How to make international calls, all options explained
Being able to call your family and friends is a top priority when you’re traveling or living abroad.
When you want to make overseas calls – whether you can use an internet connection or not – you should be aware of all the different options available, no matter the device. From Access Numbers to Apps, there are several ways to stay connected worldwide. So, learn how to make international calls… the easy way!
Dialling an international number from any device
1. If you want to reach a landline
- You’ll start by dialing the IDD prefix (international direct dialing): + (or 00). The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends the sequence 00 as a standard for an international call prefix, and this has been implemented by most countries, but not all of them, there are a few exceptions.
- After that, you dial the country code that you can easily find on the internet if you don’t know it already.
- The next step is dialing the city/area code (if any). Smaller countries may not use city or area codes, while larger countries have hundreds of them.
- The last step is dialing the number that you want to reach.
Example: If you want to reach a landline in Beijing, China, and you know the country code is 86 and the area code is 10, the number you will dial could look something like this: + 86 10 5555–7777
2. If you want to reach a mobile phone overseas
What you have to do is dial the IDD, followed by the country code, and then the actual phone number.
Example: If you want to call a mobile phone in China, the number could look like this: +86 111 0000 8888
Calling abroad using Wi-Fi or 3G/4G- LTE
If you have an internet connection, you can use an international calling app for your overseas calls, available for both Android and iPhone. Most of the apps use an interface with direct access to your contacts, so all you have to do next is just call the number you want, as long as it’s saved in international format (IDD+country code).
Free apps can be a good solution when you have a stable internet connection, and the other party is also using the app, but when all this is not possible, paid apps are the best choice. The advantage with a paid app is that you can call any number, landline and mobile, and the person doesn’t need to have the app installed on their phone or they don’t even need to have a smartphone.
For example, the KeepCalling App is free to download, it’s easy to use and it allows you to make high quality VoIP calls all around the world. Available for Android, iPhone and iPad, it’s secure and money-saving, with no hidden fees.
Making overseas calls without internet connection
1. Call with access numbers
If you don’t have an internet connection, many services offer access numbers to help you with your international calling. You can choose an access number closest to your location. You enter the number first and then the number you are trying to reach, in international format.
If you choose KeepCalling for your overseas calls with an access number, you can start by accessing the Access Numbers tab on the website, selecting the country you’re in at the moment, and finding the access number available for your area. Then dial the access number, your KeepCalling PIN, and then the number you want to call, in international format.
2. Offline calling
This feature is great when you already have the app installed on your mobile phone, but you don’t always have a great internet connection. Most companies usually restrain the usage to a specific number of minutes per month or to exclusive app-to-app calling.
KeepCalling offers an Offline Calling feature that enables you to place a call from the app without using an internet connection, or while having a poor internet connection, through a local access number. You need to enable this feature from Settings screen > Offline Calling. On feature enabling, you need to confirm and select the residential country and the phone number.
This feature will help you call any number without an internet connection. For any international contact you may need to call, a local access number will be instantly made available for you.
Example: Let’s say you are based in the US and you want to call your friend living abroad, and you can’t rely on your internet connection. With Offline Calling, the KeepCalling app will connect you through a local access number and you will only pay the cost of a local call if you don’t have free minutes. No internet connection needed!
The feature is available only from New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, but the list is subject to change, and extending worldwide.
Choose an international calling service
After finding all options available for how to make international calls, you’ll probably want to find out more about the costs. Calling Plans are good deals you may want to consider, especially if you know you’re going to call a certain country more often. These monthly packages work like a subscription offering you a set of minutes for a great low price.
The Monthly Plans from KeepCalling offer minutes to 24 destinations all over the world and even unlimited minutes to certain countries. By subscribing to the service, you agree that you will be charged until you decide to cancel the plan, without any cancellation fee. The minutes offered are active for a period of 30 days from the purchase date. After 30 days charges apply to the credit card or to the PayPal account saved in your account. This way your plan will be renewed automatically each month for as long as you choose so.
Example: If you want to call India with KeepCalling, you can buy prepaid minutes at the price of 1.24¢/min (1612 min for $20) or you can choose one of the two Monthly Plans, India 600 ( 600 min included for $4.99/month) or India Unlimited (unlimited minutes for $9.99/month).
Ready to call?
When traveling abroad or making the big step of moving overseas, you don’t have to worry that you’ll lose touch with your family and friends back home. You have some good options to consider, and KeepCalling should definitely be on your list. Whatever suits your needs best, you can find with KeepCalling, from access numbers to monthly plans with unlimited calls, to an international calling app, easy to use and money-saving.
Ready to call? Just choose a destination and start making international phone calls with KeepCalling:
