What is the Best way to Save Money when making International Calls?

International rates can vary dramatically, based on the country called or the way you make the call.

Generally, long distance calls are billed by the minute. In addition to offering "basic rates," telephone companies offer a variety of other ways to pay for international calls.

Calling plans, dial-arounds, pre-paid cards, and callback services often offer rates that are much lower than a company’s basic rates. In fact, even with the monthly fees associated with most discount calling plans, the cost of using these plans may be only a fraction of the basic rates.

Unless you participate in a discount calling plan, or use a dial-around service, just picking up your phone and placing an international long distance call could be expensive. The difference between basic rates and discount calling plan rates is so great that even one relatively short call per month can be cheaper on a calling plan.