthly amount you have access to unlimited international calls. Packages such as this may be a cost efficient option if you regularly call friends or family living abroad. There do tend to be limits on the countries included in these packages so it is advisable to check before signing up. If the countries you call are included, a pay monthly landline package could save you a lot of money.

Alternatively, many companies specialise in providing reduced rate international calls. The majority of these charge calls to foreign countries at a flat rate so whether you are calling from a landline or mobile, in the day or at night, the per minute cost will be the same (although be wary of charges imposed by your phone service provider). These services work by assigning each country with an 'access number' which you dial prior to entering the full international phone number. This then routes the call via the international call provider's network and connects you at the cheaper rate.

When using access numbers the call will be usually be included as part of your regular mobile or landline phone bill. Prior to using an access number service it is advisable to make a short test call to the country in question to determine whether any connection charges are imposed by your service provider. Additionally when calling from a mobile, you may have to ask your network provider to enable international calling. Depending on the provider it may be possible to count international calls made using an access number service as part of the inclusive minutes on a pay monthly play; however it is always best to check with your service provider.