VoIP calls can be made internationally thanks to VoIP technology. Because VoIP phone systems work over the Internet, calls can be made for free abroad. VoIP contracts for international calls are low-cost and affordable for all business and personal users. There are many added advantages to using VoIP for international calls.
Can You Make International Calls With VoIP?
Yes, you certainly can – all you need is an international call package with a VoIP phone provider (like bOnline!) and a reliable, preferably fibre, broadband connection.
What suits your business regarding the best VoIP for international calls depends on a few different things. Take a look at our Making international calls help page to see where in the world you can call.
Is VoIP Free for International Calls?
International calls are often not free on VoIP but the expense is minimal compared to traditional phone networks. Some VoIP apps do offer free calls if both parties use the same service, but for calling regular phone numbers abroad, there’s usually a small fee.
Are International VoIP Calls Cheaper Than Mobile Calls?
VoIP calls are made using the internet, so there are no expensive roaming fees. Frequent callers benefit greatly from many VoIP providers who provide competitive rates or unlimited calling packages.
Both mobile phones and landline phones can receive calls from any VoIP location around the globe. This makes it easier to reach family, business or friends from anywhere. The only internet requirement is a stable connection and having an account with a VoIP provider that allows international calls.
How Much Does it Cost to Make International VoIP Calls?
VoIP international call rates are likely to save you some serious money compared to standard phone rates. BT currently charges up to 68.53 per minute for a phone call from the UK to the USA.
Each VoIP provider will have different charges for their international call packages and these charges will vary. However, at bOnline recommend one of our affordable international packages of £6+VAT for 500 minutes or £10+VAT for 1,000 minutes to 100 top destinations. This represents excellent value on a fixed-cost monthly basis. See our pricing.
| Destination Country | Typical VoIP Cost per Minute | Free to Call with Some Providers? | Notes |
| United States | £0.01 – £0.02 | Yes (with some providers/apps) | Often included in unlimited plans |
| Canada | £0.01 – £0.02 | Yes | Similar to US rates |
| Australia | £0.02 – £0.03 | Sometimes | Check provider terms |
| India | £0.02 – £0.04 | Rarely | Rates vary by provider |
| Germany | £0.01 – £0.02 | Yes | Often included in packages |
| France | £0.01 – £0.02 | Yes | Included in many plans |
| China | £0.03 – £0.05 | Rarely | Check carefully |
| Other European countries | £0.01 – £0.03 | Often | Many providers offer free calls within Europe |
| UK Landlines & Mobiles | Often included (unlimited) | Yes | Calls within UK usually free |
How to Make International Calls Using VoIP
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over the internet. This is instead of using standard copper landlines that make up the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). At this point, you might find our article Virtual phone systems: Why they’re great for small businesses useful. Plus, don’t forget that traditional landlines are being switched off by 2025, so now is the ideal time to switch to VoIP.
Calling an international number from a VoIP phone is done in the same format as it would be using a traditional landline. So it’s the international dialling prefix, followed by the country code followed by the area code followed by the local number. Depending on which VoIP phone service you go with, you can either make calls using a normal phone connected to a VoIP router or directly via a headset microphone connected to your computer.
With a bOnline VoIP phone system you can also use any internet-connected device including your tablet or mobile phone.
Is There Any Special Equipment Needed for International VoIP Calls?
There is no special equipment needed for international VoIP calls. Just like any other type of call, international VoIP calls can be made using a smartphone, computer or a tablet equipped with a VoIP app. In addition, there are VoIP desk phones that can be connected through broadband for more efficient use during business calls. For users who prefer to use traditional phones, older phones can be connected to the Internet through VoIP adapters.
VoIP Pros and Cons
VoIP is cost effective, has many features, is flexible and allows the user to use many devices, however, its downside is that it relies on internet quality.
Pros of VoIP
- Significantly cheaper business and international calls.
- Increased flexibility with the use of devices (desk phones, mobiles and apps)
- Advanced features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding and conferencing.
- Calls can be made from any location that has internet, not physically bound to a place.
- VoIP is a future-proof solution due to the UK PSTN Switch-off in 2027.
Cons of VoIP
- VoIP is sensitive to broadband speed and stability.
- Power and internet outages disrupt can service.
- Compared to mobiles, emergency calls can be less straightforward.
Pros and Cons of Mobile Phones
Mobile phones boast amazing portability and coverage, but are more expensive and face limitations based on signal quality.
Advantages of Mobile Service
- Can be used in any location with cellular coverage.
- Access is immediate with no additional configuration needed.
- Emergency services can be accessed without hassles.
- Home broadband or Wi-Fi services are not required.
Disadvantages of Mobiles
- International charges for calls and roaming are significantly more expensive.
- Geographic restrictions to signal and areas with no coverage.
- Call plans may come with limited amounts of data and minutes.
Could a bOnline VoIP Phone Cut Your International Call Costs Down to Size?
Not only could international calls made using a VoIP phone system be much cheaper, but you can also benefit from the wide range of features VoIP offers. These features can make all the difference to the running of your business efficiently, including video calling, voicemail, call divert, call flow analytics and much more.
Start beating roaming charges now by adding an international call plan to your existing package. Call our team on 0208 125 3250.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t had a VoIP system with us before, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial. It’s the ideal way to try out all the features on offer and see how your business can benefit.
