Mastering International Calling in English

Are you feeling anxious at the thought of making an international call? Perhaps you are worried about the cost, or the complexity of dialing overseas, or you simply don’t know where to start. Fear not, this article will guide you through the process of making international calls in simple and relaxed English.

Firstly, before making an international call, it is important to check the time zone difference between your country and the destination country. This will avoid any unnecessary calls at inconvenient times. Next, decide on the method of making your call. You may choose to use a landline, mobile phone, or internet service such as Skype or WhatsApp. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you have chosen your method, it’s time to dial the number. Follow the international dialing code of the destination country, which can be found online or through your service provider. Then, input the local area code and phone number of the person you wish to call. And voila! You are connected with your international friend or family member. So, don’t let the thought of making international calls scare you. With a few simple steps, you can stay connected with your loved ones no matter where they are in the world.

10 simple steps to make international calls

International calls are an easy way to stay connected to your loved ones living abroad. But it can be confusing for some people who are not familiar with making international calls. In this article, we’ll show you ten simple steps you need to follow to make international calls.

Step 1: Check the country code

The first step in making international calls is to check the country code of the country you want to call. The country code is a unique code assigned to every country. You can easily find the country code online or by consulting your phone service provider.

Step 2: Dial the international access code

To make an international call, you need to dial the international access code. The international access code varies from country to country. In the US and Canada, the international access code is 011.

Step 3: Enter the country code

After dialing the international access code, you need to enter the country code of the country you want to call. For instance, the country code for Canada is 1, and for the UK, it’s 44.

Step 4: Dial the area code (if applicable)

If the country you are calling has area codes, you need to dial the area code along with the phone number.

Step 5: Dial the phone number

After entering the country code and area code (if applicable), you need to dial the phone number of the person you want to call.

Step 6: Add the plus sign (+) instead of the international code (optional)

Some people prefer using the plus sign (+) instead of the international access code. You can add the plus sign followed by the country code and the phone number.

Step 7: Use online calling services (optional)

There are various online calling services available that allow you to make international calls. These services offer competitive rates and might be a good option if you have a slow internet connection.

Step 8: Use calling cards (optional)

Another option to make international calls is by using calling cards. These cards are available in different denominations, and you can purchase them online or at local stores.

Step 9: Know the time difference

When making international calls, it’s essential to know the time difference between your location and the location you are calling. You don’t want to wake someone up in the middle of the night.

Step 10: Check your phone plan

Finally, it’s crucial to check your phone plan before making international calls. Some phone plans have high rates for international calls, and you might end up paying a significant amount than you had anticipated.

In conclusion, making international calls might seem tricky at first, but if you follow these ten simple steps, it should be a breeze. Remember to keep all the essential information on hand, such as the country code, international access code, and the phone number. With these steps, you’ll be able to stay connected with your loved ones living abroad without any hassle.

Section 2: International Calling Methods

Making international calls might seem like a daunting task, but there are several affordable and convenient methods available. In this section, we’ll cover the most popular ways to make international calls, including:

1. Direct Dialing

Direct dialing is the simplest way to make international calls. All you need to do is dial the international code (also known as exit code) of your country, followed by the country code of the country you’re calling, and then the phone number.

For example, if you’re in the United States and you want to call someone in the United Kingdom, you would dial 011 (the international code for the US), followed by 44 (the country code for the UK), and then the phone number.

One downside of direct dialing is that it can be expensive, especially if you’re calling from a landline. International calling rates vary depending on the country you’re calling, and they can add up quickly.

2. Calling Cards

Calling cards are a popular and convenient way to make international calls. With a calling card, you can purchase a specific amount of calling time and use it to make international calls.

Calling cards are available online or at retail stores, and they come with a unique PIN that you can use to access your calling time. Simply dial the access number, enter your PIN, and then dial the number you want to call.

One of the advantages of using a calling card is that you can use it from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones. Calling cards can also be cheaper than direct dialing, particularly for long-distance calls.

3. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet. With VoIP, you can make international calls using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

There are several popular VoIP services, including Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber, that offer free or low-cost international calls. All you need is a reliable internet connection, and you can make unlimited calls to other users of the same service.

The main advantage of using VoIP is cost-efficiency. You can make free or cheap international calls, especially if you’re calling someone who’s also using the same service. However, the quality of the call can be affected by your internet connection.

4. WhatsApp Calling

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that also offers voice and video calling features. With WhatsApp, you can make international calls to other WhatsApp users for free, as long as you have a stable internet connection.

To make a WhatsApp call, simply open the app, choose the contact you want to call, and tap on the phone icon. WhatsApp also allows you to make group calls with up to eight people.

The biggest advantage of using WhatsApp for international calls is that it’s free and easy to use. However, the quality of the call is dependent on your internet connection.

5. FaceTime

FaceTime is a video calling app exclusive to Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. With FaceTime, you can make free video calls to other FaceTime users anywhere in the world.

To make a FaceTime call, simply open the app, choose the contact you want to call, and tap on the video icon. FaceTime also allows you to make audio-only calls, which can be useful if you have a weaker internet connection.

The biggest advantage of using FaceTime is its seamless integration with Apple products. It’s also free and has excellent video and audio quality.

6. Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a messaging and video calling app that’s available on Android, iOS, and desktop platforms. With Hangouts, you can make free video calls to anyone with a Google account.

To make a Hangouts call, simply open the app, choose the contact you want to call, and tap on the video icon. Hangouts also allows you to make group video calls with up to 10 people.

The main advantage of using Hangouts is that it’s free and works across multiple devices and platforms. However, the quality of the call can be affected by your internet connection.

7. Zoom

Zoom is a popular video conferencing app that’s widely used for business and personal purposes. With Zoom, you can make high-quality video calls to anyone anywhere in the world.

To make a Zoom call, you’ll need to sign up for a free or paid account and download the app. Then, you can create a new meeting and invite other people to join. Zoom also allows you to share your screen and record the call.

The biggest advantage of using Zoom is its reliability and high-quality video and audio. However, the free version has a 40-minute time limit for group calls.

8. Google Voice

Google Voice is a free internet phone service that allows you to make calls from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. With Google Voice, you can make cheap international calls to landlines and mobile phones.

To make a call with Google Voice, you’ll need to sign up for a free account and download the app. Then, you’ll need to add credit to your account, and you can start making calls.

The main advantage of using Google Voice is its low-cost international calling rates. However, the quality of the call can be affected by your internet connection.

9. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a messaging app that also offers voice and video calling features. With Messenger, you can make free video calls to other Messenger users anywhere in the world.

To make a Messenger call, simply open the app, choose the contact you want to call, and tap on the video icon. Messenger also allows you to make group video calls with up to six people.

The biggest advantage of using Messenger is that it’s free and easy to use. However, the quality of the call is dependent on your internet connection.

10. Mobile Apps

Finally, there are several mobile apps available that allow you to make international calls. Some of the most popular apps include Rebtel, Boss Revolution, and Dingtone.

These apps offer low-cost international calling rates and can be used from any smartphone. However, you’ll need to have a reliable internet connection to make the calls.

In conclusion, there are several affordable and convenient methods available for making international calls. Whether you choose direct dialing, calling cards, VoIP, or mobile apps, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and compare different rates to ensure you get the best deal.

How to make international calls

Now that you know all the important factors to consider before making an international call, let’s dive into the ways to make an international call.

Using a calling card

A calling card is one of the most popular ways to make international calls. It’s a convenient and cheaper option if you need to make frequent international calls. You can buy a calling card online or at a local store. Once you have a calling card, follow these steps:

Using a mobile phone

If you want to make international calls using your mobile phone, you have a few options:

• Use your network provider
• Use a third-party app
• Use a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting

Before making the call, check the international call rates charged by your network provider. Third-party apps like WhatsApp and Skype are cheap or even free options for international calling. However, you’ll need a stable internet connection for these apps. Local SIM cards are helpful if you’re visiting a country for an extended period and want to avoid high roaming charges.

Using a landline

Using a landline is one of the oldest ways to make international calls. You need to dial the international access code (011 in the US), the country code, area code, and the local number. Here are the steps to make an international call from a landline:

Using VoIP

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet. You can use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to make VoIP calls. Some of the popular VoIP services are Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp. To make a VoIP call, you need a stable internet connection.

Using a phone booth

Phone booths are not as popular as they used to be, but they’re still available in some countries. You need coins or a calling card to make a call from a phone booth. The steps to make an international call from a phone booth are similar to using a landline. Dial the international access code, country code, area code, and the local number.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make international calls. You can choose the method that suits your budget, convenience, and the destination country. Consider the factors like the call quality, cost, and the time difference before making an international call.

You’re all set to make international calls!

I hope this article helped you understand the different ways to make international calls and the expenses involved. Remember to check your mobile plan and determine which option suits you best depending on your needs. Keep in mind that communication is essential, and even if you’re far away, you can still stay connected to your loved ones. Thank you for reading, and make sure to visit again for more helpful tips and tricks!