How to make cheap international calls: 4 steps to make international calls without worrying about high charges.

Do you need to make an international call to contact relatives abroad, discuss business with partners, or participate in a cross-border meeting? Many people think this is complicated and expensive, but in reality, making international calls today is very easy and flexible if you know the right way.

This article will guide you on how to make international calls from anywhere , from regular mobile phones to cost-effective solutions like internet calls. By understanding the country code, area code, and correct dialing , you can make international calls quickly, clearly, and cost-effectively. This article helps you choose the option that best suits your needs: convenient, inexpensive, and easy to apply.

Things to know before making an international phone call.

Each area has a different dialing system.

• When making international calls , you can't dial numbers the same way you would for domestic calls.

• Depending on the country and region, you need to combine the international exit code, country code, area code, and phone number .

• Knowing the correct dialing order helps avoid wrong calls, wasted time, or connection issues.

Making international calls may incur charges.

• Most mobile network operators charge higher rates for international calls than for domestic calls .

• The charges depend on the country you are calling from, your current plan, and the duration of the call.

• To save money, many people choose to make international calls over the Internet (VoIP) or subscribe to a suitable international calling plan.

Always enter the international exit code for your country.

• When dialing an international number, the first step is to enter the international exit code of the country you are calling from.

• For example:

  • Vietnam: 00

  • USA and Canada: 011

• After the international exit code, you continue by entering the country code , then the area code and the subscriber number .

Method 1: Instructions on making international calls from Vietnam using a mobile phone.

Step 1: Dial the international exit code for the country you are calling from.

The international exit code is a mandatory step when making international calls.

• This is a sequence of 1 to 3 digits used to inform the operator that you are about to make an international call.

• Without this code, international calls will not connect even if you enter the correct phone number.

Each country has its own international exit code.

• For example, the United States uses the code 011 when making international calls.

• You should look up the correct international exit code for the country you are calling from , especially when traveling or on business.

Some countries require an additional carrier code.

• In countries like Brazil or Chile , you have to enter an additional digit representing your network provider before entering the country code.

• Some other countries, such as Australia or Finland, allow you to enter the carrier code optionally , whether it's included or not.

• This usually applies when making international calls from a landline or local SIM card .

Calling from a work phone may require dialing the number beforehand.

• If calling from a company landline , you typically have to press 9 first to get to an external line.

• Then proceed to enter the international exit code, country code, area code, and phone number .

Step 2: Identify the country code of the country you want to call.

Each country has its own country code when making international calls.

• After the international exit code, you must enter the country code so that the operator can route your call to the correct receiving country.

• If you enter this code incorrectly, the call will not connect or will be transferred to another country.

Look up the country code from a reliable source.

• The simplest way is to check on the website of your mobile network provider .

• Alternatively, you can find the most complete and accurate list on the website of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – the global telecommunications standards management organization.

A single country code can be used for multiple territories.

• Not every country has its own unique code.

• For example, the United States, Canada, Guam, and many Caribbean island nations all use the country code 1 .

• Therefore, after entering the country code, you still need to enter the correct area code for the call to go to the correct destination.

Step 3: Add the area code or city code if the country uses one.

Not all countries have area codes.

• Smaller countries often don't have area codes ; you just need the country code and the phone number.

• Conversely, larger countries may have hundreds of different area codes or city codes , which must be entered correctly to make successful international calls.

Area codes help to accurately identify the area receiving calls.

• After entering the international exit code and country code , the area code will tell the operator which city or region you are calling from.

• If the area code is missing or entered incorrectly, the call may not connect or may be transferred to the wrong destination.

How to quickly and accurately look up area codes.

• Check directly on your mobile carrier's website for the most up-to-date information.

• Or search on Google using the following syntax:

  • Place name + area code

  • For example, if you are calling San Francisco , look for “San Francisco area code”.

Always double-check before dialing.

• This is especially important when calling a landline, company, or organization phone , where the area code is almost always required.

• Having the area code ready will help you make international calls faster and avoid incurring charges due to dialing the wrong code .

Step 4: Check the unique dialing code for mobile and landline phones.

Some countries differentiate between how they call mobile and landline numbers.

• When making international calls , the number format for mobile phones may differ from that for landline phones .

• This difference is usually already built into the phone number itself , but if you're not aware of it, it's easy to dial the wrong number.

The distinguishing code is usually located at the beginning of the phone number.

• In many countries, you can tell whether a number is a mobile or landline just by looking at the prefix.

• For example, in England :

  • Landline phone numbers usually start with 02.

  • Mobile phone numbers usually start with 07.

The most accurate way to check before calling.

• Visit the website of the telecommunications regulatory authority of the country you wish to call to view the detailed regulations.

• This information is especially important when calling businesses, government agencies, or unknown numbers , where the number format must be absolutely accurate.

Why is this step necessary?

• It helps you make international calls correctly the first time , avoiding connection errors.

• Avoid unnecessary charges caused by dialing the wrong number.

Step 5: Enter the phone number you want to call in the correct international order.

Complete by entering the remaining part of the phone number.

• After entering the international exit code , country code , and area/city code , you then enter the phone number of the person you want to call .

• Note: The length of phone numbers varies from country to country ; some may have longer or shorter numbers than Vietnam, which is perfectly normal.

Do not enter a leading zero (trunk code).

• In many countries, the leading zero is only used for domestic calls and not for international calls.

• Therefore, if the phone number you receive starts with 0 , discard this number when dialing internationally.

• Important exception : In Italy , the area code must retain the number 0 , even when calling from abroad.

Examples of how to make a real international phone call.

• If you are calling from the United States to Guatemala , you would dial in this order:

  • US international exit code: 011

  • Guatemala's country code: 502

  • Recipient's phone number

• The complete number format would be: 011-502-xxxx-xxxx

Quick and easy-to-remember international calling formulas.

• + [Country code] – [Area/City code] – [Phone number]

• On mobile phones, the " +" symbol can replace the international exit code, making dialing more convenient when roaming.

Method 2: Instructions for making free international calls via the Internet

Step 1: Connect to WiFi to avoid data charges when making international calls over the internet.

Using WiFi significantly reduces costs when traveling abroad.

• When you are not in the country where your SIM card was originally registered, your mobile carrier often charges quite high fees for calls, texts, and roaming data .

• If you're making international calls over the Internet (VoIP), connecting to WiFi will help you avoid unexpected data charges .

Always check before making a call.

• Before making the call, make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi , not the cellular network.

• This is an important step to ensure you don't get charged unexpectedly, especially when making long or multiple calls.

How to turn off mobile data to avoid confusion.

• You can completely turn off mobile data in your phone's settings.

• Example on iPhone:

  • Go to Settings

  • Select Cellular

  • Turn off the Cellular Data option.

• This method ensures you can be confident that all calls over the internet are using WiFi.

It's easy to find free WiFi in many places.

• Free WiFi is now widely available in many public places.

• You can find WiFi at:

  • Hotel

  • Restaurant

  • Cafe

  • Library

  • Shopping mall

Step 2: Download an Internet-based calling (VoIP) application to save costs.

VoIP is a popular solution for making international phone calls today.

• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) works by converting voice or video into data , which is then transmitted over the Internet.

• With just WiFi or a stable internet connection, you can easily make international calls at a much lower cost than traditional calls.

How to get started using VoIP easily

• Choose a reputable VoIP provider .

• Install the software on your laptop or download the app to your phone or tablet .

• Register an account and start making calls immediately, no complicated configuration required.

Costs to consider when making VoIP calls

• Calls between two people using a VoIP application are usually free or very inexpensive.

• If you call a landline or someone who doesn't use VoIP , the system may charge you per minute , but it will still be cheaper than making international calls through a mobile network operator.

Popular and easy-to-use VoIP applications.

• Skype : Suitable for international calls, online meetings, and calls to both mobile and landline numbers.

• Google Voice : Convenient for users of the Google ecosystem, supporting international calls at low rates.

• WhatsApp : Popular, easy to use, suitable for free calls between WhatsApp accounts.

Step 3: Connect the headphones and microphone to ensure call quality.

Check if your device has a microphone before making a call.

• Most laptops nowadays have built-in microphones , but some older or specialized models do not.

• If your device doesn't have a microphone, you'll need to attach a headset with a microphone so the other person can clearly hear your voice during international internet calls.

Simple and easy-to-buy solution

• Choose headphones with a detachable microphone or over-ear headphones with an integrated microphone.

• Connect via USB port or audio jack; no complicated setup required.

• You can buy them at electronics stores or popular e-commerce platforms.

Advantages of using headphones with a microphone

• The voice is clearer, and background noise is reduced.

• Avoid echoes or interference during long calls.

• Suitable for international calls, online meetings, or work-related communication .

Note if making video calls

• If you're making a video call , in addition to a microphone, your device will also need a webcam .

• Many laptops already have built-in webcams, but with desktop computers, you can connect an external webcam via USB .

Step 4: Enter the phone number and press call correctly when using VoIP.

• Enter the full phone number before dialing.

  • Type the entire number of the person you want to call, including the area code or city code if used in that country.

  • Check the instructions of your VoIP application or service to see if you need to add a country code or a "+" sign at the beginning of the number.

  • Some apps will automatically insert the country code if you select the correct country from the list, helping to reduce dialing errors.

• Quick dial from your phone's contacts.

  • Many VoIP applications can access a phone's contact list .

  • If the phone number is already saved and in the correct international format, you just need to select the contact name and press call, which is very convenient for frequent calls.

Common reasons why VoIP calls fail to connect

• Not connected to WiFi

  • VoIP applications require a stable internet connection; without Wi-Fi or with a weak network, calls will not be able to be made.

• The internet speed is too slow.

  • A weak network can cause calls to drop, be unclear, or fail to connect.

• The recipient does not support international calls or internet calls.

  • Some phone numbers or systems may block calls from VoIP services .

• Missing country code or "+" sign at the beginning of the number.

  • This is a very common problem when making international calls over the internet.

  • If the "+" or country code is missing, the system will not be able to recognize the number you are calling.

Check the cost of international calls beforehand.

International call rates are not fixed and vary depending on the circumstances.

• The cost of international phone calls depends on several factors, such as:

  • Your mobile network provider

  • Current plan (prepaid, postpaid, with international subscription)

  • The country from which you are calling and the country from which you are receiving the call.

• Therefore, there is no single price that applies to all.

Don't guess the cost, check directly with your carrier.

• The most accurate way is to contact the customer service department of your mobile network provider.

• You can call the hotline number published on the official website for clarification:

  • International call rates per minute

  • Are there any suitable promotional packages?

  • How to avoid incurring unexpected fees.

Why you should check before calling

• Avoid being charged more than expected , especially when making long calls.

• Actively compare direct calls through your mobile network provider with calls over the Internet (VoIP) to choose the most cost-effective option.

• Suitable for people who frequently make international phone calls for work or family .

References

1. https://countrycode.org/how-to-call
2. https://www.itu.int/itudoc/itu-t/ob-lists/icc/e164_763.pdf
3. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/
   international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet
4. https://www.howtocallabroad.com/qa/cell.html
5. https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/travel-tips/
   cell-phones-italy-country-code-mobile-phone-call
6. https://www.howtocallabroad.com/
7. https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/
   how-can-you-make-phone-calls-on-the-internet
8. https://www.rebtel.com/en/international-calling-guide/free-calls/
   call-internationally-for-free/

Translated by Ashley Wright Nguyen .