Making an international call can be challenging for anyone traveling abroad. Relying on your mobile phone may result in high prices and roaming charges. If you’re traveling abroad and need to make an international phone call, you will find important information in this article.
International phone calls can be difficult and costly, but they are not impossible. With some preparation and know-how, you can make international calls on a budget, without the hassle of a long-distance call fee.
Before you pick up the phone, dialing an international number can seem intimidating. But as long as you know what to do, it can be easy and inexpensive. Here are some tips for making international calls when traveling:
Understand Country Codes and How They Work
Country codes are two- or three-digit identifiers that identify the country of origin for a phone call. The first two digits of a phone number identify the area code, while the final number identifies the local exchange.
Country codes are not standardized and can be made up of numbers or letters. You may find some countries use both letters and numbers in their country codes while others use only one or the other.
Some countries have multiple area codes within their borders, making it difficult to remember which code goes with which location. For example, more than 100 area codes exist in the United States alone!
Use a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
Using a VOIP service is a great option if you’re traveling from East Africa and want to call home. The most convenient and affordable way for people to make an international phone call is through voice-over-Internet protocol services. Many apps let you make international calls for free or at savings. Some work on your phone, while others work on a laptop or computer.
The advantage of using an app is that you don’t need to download anything extra and can simply install it on your phone and call Kenya directly from within the app. If you travel from Ethiopia or Uganda and want to talk to family and friends back home, here are some apps that can make that possible.
- Skype is one of the most popular apps for making free international calls to Kenya. It’s a free app, and you can use it to video chat with friends and family anywhere in the world. You can also use Skype’s call features to make voice calls to landlines and mobile phones at low rates. If you’re going to travel outside of your home country, sign up for a subscription before you leave. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll be able to make calls using Wi-Fi or data from your phone plan.
- Viber is another popular calling app that you can use for free. It has many of the same features as Skype, including voice calls, video chats, and text messaging. You can send photos, videos, and emoticons with this app too! When using Viber, there are no hidden charges or connection fees like some other apps have. Thus, it’s an excellent choice if you want to save some money while traveling!
- WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages sent through its servers. The messaging app allows users to send text messages, pictures, videos, and audio files while on the go. You can get cheap premium quality calls to Kenya using this flexible app.
- Google Duo. This video-calling app is explicitly designed for use between two people. It doesn’t offer any other features beyond simple video calls. Yet, it does have some unique features that let users see who’s calling before answering their call.
Get a SIM Card With a Local Service
If you’re going to be in one country for a while, get a SIM card with a local service. You’ll be able to use your phone as usual while enjoying premium-quality international calls.
You can usually buy these SIM cards at the airport when you arrive in a new country or from mobile phone providers like Vodafone or Orange. You’ll usually have to give them your passport number so they can register your location and ensure that their service is available where you are.
You’ll also need to be careful about which network provider offers the best service for the area where you’re staying. For instance, if you want great coverage in rural areas, get one that works on GSM and 3G networks.
Get an International Calling Plan
If you travel internationally frequently or have friends or family in other countries, getting an international calling plan from your cell phone carrier makes sense. These plans allow you to make calls at a flat rate and will often include unlimited texting and data. The plans may vary by carrier and country and can be shared between multiple people in the same household.
Some carriers offer plans with cheap international calling rates if you make more than one call within a specific period, such as two hours. Other carriers offer unlimited plans that allow you to call any number in another country as much as you want at no extra charge. Some carriers even allow free Wi-Fi calling when traveling outside the United States, so you can avoid data roaming charges when making calls on your smartphone.
Use Your Smartphone’s Wi-Fi Connection
If you’re calling from a smartphone, use its Wi-Fi connection whenever possible. In most cases, this will be free.
Suppose you don’t have Wi-Fi access or have already used your monthly data. Consider buying a local SIM card to use its data connection instead of using up your monthly data allotment. This is generally easier on a smartphone than on a primary phone. This is because most smartphones come with an unlocked SIM slot that allows you to insert any SIM card from any carrier in that country.
Get a Prepaid Card
A prepaid card is the most convenient way to make an international phone call. These cards are easy to use, widely available, and often come with affordable calling rates. You simply purchase the card at a local retailer or online and then dial a toll-free number or access code to make your calls. The provider will charge your card based on how much time you’ve used, so you can track how much money is left on the card by checking your balance online.
Conclusion
New technologies and innovative communication methods have made foreign travel a lot easier. If you ever find yourself in a foreign country and are craving home comforts, you will undoubtedly be able to connect with friends, family, and colleagues back home via video chat or phone call.
The only thing left to figure out is how exactly to get in touch! Today we’ve compiled the most valuable ways for making international calls from your phone.