Making International Phone Calls
Calling Codes
Every country has a set of codes that allow you to call someone in that country. Most have a National Direct Dialing (NDD) code and an International Direct Dialing (IDD) prefix. The IDD prefix is similar to the method of dialing 1 before adding the area code in the United States. The IDD codes of most countries are 00, 001 or 0011. Once you've dialed this number, you then dial the country's NDD code. Common NDD codes include 1 for the United States and 44 for the United Kingdom.
Expense
Placing international calls can be extremely expensive, especially if you don't have an international dialing plan. Check with your phone carrier to determine whether you have an international dialing plan included with your phone package. If you don't, you can typically add one, although the terms of these plans vary based on region and carrier. Many plans provide you with a set number of minutes a month, which oftentimes can only be used to dial certain countries or during certain times of the day. Remember, too, if your international dialing plan only allows you to use these minutes after 7p.m. this can be inconvenient if you're calling a country that is eight hours ahead of your time zone.
Calling Cards
Calling cards are an easy, convenient and relatively inexpensive way for travelers to call home or another country. You can buy them online from most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Pacific Bell. Once purchased, they act like a gift card. You activate them, choose a pin and insert the card or dial a special number on the card when you want to use them. Once the phone has read your card and you've entered your PIN number, you are free to dial. The price of a calling card varies based on how many minutes you buy. Once the minutes run out, you can add more minutes to the card by calling the toll free number on the back of the card or re-loading it online.
