Choices Available to International Callers
There are many choices available to those who want to make international calls. While some of these options cost more than others, these options will all allow you to call friends, family, and business contacts overseas. GSM (or Global System for Mobile Communications) is one method for making calls internationally. Because of the GSM network, many cell phone owners are able to roam globally without switching phones or providers. Sometimes, roaming charges may apply and it is vital to choose a phone with the GSM logo on it showing that it is compatible with the system.
The advent of the internet phone, and many internet based phone services, has enabled people all over the globe to call each other for a low fee. Sometimes, the service is free.
This is especially true in cases
like Skype where the caller and the person called each have the service on their computer, and they are actually able to communicate via voice all over the world. Many of these services claim that you can call any phone in the world, but with Skype, I've yet to find a phone number I can't call.
For not much more money, you can set up a VoIP phone that will enable you to call internationally using a regular handset in your home or business location. (Although there are now phone models which will allow you to use Skype as well for international calling.) Often times, these companies offer packages with minutes to various countries, so it is important to choose the one that will provide service to the countries that you will be calling. Satellite cell phones allow users to either purchase or rent a phone that will function in their destination countries. This is a good choice when you are taking a vacation or when you frequent another country for business and still wish to call home.
Finally, calling cards are pre-paid and allow users to call anywhere in the world by simply connecting them and deducting amounts from the balance of the card equal to how long they talk. When the value of the card is zero, the user will not be able to make any more calls. This is a common choice for businesses and associates that travel often because even though high speed Internet is widely available across the globe now, sometimes it's still just more convenient to have a phone card easily accessible.
Overall, there are numerous options for people wanting to make international calls. Knowing what you want and how often you want to use it will make choosing which method to use much simpler.
If you're ready for a clean quality international plan, without any equipment to purchase, and one that works on your GSM international phones, then try Pingo.com, a virtual calling card service. You can receive $5 in free calls, and get 15% discount. All you have to do is use the Pingo coupon code "s4i". They play no games and offer great customer support abroad.