How to Avoid International Call Fees?

ORIGINAL POST

I just got back to the U.S. from a trip to SE Asia and today my bill arrived with quite a few international call charges. During my trip, I always took care to do my calls at my hotel or coffee shops where I had wi-fi.

Well, it turns out that if the wi-fi gets disconnected or disrupted during your call, it bumps you to the cellular network instead of ending the call. I found out from support that the way to avoid this is to turn on airplane mode, but then turn on wi-fi while in airplane mode. That way if wi-fi drops, there is no cell network to fall back on. I wasn't aware of this feature but confirmed it does work on android (I have a Pixel 6).

6 replies

amichi1 · 2 years ago

Doesn't work for me on 2 phones, always says turn on cellular to make a call in Thailand and Japan. I just use Google Voice now.

3 upvotes on reddit

DreamWithinAMatrix · 2 years ago

Whoa that's really cool, were you calling international numbers?

2 upvotes on reddit

Nephihahahaha · OP · 2 years ago

All U.S.-based numbers, which I suppose became international once I was abroad.

1 upvotes on reddit

rdbpdx · 2 years ago

I just call using the web interface on messages.google.com/web

Easy peasy

8 upvotes on reddit

seajiro · 2 years ago

Use the data only sim when you don’t want your cellular to work, but still have internet.

8 upvotes on reddit

stevenmbe · 2 years ago

I found out from support that the way to avoid this is to turn on airplane mode, but then turn on wi-fi while in airplane mode.

Yes this has always worked without fail. Never had international call charges as a result.

6 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/digitalnomad • [2]

Summarize

How to ensure clients aren't charged for international calls to my work number?

Posted by uydutx · in r/digitalnomad · 4 years ago

EDIT: Question answered! Thank you to everyone who replied. I appreciate you taking the time ☺️

Hi all,

I need some tips, tricks and guidance. Our company (situated in the EU) has recently introduced a "workcation" policy. Employees are allowed to work remotely from wherever, given work hours are follwowed and quality/quantity of work isn't effected.

I have a colleague who is currently sailing across the Danish sea (our daily meetings are made via video call and lord, am I envious but also so happy for them) and another who is currently finalizing plans to work from Bali.

My problem is: I work in our customer care department. In a EU country. But I want to work remotely from the US for a couple of weeks in the fall (finally see friends and family again after a loonng time). Ultimately, I'd like to work from wherever for at least 3 months a year.

What software or other solutions exist to ensure that even as I am outside of the EU, my clients aren't charged when they call my regular EU work number? I am struggling to find solutions and I am getting overwhelmed by searching all over the internet. If I can overcome this hurdle, I can finally also realize my own "workcation plans" and don't have to continue watching my colleagues living a better (work) life. :'(

How do you, or your colleagues, overcome this problem at your work?

Thanks for your help and inputs!

3 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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https://landinglastminute.com/calling-someone-roaming/

12 replies

SVAuspicious · 4 years ago

I think something is missing here. Your company number goes through the company PBX, yes? So all you need to do is forward that number in the company PBX to a VOIP solution like Whatsapp. Stop talking to managers and talk to the phone guy in IT.

5 upvotes on reddit

uydutx · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you for your reply!

Our company doesn’t have a phone IT guy and we use mobile phone numbers. As far as I know all mobile work phones each have individual contracts. The IT guy we do have has no knowledge and expertise in this type of stuff, sadly. We’re a rather small company (less than 30 employees). We don’t have a PBX.

The new “workcation policy” was introduced with a “as long as you can figure this out yourself and make sure nothing changes for your clients and there’s no extra costs for us, you can make use of this policy”.

All other departments don’t have the restrictions of having to work around the work mobile phone number issue so my colleagues from other departments have been able to make use of the new policy already. The coworker going to Bali doesn’t have to make phone calls and just goes Google Meets or Zoom meetings. The coworker off sailing at the moment is covered by our EU phone plans.

It’s just me having to figure out an “outside of EU phone solution”.. �� So basically, there’s no one in the company to talk to. I need to figure out the logistics of the solution and then present it.

I’m starting to realize that because of my ongoing confusion and general lack of in-depth knowledge, I might have even come on here asking the wrong question! Based on another comment, I need to look into VoIP solutions to figure out the me calling clients part instead of the clients calling me part.

2 upvotes on reddit

SVAuspicious · 4 years ago

>Our company doesn’t have a phone IT guy and we use mobile phone numbers. As far as I know all mobile work phones each have individual contracts. The IT guy we do have has no knowledge and expertise in this type of stuff, sadly. We’re a rather small company (less than 30 employees). We don’t have a PBX.

I'm in the US but have done business in the EU. Here in the US my wife's company has two employees and two contractors. We've saved a lot of money with a corporate account. My experience in the EU is that the savings available are greater. We run a virtual number with a virtual attendant. Direct dial to everyone available. A fax number. Fail over, queues, group calls (not conferences - all the phones ring at once and first pick up gets the call).

I am my wife's "IT guy." I have my own business to run. Getting a grip on VOIP shouldn't take more than a couple of hours for a decent IT guy. Setting up the phone system for my wife's company took about two hours for everyone, including training and the fax.

Looks like an opportunity for a benesug, but your company doesn't sound like it does that.

5 upvotes on reddit

confuzzledfather · 4 years ago

I thought it was usually the case that calling someone who is roaming doesnt cost the caller anything extra.

5 upvotes on reddit

uydutx · OP · 4 years ago

Thanks for your reply!

This is something I had previously brought up as well but my team leader told me that’s not always the case so I need to present a solution that specifically eliminates that issue.

Sadly, I’m no expert and while traveling and even living abroad before, I had always just used “services” like WhatsApp, LINE, Skype calling, etc. to talk to friends and family “back home”. I have ZERO experience with this so I get thrown off easily by counter arguments cause I just don’t know the “mechanics” well enough..

But thanks to your reply, I will make a call to our current phone provider and ask in detail and maybe even get it in writing to show my team leader. Thank you!

2 upvotes on reddit

KayTheMadScientist · 4 years ago

Traveling internationally does not charge the person calling you. If you had a US phone number while in the US then that could pose and issue but your number is still local to your customers. I highly recommend researching this so you can confidently communicate it to your boss/team. You already have the solution.

5 upvotes on reddit

Zoomer5475 · 4 years ago

I was a DM in SE Asia for a year and ported my number to Google Voice. Then I had it forwarded to a local number which I changed with each country (each new SIM). Was a bit sloppy for me (GVoice is not that great) but customers were non the wiser and it allowed me to keep my business number of 10+ years intact in the states.

Hopefully this helps you or others that find this thread. Good luck!

4 upvotes on reddit

uydutx · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you for your reply! What about Google Voice was sloppy in your experience? Would you be willing to share some details? I’ve been considering it as one of the providers to contact next week. Would you recommend I go with a different VoIP provider?

3 upvotes on reddit

Zoomer5475 · 4 years ago

At times I used Skype and at times I used local #. So I had a skype #, a GVoice # and a local number. I actually still have the GVoice # which is my main business line. (Hoping to get back out post Covid for LT Digital Nomad). I find the GVoice interface limited and in my experience the transfer of calls is not always seamless. This might be due to an iPhone issue, local carrier, not sure. Same with group texts and contacts integration. Probably all user side errors TBH. But that was a set up that worked for me throughout. Also - I learned this the hard way - be sure to check your GVoice VM often. I didn't realize that sometimes it would go to VM and not my phone's local carrier's VM. If you're stateside now be sure to get a GSM based phone (so stay away from Sprint).

3 upvotes on reddit

SpeedyCafe · 4 years ago

Does your SIM supports call forwarding? It probably does. Just forward the call to your new number.

Alternatively rent an EU number from twilio and forward calls from it to your new number.

3 upvotes on reddit

uydutx · OP · 4 years ago

Thank you for your reply! Outbound calls need to show up as my “old” number (regular work number) though so unfortunately that’s not an option.

2 upvotes on reddit

uydutx · OP · 4 years ago

I’m sorry, that seems like a horrible experience! Thank you for posting about your experience in such detail. I will definitely stay away from them! From what I read, your preferred outcome would be to switch over to Google Voice. It’s a service another commenter also mentioned/recommended. From what you know, is that the service you’d be going for now if you had to make the decision again today?

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/Googlevoice • [3]

Summarize

International travel question

Posted by Amazing-Okra9489 · in r/Googlevoice · 3 months ago

I'm trying to figure out if it might be beneficial to use my Google Voice number instead of my regular phone number when I travel and talk to ppl back home in the states. My current cell phone company wants me to obtain an international package. I know when I'm connected to Wi-Fi it's free, but for the times that I'm not connected to Wi-Fi would it be beneficial for me to use my Google Voice number?

2 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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8 replies

Amazing-Okra9489 · OP · 3 months ago

I typed my question into Perplexity, and this is what AI had to say about it. Thought you all might find it interesting since it scans multiple areas all over the internet.

Google Voice lets you make international calls at much lower rates than most carriers, but only if you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data—not your carrier’s voice network26.

If you use Google Voice over Wi-Fi or data, you pay Google’s low per-minute rates for international calls. T-Mobile shouldn’t charge you extra, because the call goes over the internet, not their network24.

If you use Google Voice but your phone is set to use your carrier’s network (cellular), T-Mobile may charge you international rates in addition to any Google Voice charges34. This often happens if you don’t have Wi-Fi or your app settings aren’t correct.

You do NOT need to buy an international plan from an overseas provider just to use Google Voice. The whole point is to use your US Google Voice number over Wi-Fi/data anywhere in the world, avoiding T-Mobile’s roaming or international calling fees56.

To avoid T-Mobile charges when using Google Voice:

Make sure you’re calling through the Google Voice app and set it to “prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data” in the settings4.

Turn off cellular service or put your phone in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on, so calls can’t accidentally use T-Mobile’s network4.

Summary: Use Google Voice over Wi-Fi/data to save money on international calls. Don’t use your T-Mobile international plan unless you need to make regular calls/texts on your T-Mobile number while abroad. You don’t need to buy a plan from an overseas carrier just to use Google Voice256

1 upvotes on reddit

ekek280 · 3 months ago

If your phone is unlocked, get a data only eSIM and buy a data package. It's much cheaper than AT&T 's International Day Pass or Verizon's Travel Pass. You can then use Google Voice to make and receive calls with your GV number. Make sure you disable your US carrier's SIM before going abroad so you don't incur roaming charges. This also means that you will lose the ability to receive calls and SMS on your US number until you re-enable that SIM.

1 upvotes on reddit

gadgetvirtuoso · 3 months ago

This and setup unconditional call forwarding from your US cell number to your Google Voice number. Any calls will be free and no one needs to change anything.

If you have T-Mobile you don’t even need to disable it for some data and all your text on most plans. Still recommend buying a local prepaid plan. Plans overseas are usually very cheap. airlo and other travel sim services are kind of a rip off but convenient.

2 upvotes on reddit

TomGoesToRedmond · 3 months ago

For times you're not connected to Wifi, you're going to need some kind of a data plan, whether that's through your normal US provider via roaming or through a third party travel data provider. Regardless, Google Voice offers the advantage of having all of your voice and SMS traffic route over data, which simplifies things greatly and is generally way cheaper.

The simplest option is definitely to just pay your US provider for roaming. Generally this just works. It also usually costs a lot more.

The alternative would be to turn off/remove your US provider SIM while traveling and instead use an international data eSIM provider like Airalo, Ubigi, etc. There's a listing of services available at esimdb.com. If you combine this with a Google Voice number, and set Google Voice to route all traffic over data/wifi in the Google Voice settings, you're going to pay a lot less, at the cost of complicating things a bit for the initial setup.

Edit: apologies, it's esimdb.com and not esimdb.net. I corrected it above.

3 upvotes on reddit

Amazing-Okra9489 · OP · 3 months ago

Thank you that really explains things. I know my provider has an international package so I'm going to compare that to one of these other international eSims I'm trying to find out what's best. I also know that my provider has started signed up with starlink so I'm wondering, because they advertise that anywhere you can see the sky you can make calls, maybe this is cheaper.

1 upvotes on reddit

TomGoesToRedmond · 3 months ago

> I also know that my provider has started signed up with starlink so I'm wondering, because they advertise that anywhere you can see the sky you can make calls, maybe this is cheaper.

This is interesting. I was aware that providers are starting to roll out Starlink connectivity but I never thought about the prospect of using it for international data. I kind of assumed it's region-limited, but maybe it isn't? If you could report back what you find on this, that'd be good to know.

2 upvotes on reddit

Amazing-Okra9489 · OP · 3 months ago

I let in my question into perplexity and this is what AI had to say.

Google Voice lets you make international calls at much lower rates than most carriers, but only if you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data—not your carrier’s voice network.

If you use Google Voice but your phone is set to use your carrier’s network (cellular), T-Mobile may charge you international rates in addition to any Google Voice charges. This often happens if you don’t have Wi-Fi or your app settings aren’t correct.

To avoid T-Mobile charges when using Google Voice:

Make sure you’re calling through the Google Voice app and set it to “prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data” in the settings.

Turn off cellular service or put your phone in airplane mode with Wi-Fi on, so calls can’t accidentally use T-Mobile’s network.

1 upvotes on reddit

dingo__baby · 3 months ago

Why do you keep repeating yourself?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 8 replies

r/NoStupidQuestions • [4]

Summarize

Why aren't calls to overseas call-centres counted as international calls?

Posted by paradeoxy1 · in r/NoStupidQuestions · 4 months ago

If it's more expensive to call overseas, can you really just get around it by directing customers there from a local number? Does this cost the company you're calling initially?

1 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

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4 replies

kitsnet · 4 months ago

The main reason why it's more expensive to call overseas is because phone companies feel that they can charge more for that. Once the call is terminated at a local number and then forwarded overseas over Internet, they have no control over pricing.

2 upvotes on reddit

PokemonThanos · 4 months ago

It costs to use telephone lines across different networks. When it comes to call centres though once you're dialled through you're generally connected via Voice over IP or VoIP. The call itself is only going as far as the telephony network in your country for the call centre company and is then being sent via the internet across the company network, if needed it's then routed internationally via the internet so no need to use the telephony network in the other countries inbetween. On the other side the person answering has a phone system (can be physical or a program on their computer) that allows them to communicate back.

It's like you're phoning your discord server then connecting to a channel with people around the world.

4 upvotes on reddit

WorldTallestEngineer · 4 months ago

Overseas phone calls aren't expensive anymore. They used to be really expensive but the internet made it much much cheaper.

1 upvotes on reddit

tmahfan117 · 4 months ago

Yes, the company you are calling takes on the cost for that overseas communication.

They just save more money, by paying those call center workers less, than they spend on the overseas calls

3 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/NoStupidQuestions • [5]

Summarize

Why do phone service providers charge extra for international calls when there are apps that can do it for free?

Posted by KB_Shaw03 · in r/NoStupidQuestions · 8 months ago

4 upvotes on reddit

1 replies

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1 replies

ForestWhisperer11 · 8 months ago

Legacy systems, profit driven pricing

2 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/Telecommunication • [6]

Summarize

What’s the real reason international calls are so expensive?

Posted by telephonyx · in r/Telecommunication · 3 months ago

[deleted]

1 upvotes on reddit

1 replies

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1 replies

BobLeClodo · 3 months ago

The problem is that a standard phone call will book an end-to-end connection as a circuit switch connection, meaning that radio and network resources are reserved for your call.

Compared to VOIP with more common data packet transfer, that operate as any application (client -> server -> client) over the Internet.

Also, roaming is one of most lucrative business for operators.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 1 replies

r/ProjectFi • [7]

Summarize

PSA: Use airplane mode for International Calls over Wi-fi to avoid extra charges

Posted by [deleted] · in r/ProjectFi · 7 years ago

I recently received my bill for September and I noticed I had about $30 of charges for international calls (Europe to US) on a recent trip. This was suprising to me because I was under the impression that most international calls (at least back to the US) done over Wi-Fi were free. I even double checked that the countries I was in didn't charge for Wi-Fi calling.

Upon further research and a call to Fi support, I was informed that Fi will sometimes automatically switch to the cellular network if it detects the network has higher quality than the Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, there is no way to disable this setting nor is it obvious when your phone decides to switch. The only way you can ensure it sticks to Wi-Fi only is to go to airplane mode, which is mildly annoying.

I mean, I appreciate that that there is an option to switch to cellular even if you get charged for it, but it would be nice to disable it. I've used Fi internationally for several years and never had anything like this so I'm not sure if this is a new feature or if I just had chronically crappy Wi-Fi. The good news is Fi support did end up reimbursing me most of those changes because I didn't realize I was being charged. So definitely super pleased with the service overall, just figured I would share my experience.

86 upvotes on reddit

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12 replies

axnjackson11 · 7 years ago

In my experience, dialing using the Hangouts Dialer instead of the actual Phone app will force it to stay on data and not use the regular cell network.

32 upvotes on reddit

itsallliesfromhereup · 7 years ago

This does not solve the issue for INCOMING calls. I end up getting charged up the ass Everytime I go to Canada even though our office there has excellent wifi.

3 upvotes on reddit

thesper · 7 years ago

This works 100% for outgoing calls, but I haven't found a way to use Hangouts Dialer for incoming calls as it always goes to the Phone app. I am not able to change the default application as Hangouts dialer doesn't appear in the list.

Any suggestions besides Airplane Mode?

11 upvotes on reddit

itsallliesfromhereup · 7 years ago

How the hell do you receive calls in airplane mode?

3 upvotes on reddit

ObiYawn · 7 years ago

^ This is precisely what I do and recommend when traveling to other countries

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 7 years ago

My phone almost never uses WiFi to make calls. I've been able to force it to, but if I'm connected to a cellular network and wifi, probably >95% of the time it will use the cell network. Even at home with a strong wifi and average cell signal.

7 upvotes on reddit

offby1 · 7 years ago

How can you tell if it's using WiFi?

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 7 years ago

When I dial a number on a cell network, my phone just says "Calling..." right above the number. A WiFi call has the wifi symbol before "Calling..."

I think before Pie it would say something like "Connected via (WiFi network name)"

5 upvotes on reddit

careago_ · 7 years ago

You also have to go into the hangouts app to manually allow ringing.

I also use it with dual sim (pixel 2) and previously just with another sim on an activated fi phone (and non fi too.)

Still, somehow am paying $40+/month for service.

5 upvotes on reddit

itsallliesfromhereup · 7 years ago

...and it doesn't respect any ring tone or sound setting you've setup for the normal dialer. Hashtag:. #Totalmess

1 upvotes on reddit

Cptn_Slow · 7 years ago

Did the same thing, it was an unwelcome $20 dollar lesson.

6 upvotes on reddit

bandwidthcrisis · 7 years ago

This is where Fi's usually simple pricing starts to get messy.

I can tell people that while in the US, calls are no extra cost, calling internationally is of the order of cents per minute. Basically, don't worry about making calls.

But when abroad, suddenly you're risking 20c/minute, but WiFi is cheaper, but it won't use wifi if there's a cell signal, but if there's no wifi user a different dialer to use data for a call, which is probably cheaper for most countries...

10 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/tmobile • [8]

Summarize

International call charge

Posted by flydubai0 · in r/tmobile · 11 days ago

I was booking tickets over the phone with an international airline and didn’t realize the number wasn’t toll free, got a charge of $190 for a 37 min call!!!! Is there any way to dispute this or negotiate with them. Stupid mistake on my part I know…….

i.redd.it

1 upvotes on reddit

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12 replies

Wreckedn00b · 11 days ago

Call in request for stateside to be backdated, if they can do that then it would need $34 ($15 for stateside and $19 for the call) instead of $190, remove the feature the following month to avoid stateside charging it’s $15 recurring rate

22 upvotes on reddit

Acceptable-Football5 · 11 days ago

I have had success with getting credited for accidentally dialing international number directly. That was once for under $10.

We now have account level Stateside calling when they brought it sometime last year for $20.

0 upvotes on reddit

Realistic-Back8308 · 11 days ago

This right here!

-2 upvotes on reddit

Orangatans · 11 days ago

Yup i removed it from all my lines so no accidental charges. Its sometimes hard to tell when you get an international call if your just in the moment. Also sending international calls is tricky because you could think you are on whatsapp but your not (atleast someone on my plan did that)

-2 upvotes on reddit

nobody65535 · 11 days ago

What's there to dispute? You made the call.

10 upvotes on reddit

2mariolos · 11 days ago

Out of knowledge based? Unfair to cast the blame when ignorance plays a part in this one no?

-16 upvotes on reddit

RandomOptionTrader · 11 days ago

Not knowing the law does not exempt you from breaking it.

That said, it is pretty common knowledge international calls are expensive and often not included in plans.

2 upvotes on reddit

2mariolos · 11 days ago

So, by your logic, if I call an 800 number and there's no clear warning that it's an international number, I'm supposed to just eat the charge? My apologies, I must have missed the memo that we're all expected to have a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute database of every single 800 number in the world and its corresponding international status. The dispute isn't that the OP made the call; the dispute is the lack of transparency or warning about the cost.

-1 upvotes on reddit

Academic_Dare_5154 · 11 days ago

If you didn't know jumping off of a cliff would hurt you, you did and got hurt, who's fault is it?

1 upvotes on reddit

crazyplant_lady · 11 days ago

Try dialanyone. Com the next time. It doesn't charge anything for toll free numbers

-11 upvotes on reddit

Available-Agency7073 · 11 days ago

First thing I'm doing is looking at the number they called, if its international, wouldn't the standard 011 exit code and then a country code be needed? Cuz, I'm not refunding $190, no way. Most I'd give is little over $50. "but it's $190", Yeah, but I'm gonna have to get off line support approval for that amount and if I ask for approval, any amount is gonna get shot down. I explain this all the time "well could you at least try?" Okay sure... yup, like I said, they've denied any amount to be given. The next thing that is gonna happen is the customer is gonna get mad, even after I warned them, call us a scam and then disconnect the call. Then the next thing I'm gonna do is go on follow up, make notes in account about what occurred so when the callers call back in the next minute the support won't have to waste their time and breathe. They're of the position that the burden is on you to understand your plan and to know where you're calling and to know if it's toll free. Unfortunate that this person wasn't aware or took the time to make to make sure they wouldn't be charged, but again I'd need to see the number. Few people do the actual homework, understand their plan and what's covered. The question is, how did this person not know they were not calling an international number, and how did they not realize the number wasn't toll free. But a total of $190 credited back doesn't seem like a realistic expectation. Lucky if you get half that back. Sorry. But that backdating suggested by another commenter here would work.

1 upvotes on reddit

The_best_1234 · 11 days ago

They will give a refund but you have to talk on the phone for hours.

-3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/VirtualComms • [9]

Summarize

The best VOIP services for international calling (my deep dive look)

Posted by Informal_Weekend_801 · in r/VirtualComms · 5 months ago

If, like me, you're old enough to have used regular phones to make international calls you'll probably also remember getting hit by a phone bill roughly equivalent to the GDP of an industrialised nation.

As a digital nomad with clients dotted around the world, I've become all-too familiar with saving a few shekels by using VOIP services for placing international calls.

I'd like to act as your concierge as I take you on a tour of the very best options available.

RingCentral:

OK, so this isn't the cheapest option available - but you get what you pay for.

Users can enable international calls from the admin panel. You can then place calls at RingCentral's rates e.g. calls to landlines in Germany are $0.039 per minute.

RingCentral also supports incoming calls from international numbers and you can even add international numbers (even toll-free ones) for foreign customers to dial.

The admin dashboard can be configured only to allow certain users to make international calls. There are also some countries RingCentral will block by default like the Philippines for safety reasons.

This makes RingCentral good for multinational corporations with cash to spare, as you also get a ton of extra features like video conferencing. I've also always found call quality with RingCentral to be crystal clear.

8x8:

Like RingCentral, 8x8 offers metered international calling. The exact coverage depends on your subscription and telephony setup. 8x8 has PSTN services in over 55 countries but virtual coverage in over a hundred. The site has a nifty feature where you can build your own 'rate card' depending on where you want to call.

For instance, calls to China cost around $0.05 per minute, though you can get unmetered calling for some plans. The platform also supports toll-free inbound numbers for international customers, though you'll need to speak to 8x8's sales team for an exact quote.

Talkroute:

This business phone service is an old favorite, though its international calling options are limited. It only supports outbound calls to US & Canada. You can't forward calls to international numbers, plus if you have a toll-free number and someone tries to dial it from abroad it won't connect.

That's the bad news. The good news is that Talkroute works over good old-fashioned PSTN telephone lines. This makes for very reliable call quality and coverage - even when the Internet's patchy.

If you have a regular US number, you can still receive international calls via the platform. And as Talkroute points out, since you can use the service with your regular telephone equipment, you can still place international calls via your local telecoms company.

Google Voice:

For those of you looking to save some pennies (I don't blame you, we've all been there!) Voice can be a great budget solution.

You can bag yourself a US VOIP number free of charge on some plans, plus calls to the US & Canada are free.

If you're using Voice and try to call an international number you'll hear an announcement that the call's being routed through the platform and how much it'll cost.

Google makes it easy to work out their rates and these can be very reasonable. Calling a German landline, for example, is just one cent per minute. (RingCentral costs almost four times as much.)

As much as I admire Google Voice's international bona fides, its other business VOIP features are limited. For example, it doesn't integrate at all well with non-Google apps like CRM software.

My two cents...

I've tried so many different VOIP services, sometimes I feel like a kid in a candy store as there are so many offerings.

Still, I'd say if you're business making tons of international calls or are seeking global domination, then go for RingCentral or 8x8.

If you're on a budget, Google Voice's rates are tough to beat. If you mostly receive international calls, then Talkroute's a solid pick.

So, my fellow global communicators: what's been your experience with international VOIP calling? Are there any hidden gems I've missed? If so, please share your experiences in the comments!

2 upvotes on reddit

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2 replies

Pandalicious_21 · 5 months ago

Solid recommendations dude! I think even JustCall is at par with some of the solutions you've mentioned in your list. They offer international numbers, free dialing minutes every month, caller ID management, help with 10DLC registration, and other important features like call logging, call recording, IVR setup, etc.

People I know who use it say even their AI suite is a bang for the buck, and their dialers are great for executing high-volume outbound campaigns. (This features are of course a part of their higher plans)

I thought I'd put it out here for other people who might have similar requirements.

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1 upvotes on reddit

Mattie_Kadlec · 3 months ago

If international calling is your priority, look for providers with flat-rate packages to avoid surprise bills. I've been using net2phone for our business that regularly calls clients in Europe and Asia. Their plans include unlimited calling to 40+ countries and they offer local virtual numbers in over 50 countries, which has been great for establishing regional presence. The call quality has been consistently clear even on international calls. You can check their international coverage at https://www.net2phone.com to see if your frequent destinations are included.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/tmobile • [10]

Summarize

How can I avoid incoming call costs but still use free text/data roaming while abroad?

Posted by kharma99 · in r/tmobile · 3 years ago

Traveling to Europe and wondering how to accomplish this. Looks like T-Mobile still charges for calls I don’t pick up..

Can I use the “Call Forwarding” functionality on my iPhone and send directly to VM or even better, a Google Voice #? Going to assume, no, because the call forwarding is done by the device and a connection was already established

05 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

5 replies

drnewcomb · 3 years ago

I generally set unconditional forwarding to voicemail. People who I need to talk with know to text or e-mail if they want to reach me. Besides, do you really want someone ringing your phone at 3 AM believing they are calling at 8 PM?

I've been told that T-Mobile no longer charges for unanswered calls that roll over to voicemail and I've been told different by people who claim to have been charged. I prefer to play it safe.

You can use VoIP (Skype, FaceTime, Viber, etc) to make voice calls. Use Visual Voicemail to check messages (uses data not minutes). Make calls home on WiFi. Calls on WiFi are priced as if you were in the USA. Use airplane mode to make sure you're using WiFi.

2 upvotes on reddit

dwc1 · 3 years ago

Just use call forwarding to Google Voice

1 upvotes on reddit

ThaiEdition · 3 years ago

Set your phone unconditional forward call to Google Voice number before leaving US.

You can call them back with Google Voice app. not native phone dial for FREE by piggyback T-mobile free data roaming or have them call you Google Voice number instead. +(country code)(area code)(Google number)

If you want to call international number just add some credit to your Google Voice app.

2 upvotes on reddit

kharma99 · OP · 3 years ago

Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

drnewcomb · 3 years ago

If you use Google Voice, you have to divorce GV from your mobile number. By default GV will attempt to forward incoming calls to your mobile phone number. GV is pretty persistent about your needing to associate the two. You have to be just as persistent that you don't want to.

1 upvotes on reddit

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