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How to make international calls: Handy tips
Discover the art of making international calls without any extra charges or nasty surprises on your bill. Get ready to dial up with no boundaries!
July 26, 2023
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Break those geographical barriers and stay connected with your loved ones all over the world! Today, we’ll spill the beans on making international calls like a pro—easy and super cheap. Whether you’re planning an epic adventure, relocating to another country, or just want to keep in touch with friends and family abroad, we’ll tell you all the details and more.
Learn how to make international calls without paying big bucks for those crazy high rates. We’ll break down your options, from roaming and prepaid SIM cards to trendy eSIMs with phone numbers.
What are international calls?
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay in touch with your loved ones or work colleagues across the globe, you’re in for a treat! Here, we’ll tell you all about international calls.
International calls involve making telephone calls between two different countries. Unlike local or domestic calls, these special calls cross borders and are set up using international telecommunications networks.
Important to realize that international calls usually come with a price tag, unlike our regular local calls. The rates vary depending on your phone service provider and the country you’re dialing. So, check out those international rates, and compare before you hit that call button.
How to make international calls in Europe
When it comes to making international calls, you’ve got a bunch of options on the table! Besides the regular phone lines, there are voice-over IP (VoIP) services that rely on the internet to make calls. Moreover, you can use mobile apps and online services to make those international calls over data connections, and guess what? It can save you some cash!
If you’re planning to make international calls in Europe, you’ll need an unlocked cellphone that is compatible with the frequency bands used there. In case your phone isn’t unlocked; your best bet is to make use of the international roaming services offered by your cellphone provider.
A handy tip: Familiarize yourself with those international dialing codes. When you’re calling from Europe to another country, you must punch in the international exit code, followed by the country code of the place you’re calling, and then the recipient’s phone number.
Calling in Europe with mobile apps
In Europe, making international calls has never been easier! You’ve got an outstanding option to use a voice-over-internet app. Nowadays, we find a bunch of cool apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and FaceTime, all ready to help you connect with your peeps across the globe using your internet connection – whether it’s through WiFi or mobile data.
Plus, these apps usually offer way cheaper rates compared to traditional telephone services.
International calls with roaming service
This fantastic feature lets you use your cellphone with networks in other countries, making it a breeze to make and receive international calls without the need to buy a local SIM card or rely on voice-over-internet apps. It’s the perfect choice for those who love the comfort of using their phone number and sticking with their trusted device.
But, before you dive into the roaming world, take a quick scan of your wireless plan’s coverage in the countries you’re planning to visit. Some plans offer international coverage without any extra cost, while others might need a subscription or a small daily fee to get roaming up and running.
How does international roaming work?
Once you switch on that roaming service, your cellphone provider makes contract agreements with foreign network operators. This great collaboration allows your phone to make and receive calls, send text messages, and use cellular data like a pro.
But, roaming service might come with some extra costs. Your cellphone provider will hit you with those international rates for using this service abroad. Indeed, they’re usually a bit pricier than domestic rates. So, before you go on your adventure, be smart and check out those roaming rates your provider has in store.
To make international calls using roaming services, it’s super easy – just dial the destination’s phone number, remembering to punch in those country codes.
How to make calls within Europe – Area Codes
Making calls in Europe or within Europe is a piece of cake! Just follow these simple steps: dial the international exit code (“00”), then the country code, add the area code, and finally, the phone number.
For instance, if you want to call a number in Italy, it’s as easy as dialing “00” (the international exit code), followed by the country code “+34,” the area code “06” for Rome, and then the phone number.
Here are the country codes where you can snag unlimited data and calling packages for Europe from Holafly:
- Spain: +34
- Italy: +39
- France: +33
- Germany: +49
- Greece: +30
- Portugal: +351
- The Netherlands: +31
- Austria: +43
- Sweden: +46
- Ireland: +353
- Poland: +48
Just a friendly heads-up from us! Before you hit that call button, make sure to look up the area code for the city you want to dial. It’s important to know those codes so you can get an idea of what they are like.
>Learn how to make phone calls while traveling to Spain with an eSIM<
Alternatives to roaming to make calls in Europe
Planning to travel in Europe and want to make international calls without the roaming worries and high costs? Some clever alternatives keep you connected without overstretching your budget. Check out these options for making calls in Europe and beyond, all without relying on roaming.
Holafly’s eSIM, the ultimate alternative in Europe
This new product is all about innovation and technology, and the best part is that it’s way cheaper than roaming. Holafly’s eSIM is like a virtual SIM card, packing unlimited data and allowing you to make and receive calls in various European destinations like Europe, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, The Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Ireland, and Poland all at no extra cost.
With this magical eSIM, you’ll get 60 minutes to call and another 60 minutes to receive calls from anywhere in the world. Plus, you’ll even get your very own Austrian phone number (+43), which won’t replace your local number.
Getting your hands on the eSIM is easy-peasy! Just head to Holafly’s website, pick one of the destinations listed above, choose the eSIM duration that matches your trip, and add it to your shopping cart. Once you make the purchase, the eSIM will be sent straight to your email. To activate it, simply scan a QR code. Smooth!
Prepaid SIM cards for calling
One of the most popular choices when traveling abroad is to buy a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting. This allows you to snag a local number and enjoy cheaper rates for calls and mobile data.
Prepaid SIM cards are usually available in cell phone stores and supermarkets. But to use them, your phone must be unlocked, and you’ll need to swap your current SIM card with the new one.
Now, the drawback of the local SIM is that you won’t have any connection until you get your hands on the new SIM card. Plus, in some cases, certain mobile operators might not offer SIM card services to foreigners.
WiFi calls
If you want to make calls using WiFi, you’ll need to find a spot with a connection where you are. But your calling ability relies on finding a suitable WiFi spot. So, if you can’t find one, you’ll be out of luck.
Also, keep in mind that if you choose this route, your calls will go through apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, or other instant messaging apps.
Before you fully commit to this option, we recommend doing a bit of research on internet safety tips for traveling abroad.
International phone cards
International phone cards are slowly fading away from the market due to the decreasing use of public or fixed telephones. So, before you travel, it’s a good idea to check if this option is still available for tourists in your destination country.
If that’s the case, you can grab these cards from souvenir kiosks, gas stations, or convenience stores.
FAQs about making international calls
The cheapest option is to use mobile instant messaging apps, but you’ll need a web or data connection in the country you’re in. The best and most cost-effective choice, though, is to go with a Holafly eSIM. With eSIM, you can make calls without any extra charges.
Absolutely! But before you buy it, make sure your cellphone is compatible with this technology.
You’ve got a few options: roaming service, Holafly eSIMs, and WiFi hotspots in the country you’re visiting.
Yes! The Holafly eSIM works like a charm for calls in Italy. If you want more details, check out our dedicated edition.
There are several apps designed for this purpose. Before you embark on your journey to Europe, make sure to explore the best apps to have internet in Europe.
