Why Use International Calling Services?

Whether you are calling friends and family overseas, moving to a new country or frequently travel for business and recreation, placing international calls can become an expensive burden. By using the internet or connecting to a telecommunications network, international call services provide a way to save money and offer high-quality phone conversations. When you compare international calling services, you will see they can offer reduced rates from your local phone company by giving you access into their networks. They'll give you an access number you can dial before the entering a phone number. Or they may provide international callback, a service where you call a specified number and after one ring hang up. The service will then connect you to their network, call you back and provide you with a dial tone to enter the phone number.

Other services use the internet. After you enter the phone number, the call switches from the local network to the internet and transfers to the call’s destination. After reaching the destination, it then switches back to the phone network giving you a high quality phone call and cheaper call rates. The best services for world calls do not require an annual contract. You can use the service as much or as little as you need without any commitment. However, be aware that some services may include a monthly fee, connection fee or a cancellation fee.

In our Learning Center you’ll find articles on international call services. And don’t forget to take a look at our best international calling service comparisons and reviews: Rebtel, United World Telecom and Aitelephone.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

International Call Services: What to Look For

When searching for the best international call service, you need to consider your needs. You need to look at how often you will be making phone calls, what countries you will be calling and what calling device you will use. Most call services feature similar plans but offer different services, features, fees or calling rates. One company may offer mobile applications, while another offers the ability to make VoIP calls. Some services require a connection fee for placed calls. Some even require you meet a minimum call length or you will pay a service fee. We'll help you find a company that best fits you and your situation.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate these calling services.

Services
The best companies not only offer cheap rates for your landline telephone, but also mobile applications. And if you want to send text messages internationally, some services provide cheap SMS capabilities. Also, consider where you will be calling on a frequent basis. Several companies offer free calls between friends and family. The best services give you the option to call more than a dozen countries free of charge.

Features
When looking for the perfect service for you, look at the number of countries offered and make sure the areas you need to call are available through the service. Having voice prompts in multiple languages is an ideal feature allowing you to navigate through the system in your native tongue. The ability to forward phone calls and a speed dial are also features that enhance the service and provide you with more options for placing your phone calls.

Ease of Use
When looking for an international call service, look for one that allows you to manage your account. You should be able to view your call history, payment schedule and billing information. Additionally, consider how you would like to place your phone calls. You can dial internationally using an access number provided to you. Or you can use international callback, where you call a number given to you and hang up after the phone rings once. The service will then call you back and give you a dial tone, which you are then able to enter the long distance number and receive the cheap international rates.

Technical Support
When working directly with a web service, it is vital you have direct access to a representative or resources to answer any questions that may come up. The best services will offer email, telephone and live chat support. Also, many will offer a FAQs section to receive answers to those questions that are most frequently asked to customer service.

If you figure out your specific needs and what you want in an international call service and combine it with the elements mentioned above, you will find the ideal call service that will give you the quality you want, anywhere, anytime.