International & Cold Calling: How to Dial and Connect

International calling has been totally transformed over the past decades. Frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming calling is history now, thanks to a rapid, inexpensive, and accessible international calling system available to anyone with a telephone or internet connection. Previously, users used to rely on costly calling cards or pay-per-minute prices that were hard to manage. And now, with country codes, international networks, Voice over Internet Protocol apps, and communications software stored in the cloud, making an international call can be as easy as dialing a few extra numbers or tapping an app on your phone.

Whether you are staying in touch with relatives abroad, running an online business, or simply seeking the cheapest way to call abroad, you ought to be familiar with international calling. Continue reading to find out all that you need to know: from foreign dialing, to the best VoIP apps, saving money, and why companies nowadays cannot survive without technology solutions such as PowerDialer.ai to facilitate global communication.

What is International Calling?

International calling refers to calling from one nation to another using internationally accepted dialing codes. In contrast to local or long-distance calls made within the same country, international calls require an unusual dialing sequence involving exit codes, country codes, area codes, and local numbers.

For simplicity, here is how calls of different kinds are distinct:

Local Calls: A call to some other place in the same city or region. Like, calling the neighbor next door.

Long-Distance Calls: A call within the country but outside your local area. Like, calling between New York and Los Angeles.

International Calls: Calls between countries, requiring special dialing protocols.

The reason why there is international dialing the way it is is that every nation has its own numbering plan. So that your call reaches the appropriate person in the correct country, telecommunication systems utilize the country code and the exit code to route the call through networks across the world.

Essentially, international calling is the vehicle that provides global connectivity, whether to check up on family members across a continent or close business transactions across time zones.

How to Dial Internationally (Step by Step)

International calling may seem intimidating at first glance, but if you understand the order, it becomes second nature. Here is a step-by-step easy-to-follow guide:

Step 1 – Exit Code (IDD Prefix)

The exit code, or International Direct Dialing prefix (IDD prefix), instructs your phone system that you're placing a call overseas.

• US and Canada → 011
• UK → 00
• Australia → 0011
• India → 00

Without using the exit code, your call won't leave your country's telecommunication system.

Step 2 – Country Code

Each nation employs a unique country code. This directs your call to the appropriate country.

+44 → UK

+1 → US and Canada

+91 → India

+61 → Australia

Step 3 – Area Code

Large countries are divided into area codes of regions to forward the calls more specifically.

212 → New York

20 → London

22 → Mumbai

Step 4 – Local Number

You will then call the local telephone number of the recipient.

Example Format

Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number

Example: Calling Mumbai from the US = 011 + 91 + 22 + Local Number

Soon after you practice it a couple of times, dialing abroad is as simple as a local call.

Low-Cost Ways to Make International Calls

International calls do not necessarily have to be expensive. With current technology, there are a number of cheap ways to stay connected all over the world.

1. VoIP Services

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to dial using the internet instead of traditional phone networks. It is generally the cheapest way to call overseas as many services are free or just a fraction of carrier rates.

Some widely known programs are:

• WhatsApp
• Skype
• Google Voice
• Zoom Phone

They are WiFi or mobile data-only services, hence cheap and handy.

2. International SIM Cards

For frequent travelers, a global SIM card is a blessing. Instead of shelling out high roaming fees, you can purchase prepaid SIM cards for local numbers in the country that you are visiting. They are especially useful if you are going to stay for quite a while in one country.

3. Calling Cards

While slightly old-fashioned, calling cards remain functional for places with spotty internet connectivity. You buy credits in advance, dial an access number, and connect to international lines at discounted rates.

4. Carrier International Plans

Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and T-Mobile offer international calling add-ons or monthly plans. While convenient as they can be, they are generally more expensive than VoIP-based services.

Best VoIP Apps for International Calling

VoIP apps dominate the international calling industry today. Here's a closer examination of the most popular ones:

WhatsApp

• Free global calls via WiFi or cellular internet.
• End-to-end encryption for protection.
• Extremely popular everywhere.

Best for: 

Family and friends.

Restriction: Both parties have to use the app.

Skype

• Dependable for video and voice calls.
• Skype Credit allows calls to landlines and cell phones.
• Best for professionals.

Best for: 

Business calls and conferences.

Restriction: Quality is dependent on internet speed.

Viber

• Free Viber-to-Viber calls.
• Paid credits for landline calls available.
• Used frequently by expats.

Ideal for: 

International families.

Restriction: Less in the US.

Google Voice

• Provides a free US-based VoIP number.
• Affordable international calls.
• Voicemail and call forwarding included.

Best for: 

US travelers and remote workers.

Restriction: Limited availability outside the US.

Zoom Phone

• Binds calling with video conferencing.
• Designed for business global communication.
• Feature-rich with advanced business functions.

Best for: 

Remote teams and companies.

Restriction: Paid subscription required.

Challenges in International Calling

Even with modern equipment, overseas calls are not always perfect. A number of problems include:

Call Quality Problems: Slow internet could result in dropped calls, lag, or poor quality sound.

Unaffordable Calls Without Plans: Networks may charge $0.50–$2 per minute without plans.

Security Threats: Not every VoIP application guarantees encryption, so calls become unsafe.

Always use dependable apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or PowerDialer.ai for professional applications to ensure dependability as well as security.

Cheaper and Improved International Calls Tips

These are some easy steps to make your international calls better:

• Always access WiFi rather than using mobile data.
• Make use of VoIP apps wherever possible.
• Buy prepaid credits or plans for monthly subscriptions to disallow per-minute charges.
• Verify time zones before calling international numbers.

For companies, applications such as PowerDialer.ai can significantly cut costs while enhancing the quality of calls and productivity.

Free vs. Paid International Calling

Free Options

• Applications such as WhatsApp, Viber, Skype-to-Skype offer free calls to the whole world.
• Best for personal use but require both the receiver and the caller to be on the same platform.

Paid Options

• Services like Google Voice, Zoom Phone, RingCentral provide advanced features like call recording, voicemail transcription, and auto-attendants.
• Best for businesses and professionals who need reliability.

Why Businesses Use VoIP for International Calls

International calling is not just a cost-saving aspect for businesses. It's about being professional, scalable, and credible.

Here's why businesses like VoIP solutions:

• Professionalism: Display local caller IDs while making international calls.
• Productivity: Features like voicemail-to-text and call forwarding are time-savers.
• Scalability: Easily add or remove users as teams expand.
• Team Collaboration: Combined platforms unify voice, messaging, and video.
  

Businesses with global teams can gain significantly from leveraging PowerDialer.ai, which combines smart VoIP calling with automation, analytics, and CRM integration. It is not a cheap call. It is more intelligent business communication.

Conclusion

Global calling no longer has to be complicated and costly. Once you're familiar with the process, including exit codes, country codes, area codes, and local numbers, you can communicate worldwide with simplicity.

• For personal use, cheap applications like WhatsApp and Skype are perfect.
• For businesses, tools like Google Voice or Zoom Phone provide stability.
• For enterprises, sophisticated VoIP solutions such as PowerDialer.ai bring the ideal combination of cost reductions, productivity, and worldwide access.
• Ultimately, the objective is the same: to remain connected with those important to us, regardless of where they might be across the globe.

Don’t Let International Calling Costs Hold You Back

Switch to PowerDialer.ai and enjoy affordable, reliable VoIP calling with advanced business features. Get started today.

FAQs 

Q1. What is the process for making a call from the US internationally?

Dial 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number.

Q2. How can I make an inexpensive call abroad?

VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Skype.

Q3. Can I keep my number when I make a call abroad?

Yes. Most VoIP apps and carriers display your original number.

Q4. Why do numbers start with +?

The plus symbol replaces the IDD prefix of world dialing.

Q5. SIM or VoIP: Which is better for businesses?

VoIP. More professional alternatives like Zoom Phone or PowerDialer.ai are cheaper.