International Calling Information

Consumer Information | Long Distance Service

The number of International calls placed from the United States continues to rise in numbers every year by leaps and bounds. With so many people making International calls these days, it is important for consumers to understand both how to make International calls and how to save money on them.

How to place an International Long Distance Call from the U.S.

Although the procedure can vary based on the countries and cities you are calling to, there are generally two ways you can place an International call. The first is by dialing direct. To dial direct, just use the following formula:

011 + Country Code + City Code + Telephone Number

For example, if you wished to call Berlin, Germany you would dial the following:

011 + 49 + 30 + the phone number of the person you are trying to reach.

Please note that the number of digits in the country codes and city codes can vary depending on the area. The second way you can place an International call is by using an operator. However, using this method is usually MUCH more expensive than dialing direct. To place a call using an operator, you would use the following formula:

01 + Country Code + City Code + Telephone Number.

You can find listings of Country and City Codes in most phone books or by doing an Internet search for International Calling Codes.

Saving Money on International Calling

International long distance rates vary greatly depending on the country you are calling and the way you make the call. Dial Around Services, International Calling Plans and Calling Cards often offer much lower rates than basic long distance providers do.

Dial Around Services

Most dial arounds begin with a code such as 10-10 followed by a three-digit access code. Some others are accessed by dialing an 800 number before dialing your final destination. Using a Dial Around Service allows you to “dial around” your regular long distance carrier and use another long distance carrier that offers cheaper International rates than your normal long distance provider – without affecting your regular long distance calls not dialed with the Dial Around Access Number. Before choosing a Dial Around Service, be sure to find out:

• Are there any monthly charges?
• What are the per minute rates?
• Are the rates affected by the time of day the call is placed?
• Are there any surcharges for each call placed?
• Are there extra charges for phone calls placed to cellular telephones?

International Calling Plans

An International calling plan is a monthly plan you get via your long distance carrier with previously quoted discount International calling rates and in most cases includes a monthly fee, usually between 3 and 8 dollars a month.

Also, some long distance companies who offer International Calling Plans also require you to use them for domestic (within the U.S.) long distance as well. Be sure that you compare the savings on the International rates to domestic rates which could be higher than what you currently pay for your domestic long distance. Before choosing an International Calling Plan, be sure to find out:

• Are there any monthly charges?
• What are the per minute rates?
• Are the rates affected by the time of day the call is placed?
• Are there extra charges for calls placed to cell phones?
• Are you required to use their service for domestic long distance as well? (If so, find out the rates and compare them to your current rates.)

Calling Cards

Calling Cards come in two forms – Pre Paid and Post Paid. With a Pre Paid calling card, you pay for your telephone usage prior to making your calls. They can be purchased in many different dollar and minute increments. You make calls by dialing a toll free access number and then entering a pin number prior to placing your call. A Post Paid calling card works the same as a Pre Paid card, with the difference being that you pay for the calls after you make them by being billed, usually monthly, by the Post Paid Calling Card Provider.

Calling cards generally offer discounted rates for International calling and can be used from any phone, which makes them a convenient choice for traveling. Before choosing a calling card, be sure to check for:

• Is there a surcharge for each call placed?
• Is there a monthly fee for each month there is use of the card?
• Does the card expire within a certain amount of time?
• What are the per minute rates?
• Are there extra charges for calls placed to cell phones?
• Are the rates affected by the time of day the call is placed?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP services basically turns your Internet connection into a phone line. Some services allow you to talk over the computer with a microphone and speakers. Others turn your Internet connection into a full fledge phone line that you can hook special VoIP phones into and talk just like you would on a normal phone. Services vary from very limited to an excellent replacement for local phone service.

VoIP plans usually offer substantially discounted long distance rates to International locations because utilizing an Internet connection is much cheaper than using a landline connection. Before choosing a VoIP provider, be sure to check for:

• Is there a surcharge for each call placed?
• Is there a monthly fee to be able to access the service?
• Are there extra charges if you are calling a cellular phone?
• What are the per minute rates?
• Are the rates affected by the time of day the call you place the call?

Tips for Saving on International Calling

Shop around when choosing a Dial Around, VoIP or Calling Card Provider. Be sure to check the “fine print” for the service.

Know your calling patterns. Figure out which countries you call the most and look for a service with the best rates to those specific areas.

Decide if you need to be able to take your service with you if you travel.

Be sure to review your bill closely and to call your provider periodically to see if rates have changed.