7 reasons to set up inclusive internet calls while travelling abroad

Photo from Flickr by Guillermo Esteves

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol technology, is a great way to keep in touch while you’re overseas. VoIP essentially means you can make calls through the internet rather than through traditional telephone lines. You just need a broadband connection, a phone adaptor (usually provided by the VoIP service provider) and a telephone handset. Using VoIP means you can make internet calls to landlines and mobiles both within your home country and abroad – the people you’re calling don’t even need to be using VoIP themselves to be able to get your calls.

If you’re travelling overseas on holiday or for business, then making your calls through the internet is a convenient way to stay in touch while saving money. Here are a few more reasons why it’s a good idea to use VoIP when abroad.

Portability

The portable nature of VoIP is a big part of its appeal. Users just need to have access to broadband, their VoIP ‘box’ and a phone handset to be able to make and receive calls through the internet, no matter which country they’re in. You’ll be able to make international calls as if you were in your home country, and if people call your regular number, it will ring in whichever country your adapter is plugged in.

Team up

For those travellers wanting to keep in touch with family and loved ones at home, getting the people they most frequently call to use the same VoIP provider is a good idea. Often, VoIP providers will offer free internet calls between people who are using their service.

The trimmings

Most VoIP providers offer free features as part of the package, such as voicemail and call waiting services. If you have extra time, you can try iPhone slots too.

Freedom

Travellers value being able to make international calls at the drop of a hat. Having to find an internet cafe or lug a laptop around before being able to make a cheap international call is really limiting. VoIP provides freedom from needing to use a computer to make those calls.

Call plans

VoIP providers like www.vonage.co.uk will usually offer call plans. It’s a good idea to sign up to a call plan if you’re often calling a specific part of the world or, likewise, if you’re at home and wanting to get in touch with someone overseas. You can get tailored call plans which offer a flat rate to all calls made to the US, for example, or you can go for broader plans that cover something like 40 different countries. If you’re travelling, budgeting is more than likely a priority, so using a call plan with a flat rate is a great way to get an idea of what your monthly expenditure will be. There’s nothing worse than getting that nasty sinking feeling every time you check your phone bill when you’re abroad.

No more calling cards

It can be surprisingly hard to find a shop that will sell the calling card you need when you’re abroad. If you’re pinching pennies, it can also be a pain having to preload your calling card with cash. The handy thing about using VoIP is you just have to pay your monthly bill.

No more internet cafes

Internet cafes have to be some of the most frustrating places ever. They can also be really expensive and there’s nothing worse than running out of time or money while you’re in the middle of a call. You can use VoIP from the comfort of your hotel or hostel and chat as long as you want while also saving yourself a lot of money.

Aaron Bradford has written 498 articles. +Aaron Bradford is the leader, mentor and chief geek of HappyTimeblog. He put together the crack team of writers known by codename “The Firm“. He's a permanent traveller and a lifestyle hacker. Wanna know more? Check out my Bucket List or my About page... I'm here to show you how to live a Life Less Ordinary