International phone calls need not cost an arm and a leg anymore, says Melanie Wright in The Sunday Telegraph. There are a couple of straightforward ways you can drastically reduce the cost of calling friends and relatives abroad.
Get Skype
If you have broadband internet, then get Skype. Once you've set up a microphone for your computer you can make completely free calls to anyone else who has Skype, regardless of where they are in the world. And if you both have webcams you can see each other too.
Use a pre-dial provider
This is where you use your landline but dial a code in before the telephone number in order to get a cheaper call rate. Several firms offer this service, including Abroadcall.co.uk, Telediscount.co.uk and 1pminute.co.uk. Or visit Phonecheap.co.uk and choose where you want to call from a list on the site. It will then tell you the call cost per minute and corresponding access code.
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Check package rates
If you make frequent international calls from your landline, check with your provider to see if they offer an international calling package.
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