Americans regularly make international calls, all the more reason that consumers need to know the correct process of placing international long distance calls, as well as on how people can spend less on these calls. If you frequently call a friend residing abroad or your family is living in another country, it is definite that you always look for ways on how to make those international calls easily and get the cheapest rates. This article will surely give you the information that you need.
The process of making international long distance calls usually varies for every country, as well for every city.
One way is to install an international call app on your phone. If you use IPhone you can choose an international call iPhone app to get the cheap international call.
Second way to make a long distance call is through direct dialing:
First press the international code 011, then the country code, followed by the city code and finally the phone number of the person you are trying to reach.
The other way of making international calls is through an operator:
First press the operator code 01, followed by the country code, next the city code, and finally the phone number of the person you want to call.
You will have to take note that if you make a long distance call through an operator, it will cost you much more than by calling directly.
Depending on which country you are calling, international calling rates vary. It is a common knowledge that these calls are usually billed on a per minute basis. Aside from the basic rates being offered by phone companies, they also have different methods on how you can pay for your calls. You can choose whatever ways you want to use depending on how much you can afford.
Calling plans -This refers to an agreement between you and the carrier. Generally, you will need to pay a fixed amount monthly. You will have to consult with your carrier what calling plan will be best for you based on how much international calls you make in a month.
Dial-around – If you barely make international long distance calls annually, a dial-around might be your best choice. Dial-around makes use of access codes in addition to the phone number of the person you are making a call to. The system is called such because this allows you to find a way around or simply to ‘dial-around’ your carrier and utilize a different long distance network that is a cheaper rate. The Web is a good place to shop for dial-around numbers.
Pre-paid Call Cards – Pre-paid call cards have pre-set phone time and amount that you purchase even before you even place your calls. Pre-paid cards can be purchased at different amounts based on the number phone time on the card. It contains a toll-free access and a PIN
Callback Services – This one allows consumers to place a call outside the US at US rates which is lower than the rates of other countries. These types of services make use of an 800 number which is toll-free, and an access code.
It is now up to you to assess your calling history to choose the right method for you.