Can I Use VoIP to Make International Calls?

One of the major reasons why people switch to VoIP is to improve communication. So, asking if you can make international calls with your VoIP service is valid.

To answer that question, yes, you can. International calling is one of the many features of VoIP. Here’s how VoIP works with respect to international calling:

How VoIP Works

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication solution that uses internet instead of land lines to transmit your calls. This means that once you make the call, voice signals are sent via your internet router instead of underground copper wires. Your voice messages are carried over the internet in small data packages which are broken down by SIP trunks installed in your VoIP system, and are then received on the other end in the same fashion. Since all voice calls on VoIP are made over the internet, the cost of international calls, using VoIP is much cheaper than landline.

How to Make International Calls with VoIP

Calling international via VoIP is not much different from doing it via landline. In fact, the process of dialing out of your country and into one is pretty much the same as it’s with landline: international dialing code + country code + area code + local phone number. When using VoIP services, you can make international calls from your regular telephone line (that is plugged into your internet router), from your desktop with a headset or through the VoIP mobile app on your mobile device.

Advantages of Using VoIP for International Calling

There are a lot of benefits of calling international via VoIP. Most individuals and businesses, which need to make international calls on the regular, prefer VoIP services over traditional phone setups, for their flexible and affordable options. Some of which include:

Lower cost– There’s no doubt that VoIP is a cheaper and more affordable option compared to regular landline, when making international calls. Most VoIP service providers offer plans which focus mainly on overseas calling, providing unlimited international calls. Even the plans that aren’t solely focused on international calls, offer reasonable rates to call overseas. In fact, even when international calls aren’t included in your plan at all, the rates per minute are as low as a couple of cents – which is still cheaper than calling international via landline!
Purchasing an International number– Most VoIP service providers give you the opportunity of purchasing an international number for your communication solutions. This means that you can have a local number of a country you don’t reside in. This can come in handy if, as an individual, you live alone in one country and have your entire family living in another. This is also a beneficial service for businesses that operate in one part of the world but have clientele, on the other. For example, if you’re based in the US and have employees and clients in Australia, you can purchase an Australian local number to make your business more accessible to your customers and remote employees. This way each call to your Australian office will be charged by local calling rates rather than international, making international calling inexpensive and easy.

Using VoIP for International Calls via Mobile

VoIP allows you to use one connection on multiple devices. Therefore, if you have signed up for a VoIP plan, you can very well access your account via your smartphone using a simple mobile app. In other words, your mobile device becomes an extension of your main line, which you can use to avail the features allotted to you on your main account. This is true for the international calling feature as well. Thus if you have international calling included in your plan, you can use your mobile device to make international calls just the same. The best VoIP providers allow multiple devices per account, and usually all you need is a mobile app to access your main line. This helps you make international calls without being bound to one phone line.

How International Calls are Charged Using VoIP

With the demand of VoIP services surging, the market of VoIP service providers is on the rise. Different VoIP providers offer different features and calling plans, along with different payment schedules. Some VoIP service providers will charge you monthly for a plan; others might set a bi-annual payment schedule. Either way, all plans offer a set number of calling minutes, depending on your budget.

However, most of the times, these plans only include local calling minutes and you will have to purchase international calling as an add-on. But don’t worry, most VoIP providers adjust that seamlessly into your existing plan and the additional charges are lower than landline international calling rates. The calling rates vary across different providers so make sure you find a plan that fulfills your international calling requirements and doesn’t fall out of your budget. Another point of consideration here is that some plans only offer international calling to a set number of countries, so before you sign up for the plan, check if it includes the countries you wish to call.

Bottom Line: VoIP is the Right Choice for International Calling

VoIP has become the choice of individuals and businesses, alike for its affordability and state-of-the-art calling features. One of these features in international calling which is offered in much lower rates than traditional telephony ever could!

While international calling is not included in most VoIP plans, the standard charges per minute are still cheaper than what is offered on a traditional landline setup. International calling via VoIP is a great option for both homes and businesses that call overseas on the regular, as it offers affordable rates, convenient payment plans and multiple devices on your connection. Moreover, you have the freedom to choose your number and payment methods which makes for a hassle-free calling experience.

You can find the best VoIP providers on Top 5 Business VoIPs and read our extensive reviews of each provider to decide the one that suit your calling needs best!