What is the Advantage of making International Calls using VoIP?

VoIP calling makes direct dial telephone calls to foreign countries quite simple. Just dial the outbound access code (USA 011) then the country code (UK 44) then the telephone number. Charges by the traditional Telephone Companies are calculated by the minute while many of the VoIP companies include unlimited calling to many foreign countries as part of their calling plans.

A business or individual that makes international calls can reduce their traditional Telephone Company long distance charges by using VoIP. Most of the VoIP companies have calling plans that include unlimited calling to many foreign countries and these calls are toll free. Should you need to call a country that is not one of their included countries, the rates are extremely competitive. As an example, Vonage has a residential VoIP Service, for U.S. residents, called Vonage World which gives unlimited local and long distance in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and includes FREE unlimited landline calls to all cities and locations in more than 60 other countries including India, Mexico and Canada.

A major consideration for any individual or company who is planning to expand their business into the international marketplace is the cost of facilities, communications and personnel. The facilities cost is determined by a lease which, in most cases, will not substantially change during its term. Communications cost, if provided by traditional Telephone Companies, is charged by the minute for long distance and international calls. The more minutes used for these calls the higher the communications cost. Personnel costs are predictable and more easily controlled. When considering a VoIP service provider you are able to choose one with a calling plan that covers your area of operation and your planned expansion area. Therefore, your VoIP calling expenses will not have to include long distance and international Toll Charges. Charges for many international calls by traditional Telephone Companies can be in excess of $1.00 per minute. Your VoIP service provider can also provide “virtual numbers” within foreign countries which provide unlimited incoming calls that are toll free for you and your caller.

Many Cell Phone providers give you the ability to make international calls with your Cell. This is a very convenient benefit but very expensive. Many of the VoIP service providers are able to add your Cell phone to your calling plan which will enable you to use your cell to make calls within your VoIP calling plan area, including international, as well. Check with your cell phone provider to learn if airtime charges or any other charges would apply to those calls.