International calls from the US

When is ‘free’ not good enough?

Many people assume that making international calls should be free these days. There are a number of services available which mean you can use the internet to make voice and video calls for no charge. When it comes to calling internationally from the US, many people quickly find out that it’s not that simple.

Here are 5 reasons why using a free service can go wrong:

1. Can you hear me?

If you are making a call in an area with less than perfect cell coverage, the quality of the call can be a problem and you spend a lot of time asking if the person you are calling can hear you. In the same way, if the person you are calling doesn’t have good internet (wireless or broadband) the same can happen.

2. I have a massive fiber connection and my call just dropped?

When the other members of the household are busy using all the bandwidth watching films, gaming and scrolling through social media, this can prove a challenge.

3. When you need to call your bank (or anyone else who you just have a number for) back home

That’s not possible using a free service.

4. When you’re running out of data on your cell phone

Unless you are paying for an unlimited plan, this is something which happens to all of us and usually at the most inconvenient time. Also, if you talk a lot, voice calling will eat into your data.

5. When your great-aunt doesn’t use apps

Keeping in touch with all of the family back home is important and a call is always appreciated by the more senior generations.

So what’s the solution?

You call a local phone number (which is typically free with most fixed line and cell plans, as well as not using any data minutes).
You are connecting with a fixed or mobile number directly in the country you are calling.
You get charged a low cost per minute and get a great quality call.

There are various services out there, but we recommend you check out KeepCalling . They have cheap rates, especially for ‘expensive’ destinations like India and China and a bunch of useful features in their service. Another cool service they offer is getting a virtual number in your home country so people can call you direct.