The Ultimate Guide to
Cheap International Calls
Traditional carriers charge up to $3.00/minute for international calls. Learn how modern VoIP technology can cut your phone bill by 90% while improving call quality.
Why Are International Calls So Expensive?
Traditional telecom carriers rely on outdated infrastructure and "interconnect fees" between countries. They pass these costs—plus a massive markup—onto you. When you see a bill for $2.50/minute, you're paying for legacy cables and corporate profits, not the call itself.
Roaming Fees
Using your SIM abroad triggers massive daily charges.
Connection Fees
Hidden charges just for connecting the call.
Minute Rounding
Talk for 61 seconds, get charged for 2 minutes.
5 Strategies to Call Cheaply
Modern technology offers smarter ways to connect.
Use Browser VoIP
Services like StartACall use WebRTC to route calls over the internet, bypassing carrier networks entirely.
WiFi Calling
Always connect to WiFi before calling. This avoids data roaming charges from your mobile provider.
Virtual Numbers
Buy a local number in the destination country so friends can call you at local rates.
Pay-As-You-Go
Avoid monthly subscriptions. Only pay for the minutes you actually talk.
Low Bandwidth Codecs
Use apps optimized for low data usage to prevent eating up your travel data plan.
Start Saving Today
Join thousands of users saving money with StartACall.
Price Comparison: 5 Minute Call
See how much you save on a typical 5-minute call to Europe or Asia.
| Provider | Rate/Min | Connection Fee | Total Cost (5 mins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| StartACall | $0.02 | $0.00 | $0.10 |
| Major US Carrier | $3.00 | Included | $15.00 |
| Skype (Pay As You Go) | ~$0.025 | ~$0.05 | $0.18 |
| Calling Card | $0.05 | $0.49 | $0.74 |
*Rates are estimates based on average calls to Zone 1 countries. Carrier rates vary by plan.
Common Questions About Cheap Calling
Can I make cheap calls from my mobile?
Yes! StartACall works directly in your mobile browser (Chrome, Safari). You don't even need to download an app to get cheap rates.
Is the quality worse if it's cheap?
Not anymore. Modern WebRTC technology provides HD voice quality that is often clearer than traditional cellular networks, provided you have a stable internet connection.
Do I need a subscription?
No. The cheapest way to call is usually 'Pay-As-You-Go'. Subscriptions often force you to pay for minutes you never use. With StartACall, you just top up $5 and use it whenever you want.
Ready to Stop Overpaying?
Join the VoIP revolution. Crystal clear calls at honest prices.