The international
calling guide

Frequent calls to Canada from the U.S. can be pricey. Before choosing an international calling service provider, it pays to spend some time sizing up your options. Here, we'll offer some insight into using popular online services to contact your loved ones without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more about Canada-U.S. relations, calling rates for traditional providers, and making international calls to Canada on the cheap - or even for free.

Per-minute rates can vary widely depending on the country you are trying to call. Some nations are largely isolated from the United States, whether by geography or politics. Such isolation tends to make those countries more expensive to call.

If you have an Android based phone, there are literally hundreds of apps designed to help you make calls. Of these, many allow free calls with WiFi. If you want to be able to call family and friends all over the world, free Wifi calling with Android may be your perfect solution.

Roaming charges are the boogeyman of cellular phone users. When traveling, it always seems like you need to make a call when your phone is flashing that ominous roaming message! How can you avoid international roaming charges when you are abroad?

International SIM cards can save you big money when you are traveling and need to call home. However, the difference in cost per minute can vary widely depending on where you purchase the card and whether the ensuing call is considered local or international.