How To Make Overseas Calls Cheap

How To Make Overseas Calls Cheap

Want the quickest ways to make cheap overseas calls? Use internet-based calling apps (like WhatsApp or Skype) when you have good Wi-Fi. For reliable calls to landlines or when internet is spotty, use a prepaid international phone card. These two options often offer the best value and reliability.

Ready to slash those international calling costs? Let’s dive in.

Unlock Big Savings with Internet Calling (VoIP)

One of the most popular ways to call cheap is using Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. Sounds fancy, but it just means making calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. You’re probably already using it!

Think about apps like:

  • WhatsApp
  • Skype
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Google Meet (formerly Duo)
  • Viber

How VoIP Saves You Money:

These apps let you make voice and video calls for free, or very cheaply, to others who also use the same app. As long as you both have a decent internet connection (like Wi-Fi), you can talk for hours without worrying about per-minute charges. It’s like sending an email instead of mailing a letter – the internet does the heavy lifting.

Advantages of VoIP Apps:

  • Often Free: App-to-app calls over Wi-Fi usually cost nothing.
  • Video Calling: See faces, not just hear voices! Great for feeling closer.
  • Convenient: Already on your smartphone.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Internet Needed: Both you and the person you’re calling need a stable internet connection. No Wi-Fi or poor signal? No call, or a frustratingly choppy one.
  • App Needed: Usually, both people need the same app installed. Calling Grandma’s landline? This won’t work.
  • Data Costs: If you’re not on Wi-Fi, calls use your mobile data. Monitor your data usage closely, as this can get expensive fast! Check your phone’s settings to see how much data these apps use.
  • Quality Varies: Call quality depends heavily on internet speed and stability at both ends.
  • Watch Out for Hidden Costs: While app-to-app is often free, some apps charge per-minute rates to call actual phone numbers (landlines/mobiles). Know the cost before dialing.

These apps are fantastic for chatting with friends or family who are comfortable with technology and have reliable internet access.

Quick Tip: Before a long VoIP chat, make a short 1-minute test call using the app. This checks the connection quality before you get deep into an important conversation. Saves frustration!

Consider Dedicated Calling Apps

Slightly different from the big names above are apps designed specifically for cheap international calls, sometimes even connecting through local phone numbers to improve quality. Think services like Rebtel or Vyke.

They often work by:

  1. You dial the international number in their app.
  2. The app connects you to a local number in your country (saving you direct international dialing fees from your carrier).
  3. That local number then connects internationally via their network.

This can sometimes offer clearer call quality than pure internet calls, especially if one person’s connection isn’t perfect. They usually charge low per-minute rates, often cheaper than traditional carriers but not always free like app-to-app calls.

Why Choose These?

  • Potentially better call quality than standard VoIP.
  • Can call regular phone numbers (mobiles and landlines) directly.
  • Rates typically much lower than your mobile carrier.

But Watch Out For:

  • Still relies partly on internet/data on your end.
  • Per-minute costs, though low, still add up on long calls.
  • Watch for subscription fees or minimum top-up amounts.

These are a solid middle ground – potentially better quality than free apps, cheaper than your carrier, but not always the absolute lowest cost.

The Power of Prepaid: International Phone Cards

Remember phone cards? They’ve evolved and are still one of the most reliable and cheapest ways to call overseas, especially to landlines or for people less comfortable with apps.

How do they work? It’s simple:

  1. You buy prepaid calling credit online or in a store.
  2. You dial a local access number (provided by the phone card company). This means you’re only making a local call from your phone, avoiding your carrier’s international charges.
  3. You enter your unique PIN.
  4. You dial the international number you want to reach (including country code).

Think of it like a calling allowance you control completely.

Why Phone Cards Are Still Amazing:

  • Predictable Costs: You know exactly how much you’re spending. No surprise bills! Once your credit is used, the call simply ends (or you can easily top up). Budgeting becomes stress-free.
  • Call ANY Phone: This is a huge advantage. You can reliably call mobile numbers and traditional landlines anywhere in the world. Phone card networks are built to connect to these traditional phone systems efficiently.
  • No Internet Needed (for Them): The person you’re calling doesn’t need Wi-Fi, data, or even a smartphone. They just answer their regular phone like any other call.
  • Works from Anywhere: Use them from your mobile or your home landline, offering great flexibility.
  • Often the CHEAPEST for Landlines: Calling international landlines often involves connecting through older phone networks. Phone card companies specialize in this, securing lower rates than many app-based services or mobile carriers can offer for these specific calls.
  • Choose Your Provider Wisely: Look for providers with transparent pricing (no hidden connection fees!) and good user reviews regarding call quality.

Are you tired of guessing how much your international calls will drain from your account each month? A phone card puts you firmly back in control.

This method is incredibly helpful if you frequently call family members who mainly use a landline or aren’t keen on navigating apps. It provides certainty and simplicity.

Imagine: Calling your parents overseas on their home phone for a long, relaxed chat, without constantly checking the clock, knowing you’re using affordable, prepaid minutes. Less stress, more genuine connection! Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Quick Checklist: Find Your Cheapest Call Method Fast

Feeling overwhelmed? Answer these quick questions to find your best fit:

  • Who are you calling?
    • App Users (WhatsApp, Skype, etc.)? -> VoIP Apps (over Wi-Fi) are likely cheapest/free.
    • Landline Numbers? -> Prepaid Phone Cards often offer the best rates and reliability.
    • Mobile Numbers (less techy person)? -> Prepaid Phone Cards are reliable; some Dedicated Calling Apps might also have good rates.
  • How important is budget control?
    • Need absolute certainty (no surprise bills)? -> Prepaid Phone Cards are king.
    • Okay with variable costs if potentially free/low? -> VoIP Apps or Dedicated Apps work.
  • How good is YOUR internet?
    • Excellent Wi-Fi? -> VoIP Apps are great.
    • Spotty Wi-Fi or using Mobile Data? -> Prepaid Phone Cards (using a landline) offer top reliability, or be very mindful of data usage with apps.
  • How good is THEIR internet?
    • Excellent Wi-Fi? -> VoIP Apps are an option.
    • Poor/No Internet, or Landline Only? -> Prepaid Phone Cards are your best bet.

One sentence paragraph for emphasis: Match the method to your specific calling habits for the biggest savings.

Let’s explore another option, mainly for travelers.

Using Local or International SIM Cards

If you are traveling overseas, getting a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting can be a great way to make cheap calls within that country and potentially affordable calls back home.

Alternatively, you can buy an “international SIM card” before you travel. These SIMs are designed to work in multiple countries, often with better roaming rates than your home carrier.

Pros:

  • Local SIMs give you local rates, usually cheaper for calls within that country.
  • You get a local phone number, which can be handy.

Cons:

  • Might involve swapping SIM cards (eSIMs are making this easier).
  • Need an unlocked phone.
  • Topping up credit in a foreign country can sometimes be confusing.
  • International SIMs can still be pricey for calls back home compared to phone cards or VoIP.

This option is generally more about saving money while you are abroad, not the primary way to call overseas from home.

Don’t Forget Time Zones!

A simple but crucial tip: Always check the time difference before calling! Waking someone up at 3 AM isn’t the best way to start a conversation, no matter how cheap the call is. A quick Google search (“time in [City/Country]”) solves this easily.

What About Your Mobile Carrier’s Plan?

Your mobile phone company (like Singtel, StarHub, M1, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) likely offers international calling plans or add-ons. You might think this is the easiest option.

Be cautious. While convenient, these plans are often significantly more expensive than VoIP apps or phone cards. For example, calling the UK for 30 minutes might cost you $15-$30+ with a standard carrier plan, whereas a good phone card could cost under $5 for the same duration, and a WhatsApp call on Wi-Fi could be free. Actual rates vary widely, but the difference is often substantial.

Why Carrier Plans are Often Pricey:

  • High Per-Minute Rates: Even within a “plan,” the cost per minute can sting.
  • Monthly Fees: You might pay a fixed fee each month just for the option to call internationally.
  • Confusing Fine Print: Watch for connection fees, rounding rules (billing per full minute even for short calls), and specific country exclusions that hike up costs unexpectedly.

Unless you make very few, brief international calls or value pure convenience above all else, your carrier’s plan is rarely the most economical route. Always compare their rates before signing up.

Why pay premium prices when effective, cheaper alternatives exist?

A Reliable Choice: Singapore Phone Cards

Finding a trustworthy phone card provider is key. You want transparent rates, good call quality, and zero hidden charges. Honesty matters.

If you’re looking for a solid, customer-focused option, check out Singapore Phone Cards. They specialize in making overseas calls affordable and completely straightforward.

Here’s why they stand out:

  • Call 200+ Countries: Connect almost anywhere globally.
  • Use from Mobile or Landline: Call the way that suits you best.
  • Call Mobiles or Landlines: Reach absolutely any phone number overseas.
  • 100% Prepaid, No Hidden Fees: Spend exactly what you load, no surprises. This offers real peace of mind.
  • Credit Rollover: Your unused credit doesn’t vanish – it waits for your next call.
  • Instant Email Delivery: Get your PIN and access numbers right away.
  • Use from Multiple Countries: Besides Singapore, you can use their cards from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA, UK, and Australia, making them great for expats or travelers too.

Their simple process (Dial local access number -> Enter PIN -> Dial overseas number) removes the hassle. If you value predictable spending, need to call landlines often, or simply want a reliable, no-fuss service, exploring a provider like this is a smart move. Find out more about the best way to make international calls on their helpful blog.

Stay Connected Without the High Cost

Making overseas calls shouldn’t be a source of financial stress. By choosing the right method for your needs – whether it’s leveraging free Wi-Fi calls via apps or relying on the predictable, low rates of a dependable international phone card – you empower yourself to stay connected affordably.

Imagine ending a long, happy call with family abroad, feeling good about the conversation and good about your wallet.

You now have the insights to choose wisely. Go ahead, make those calls, share those important life moments, and keep your precious connections strong – without overpaying.

Need Cheap International Calls?

Select the country you wish to call from the drop-down below. This will find you the best international phone card with the cheapest calling rates!