How to Choose the Best Phone System for International Calling Needs

With the liberalization of the world economy, more and more business are turning global leading to an ever increasing demand for suitable phone systems for making international calls. In order to fill this pressing need, a number of service providers for international calls have appeared in the market place.

One of the most sought after options is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. VoIP is a system that digitizes voice communication and transmits it over the Internet - thereby making international calls affordable even for small and midsize business enterprises.

The most appealing aspect of VoIP is it not only allows for cheap international calls but in some cases, the calls are completely free. For example, software like Skype uses VoIP to allow free communication between Skype accounts. Even if a Skype user calls a non-Skype destination, the service offers them international calls at rates far below the standard rates.

VoIP is already transforming the way business enterprises communicate and it has already become one of the most popular ways to make cheap international calls. Before you settle for any other option, take a hard look at the VoIP options available to you. You may be surprised at the savings that are available particularly if your business is required to frequently make long distance calls.

If you have a computer and a reliable high speed Internet connection, it may be cheaper to make a call over the Web rather than using a phone. Begin by setting up an account with your VoIP service provider, then download any necessary software and make sure your computer has a microphone and speakers. Do your homework before selecting a VoIP provider, as fees and calling rates can vary widely by service and country.

VoIP providers can afford to offer a range of so-called 'call plans'. You usually have to pick one of these call plans when you sign to the VoIP provider. From then on, you can make unlimited calls to landlines - and occasionally even to mobiles- in the countries mentioned in that particular call plan.

Once you have signed up to a VoIP service provider, you can immediately get access to discounted tariffs even to countries that are not listed in your given call plan. So if you call some countries only infrequently and your call plan does not include them, you can still benefit from the VoIP provider's cheap international rates. If your VoIP service provider offers free PC-to-PC national and international calls, then to avail that facility you must make sure that the person you want to call overseas is able to receive your calls.

If, on the other hand, you want to contact phone-to-phone, your VoIP service provider will provide you with an adapter. You use this adapter to connect the base of your existing telephone handset to your router or modem. You become ready to start making cheap international phone calls using VoIP.

You can manage and regulate everything on line - right from activating any one of the standard features that most VoIP providers include, to checking details of all incoming and outgoing international calls. Most VoIP providers often offer a range of chargeable add-ons that may include useful services such as the ability to make VoIP phone calls abroad from your laptop.