Finding the actual cheapest way to call internationally depends on your specific situation.

Are you calling regularly or just occasionally?

Does the person you’re calling have a smartphone?

Are you looking for crystal-clear quality or just a functional conversation?

Let’s break down all your options from cheapest to most expensive, with the pros and cons of each approach. No single solution works for everyone, but I promise there’s an affordable option that fits your needs.

How Technology Changed the International Calling Game

Traditional international calling was expensive for a reason—your voice had to travel through underwater cables, satellites, and multiple carrier networks before reaching your loved one abroad. Each step in that journey added fees.

Today, digital technology has completely upended this model. When you make calls over the internet, your voice travels as data packets through much more efficient routes, bypassing many of the old expensive gateways.

But before diving into specific solutions, it’s worth understanding what factors affect international calling costs:

• The country you’re calling (some destinations are inherently more expensive)
• How you’re connecting (landline, mobile, or internet)
• How often and how long you call
• Whether both parties have smartphones or just basic phones

With these factors in mind, let’s explore your options from most affordable to most expensive.

Internet-Based Calling: The Modern Cost-Saver

If both you and your international contact have smartphones and decent internet connections, internet-based calling apps offer the most dramatic savings—often completely free for app-to-app calls.

Free App-to-App Calling

The simplest and cheapest option is using apps where both parties have the same application:

• WhatsApp: Completely free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users
• Facebook Messenger: Free calling between Facebook users
• Signal/Telegram: Secure, free calling options
• FaceTime: Free for Apple device users

The catch? Both parties need the app and an internet connection. Call quality depends entirely on your internet speed and stability.

VoIP Services for Calling Regular Phones

What if the person you’re calling doesn’t have a smartphone or reliable internet? This is where Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services come in—they let you use the internet on your end to call regular phones on their end.

• Skype: Offers low per-minute rates to call landlines and mobiles worldwide
• Google Voice: Free calls to the US and Canada, competitive rates internationally
• Viber Out: Allows calls to non-Viber users at low rates

These services typically charge a few cents per minute—much cheaper than traditional carrier rates but not free like app-to-app calls.

WiFi Calling Through Your Carrier

Many major carriers now offer WiFi calling features that let you make calls using WiFi instead of cellular networks. While domestic calls are typically free, international calls usually still incur charges—but often at reduced rates compared to standard international calling.

One thing to watch for: carrier “WiFi calling” isn’t always cheaper for international calls. Always check your specific plan details, as some carriers still charge full international rates even when calling over WiFi.

International Phone Cards

Despite all the digital innovations, international phone cards remain a surprisingly economical option for many people. They’re especially useful if you’re calling countries with limited internet infrastructure or contacting people who don’t have smartphones.

International phone cards work by giving you access to special rates through access numbers. You dial a local access number, enter your PIN, and then dial your international number. The rates are often significantly lower than standard carrier rates.

Companies like Phone Card Point in Australia have modernized this traditional approach. Their international calling cards offer competitive rates to over 200 countries, whether you’re calling landlines or mobiles. The process is straightforward—dial their local access number, enter your PIN (or use their PIN-less dialing option), and make your call. Their service works from both landlines and mobiles, with no hidden fees or connection charges that often plague other card services.

Unlike many digital options that require both parties to have smartphones, phone cards let you call any phone number worldwide. This makes them particularly valuable for staying in touch with older relatives or those in regions with limited technology access.

Phone Card Point’s service also offers practical features like credit rollover and no reactivation fees, addressing common frustrations with traditional calling cards. Plus, since the service is 100% prepaid, there’s no risk of bill shock—you know exactly what you’re spending.

Mobile Carrier International Plans

Most major mobile carriers offer international calling packages as add-ons to your regular plan. These typically come in two forms:

Monthly International Add-Ons

For regular international callers, monthly packages can provide better rates. These usually cost $5-$15 per month and give you reduced per-minute rates or a bundle of minutes to specific countries.

The advantage is convenience—you just dial normally without access numbers or apps. The disadvantage? They’re rarely the absolute cheapest option, and rates vary dramatically between carriers.

Pay-As-You-Go International Rates

If you only make occasional international calls, check your carrier’s standard international rates. While usually more expensive than other options we’ve discussed, they might be convenient enough for very infrequent use.

But be careful—standard carrier rates can be shockingly high, sometimes $1-3 per minute to certain countries!

For Travelers: Local SIM Cards and eSIMs

If you’re traveling internationally and need to make calls, getting a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting is often the most economical choice. This gives you a local number and local rates.

For newer phones supporting eSIM technology, you can now download a digital SIM for your destination before you even leave home, avoiding the hassle of finding a physical SIM card upon arrival.

How to Choose the Right Option For You

With so many choices, how do you decide? Ask yourself these questions:

• How frequently do I make international calls?
• Who am I calling and what technology do they have access to?
• Am I willing to use apps or access numbers, or do I prefer direct dialing?
• Do I need the absolute cheapest option, or is convenience worth paying a bit more?

For most people making regular international calls, a combination approach works best:

• Use free apps when calling other smartphone users
• Have a prepaid international phone card for calling landlines or when internet isn’t reliable
• Consider carrier packages only if simplicity is worth the extra cost

Cost Comparison Example

To give you a concrete example, let’s look at what a 60-minute call to India might cost through different methods:

• Traditional carrier with no plan: $60-180 ($1-3/minute)
• Carrier international package: $20-30 ($0.35-0.50/minute)
• International calling card: $3-8 ($0.05-0.13/minute)
• VoIP service to landline: $1-3 ($0.02-0.05/minute)
• App-to-app call: Free (data usage costs only)

The differences are dramatic! But remember that each option comes with different quality and convenience factors.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Whatever method you choose, be alert for these potential hidden costs:

• Data usage: Free app calls aren’t truly free if they consume your limited mobile data
• Connection fees: Some services charge per-call fees in addition to per-minute rates
• Expiration dates: Some prepaid options expire your credit if not used regularly
• Quality issues: Cheaper isn’t always better if calls drop frequently

For international phone cards specifically, watch for expiration policies. Quality providers like Phone Card Point offer credit rollover, ensuring you don’t lose what you’ve paid for.

The Bottom Line

The cheapest way to make international calls today is almost certainly different than it was even five years ago. For smartphone users with good internet connections, app-based calling has revolutionized global communication with free or nearly-free options.

For calling landlines or regions with limited technology, modernized international phone cards remain surprisingly cost-effective, offering rates that are a fraction of standard carrier charges without requiring both parties to have advanced technology.

Whatever your situation, one thing is clear—nobody should be paying traditional high rates for international calls anymore. With just a little setup, you can dramatically reduce what you spend to stay connected with people around the world.