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Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon to find yourself forking out hundreds of pounds to speak to friends and family abroad. Cheap international calls used to be available only to those who could work out loop holes in the market or had access to calling cards which were often difficult to come by. Nowadays there are a whole plethora of ways in which you can get your hands on cheap international calls making sky high phone bills a thing of the past.

The rise of the internet has understandably brought with it new ways in which cheap international calls can become accessible to everyone. VOIP or voice over internet protocol is a system that allows users to plug in their phones and speak over the internet. Similar to using a regular phone, VOIP allows for a stream of audio via the net. VOIP is a great system to use and relatively cheap. That said, an account is required, as is broadband which means you can stand to save money but only if you are willing to shell out first.

Another internet based form of cheap international calls is Skype. A free service that allows you to make skype-to-skype calls, account holders can speak to each other for free and even video message as well. Skype is even available on some mobile networks meaning you can chat on the go to friends and family in foreign climes for free. The only downside to Skype is that internet access is needed – especially if mobile Skype is not available. Skype can be used to call mobile and house phones if this is not possible although this does incur a charge which is often more expensive than other means of making international calls.

Using a direct dial access code is a great way to make cheap international calls to mobiles and landlines without the need for an account or internet. Direct dial access codes work by dialling a code before the number of the person you wish to talk to. This then applies a substantial discount to the call which can be as little as 1pence or 2pence a minute, even to mobiles. Since direct dial access codes can be used on the go and don’t need an internet connection they are also more flexible than net based ways of getting cheap international calls.

Finally, calling cards are a popular way in which to make cheap international calls; the industry itself is thought to be worth some $1 billion a year. Buying a pre-loaded calling card allows you to make cheap international calls without worrying about running up steep phone bills. The cards are also portable meaning you can carry them with you at all times should you need to make an international call at the drop of a hat. The only downside to calling cards are the chances of being cut off as your budget runs out. Ensuring that your card has enough credit to comfortably last the call is the best way around this.