Many people believe that it is impossible to make cheap calls, let alone making cheap international calls. However, believe me when I am saying, that there are actually more than one way to make, not only cheap international calls, but sometimes even free international calls. It all depends on what is your preferable method to make calls, and the technology you have at your disposal.

One of the simplest and oldest method to make cheap international calls is by using a calling card. The card contains a certain amount of credits or minutes that can be used to make the calls. The calling cards are simple to use, you will just have to dial special number shown on the card, enter the code hidden in the card and then dial the number you would like to reach. However, the cards have fallen out favor of the regular customer, because the telecommunication companies manufacturing these cards were defrauding the customers by inserting additional hidden fees and taxes into the cards or by making false claims about the minutes and credits that the card contained. Thus one of the easiest way to make the cheapest calls to international numbers was replaced by many other useful tools which offer the same services.

Voice over Internet Protocol. This is a technology which allows the transfer of audio signals over the internet to landline and mobile phone networks. The technology is widely used by business depending on telecommunications, because it allows making cheaper calls, especially, when it comes to international calls. Although this technology is very popular and it is even used by the general public there are some downsides to it. One of the biggest downside of VoIP is that anyone who wants to use it his own home should make substantial investments in hardware to be able to use VoIP.

Software applications. For those of you who cannot afford the expensive VoIP hardware there is one cheap alternative which is the software apps available for computers and smartphones. Apps like Skype, Fring, Nimbuzz, Viber and many others use the same technology, but, fortunately, don't require special hardware other than a headset. Most apps are free and allow users to make free calls between each other, if only they are using the same app on their smartphone or computer. On other hand Skype, Nimbuzz and Fring allow the user to make some of the cheapest calls to international and domestic numbers both mobile and landline.

Websites. Another easy way to make international calls on lower rates. There are plenty of sites which allow you to do it like Evaphone, FreeCall, PokeCall, Easy Call and so on. There is even an Facebook app called FriendCaller which allows you to make calls to international landline and mobile numbers directly through your Facebook account.

Believe or not but there is more than one way to make cheap international calls. You can make calls by using special calling cards, or VoIP hardware, or VoIP software applications, or simply through a website or your Facebook account.