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5 Ways to make international calls without spending a fortune

Some years back telephone companies used to have quite a lucrative business by imposing exorbitant rates for roaming and international phone call services. And although nowadays prices have become lower and companies have special offers with cheaper charges, some of those services are still very expensive (for example, phoning to Australia from the UK can cost up to £1.50/minute). Fortunately, now we have several alternatives to make free or low cost international calls thanks to technology. So take a look at our post to find out how to avoid receiving outrageous bills from your telephone company.

Internet Calling Apps

The development of telecommunications has brought itself the so-called “Voice over IP” system, which means that analog phone signals are turned into digital so they can be sent over the Internet. Several programs such as Skype or Google Voice work in this way, allowing people to make free calls as if they´re online and using the same app or service as the person they are talking with. Furthermore, it is also possible to phone from VoIP apps to landline and mobile numbers, and although these calls are paid, they are about twenty times cheaper than with a regular phone company because the greater part of the circuit between the caller and the person called uses the Internet. You just have to register an account and add some credit (in case you are making use of it). So if you are provided with a good WIFI service (or even if there is a cybercafé nearby) this is definitely a good choice.

Free Calls Sponsored by Adds

There are also some other apps allowing people to make international calls without paying any money but asking something else from them, like taking part on a survey or giving their personal data for commercial purposes. Besides, these calls are usually with some restrictions. In this sense c, for example, offers free international calls but only to 35 countries and the calls are limited to 10 minutes each (in exchange of watching a 30 second advertising video before).

Software

But what if you do not have a laptop for phoning? If so, you can still make use of VoIP by installing the software on your regular cell phone. Some options, like RebTel and Jahjah, get your calls routed over a VoIP connection so it may substantially reduce charges.

Hardware

On the other hand, you can also buy some device-based VoIP services that eliminate your monthly bills, as once you have acquired that piece of hardware you will be able to make unlimited local and long distance calls for free. It´s true that you often end up paying something per month in the form of taxes and fees, although not too much. The price of the devices range between £40 and £200, and the most prominent examples are MagicJack, Ooma and Phonegnome.

Calling for Free to the USA and Canada

The U.S.A and Canada both have an advanced development infrastructure for VoIP services, and they may probably have the cheapest rates for phone call services in the world. Because of that, most of the apps and programs named above let you call for free to any landline and mobile phone in those countries. If you have a friend or a relative living in the USA or Canada, try it this way!

Photo: Voip

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