How to Make International Calls: Complete Guide

Making international calls doesn't have to be confusing or expensive. Whether you're calling family abroad, handling business across time zones, or staying connected while traveling, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Updated for 2026: You'll learn how to dial internationally, compare calling methods, understand costs, and avoid common mistakes. Let's get started.

Understanding International Calling Basics

An international call is when you contact someone in a different country. Unlike local calls, you need special codes to connect across borders.

Essential Codes Explained

To make an international call, you need three things:

1. Exit code - Tells your carrier you're calling abroad (011 from US/Canada, 00 from most of Europe, or just use "+")
2. Country code - Identifies the destination country (44 for UK, 91 for India, 33 for France)
3. Area/city code - Pinpoints the region (20 for London, 22 for Mumbai)

Here's how they work together:

Component	Example (UK)	Example (India)
Exit Code	011 or +	011 or +
Country Code	44	91
Area Code	20 (London)	22 (Mumbai)
Local Number	1234 5678	1234 5678

Need to find a country code? Check our complete list of country codes.

Landline vs. Mobile Calls

Rates differ depending on what you're calling:

Type	Typical Rate	Notes
Landline	Lower	Often requires area code
Mobile	Higher	May have carrier surcharges

Always check whether you're calling a landline or mobile to avoid surprise charges.

Step-by-Step: How to Make an International Call

Step 1: Find the Exit Code

Your exit code tells the phone network you're calling abroad:

• US/Canada: 011
• UK/Europe: 00
• Mobile shortcut: Press and hold "0" to get "+" which works anywhere

Step 2: Add the Country Code

Every country has a unique code:

• UK: 44
• India: 91
• Australia: 61
• Germany: 49
• France: 33

Step 3: Add Area Code (if needed)

Some countries require area codes, especially for landlines:

• London: 20
• Paris: 1
• Sydney: 2
• Mumbai: 22

Important: Drop any leading zero from the area code when dialing internationally. UK numbers starting with "020" become just "20".

Step 4: Dial the Local Number

Enter the recipient's local number after all the codes.

Complete Example

Calling London from the US:

011 + 44 + 20 + 1234 5678

Or using the "+" shortcut:

+44 20 1234 5678

Choosing the Right Calling Method

You have several options for international calls, each with trade-offs.

Traditional Phone (Landline/Mobile)

Pros:

• Works without internet
• Reliable in most areas
• No setup needed

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Roaming fees when traveling
• Limited features

VoIP Apps (WhatsApp, Viber, etc.)

Pros:

• Free for app-to-app calls
• Video calling included
• Works on any device

Cons:

• Both parties need the same app
• Requires stable internet
• Can't call regular phone numbers (or costs extra)

Internet-Based Calling Services (VoIP)

Modern VoIP services like ZippCall offer the best of both worlds - call any phone number worldwide at low rates, with multiple ways to connect.

Pros:

• Call any landline or mobile number
• Works via browser, iPhone app, or Android app
• Rates from $0.02/minute (up to 90% cheaper than carriers)
• No subscriptions or contracts
• Pay only for what you use

Cons:

• Requires internet connection

These services have become the go-to choice for international calling in 2026. You can start a call from your browser and continue on your phone, or vice versa.

Cost Comparison

Service Type	Typical Rate (per min)	Connection Fee	Hidden Fees
Traditional Carrier	$1.00+	Yes	Common
Calling Card	$0.40	Sometimes	Common
App-to-App (WhatsApp, etc.)	Free	No	Data charges
ZippCall (Browser/App)	$0.02	No	None

The difference adds up quickly. A 30-minute call to India costs around $30 with a traditional carrier, but just $0.60 with ZippCall.

Device-Specific Instructions

From an iPhone or Android Phone

Option 1: Native Phone App

1. Open your phone app
2. Press and hold "0" to insert "+"
3. Enter country code + area code + number
4. Tap call

Option 2: ZippCall App (Recommended for savings)

1. Download ZippCall for iPhone or ZippCall for Android
2. Create a free account
3. Enter the number and tap call
4. Pay just $0.02/min instead of carrier rates

Tip: Save international contacts with "+" format. Use ZippCall over Wi-Fi when traveling to avoid roaming charges entirely.

From a Landline

1. Dial your country's exit code (011 in US)
2. Enter country code
3. Enter area code (drop leading zero)
4. Enter local number

From a Computer (Browser)

1. Go to web.zippcall.com
2. Create a free account (takes 30 seconds)
3. Enter the number in international format
4. Click call

No apps to install, works on any computer with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Understanding Costs and Saving Money

What Affects International Call Costs

Several factors determine what you'll pay:

• Destination country - Some countries cost more
• Landline vs. mobile - Mobiles usually cost more
• Your provider - Rates vary dramatically
• Time of day - Some providers offer off-peak discounts

Common Hidden Fees

Watch out for:

• Connection fees per call
• Rounding up to the next minute
• Currency conversion charges
• Minimum call durations

Tips to Save Money

1. Use a VoIP service - Services like ZippCall cost up to 90% less than carriers
2. Compare rates first - Check rates at zippcall.com/countries before you dial
3. Choose pay-as-you-go - Only pay for what you use, no monthly fees
4. Avoid roaming - Use ZippCall over Wi-Fi when traveling abroad
5. Try before you commit - ZippCall offers your first call free

For more ways to save, see our guide to low-cost international calling options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Call Won't Connect

• Double-check country and area codes
• Make sure you dropped the leading zero
• Verify the number is correct
• Try from a different device or network

Poor Call Quality

• Switch to Wi-Fi if on mobile data
• Move closer to your router
• Close other apps using bandwidth
• Try a wired connection if possible

Unexpected Charges

• Review your provider's rate breakdown
• Check if you were roaming
• Look for connection fees in the fine print
• Contact support for billing errors

Time Zones and Etiquette

Check the Time First

Before calling, check what time it is at your destination. Nobody wants a 3 AM phone call.

Quick time differences from US East Coast:

• UK: +5 hours
• India: +10.5 hours
• Australia (Sydney): +15 hours
• Japan: +14 hours

Use a world clock app or search "[city name] time" to check.

Cultural Considerations

• Some cultures prefer formal greetings
• Business hours vary by country
• Holidays differ worldwide
• Video may not always be appropriate

Legal and Technical Considerations

VoIP Restrictions

Some countries restrict or block VoIP services:

Country	VoIP Status
UAE	Many apps blocked
China	Strict restrictions
India	Generally allowed
Brazil	Few restrictions

Research local laws before traveling to ensure your preferred calling method works.

Security Best Practices

• Use services with end-to-end encryption
• Avoid sharing sensitive info on public Wi-Fi
• Choose reputable providers
• Enable two-factor authentication when available

ZippCall: The Easiest Way to Call Internationally

Looking for an easy way to make international calls? ZippCall offers three ways to connect:

Choose how you want to call:

• Browser: Call from any computer at web.zippcall.com
• iPhone: Download from the App Store
• Android: Download from Google Play

Why people choose ZippCall:

• Call 200+ countries at rates from $0.02/minute
• No subscriptions, contracts, or connection fees
• HD call quality with encrypted connections
• First call free to try it out
• Credits never expire
• One account works across all your devices

Getting started takes 1 minute:

1. Create a free account
2. Add credit (starting at $5)
3. Enter a number and call

No complicated setup. No hidden fees. Just affordable international calls whenever you need them.

Start Your Free Call →