When you're looking for the cheapest long distance there are a number of factors you need to take into consideration. In this article, we will talk about the different options you might have when looking for the cheapest long distance plan and some of the pros and cons of each option.

There are a few different ways to make long distance calls and the rates vary widely. First, you have traditional switched long distance (you have to have local phone service and switch your long distance carrier to the specific long distance service provider. Traditional switched long distance can be convenient once it's set up, but, the per minute rates especially, for international calls can be higher than alternatives that we will cover here. Next, you have dial around long distance services. These services generally use an access number that is either toll free or begins with a "10 10 XXX," and these allow you to make long distance calls without the need for a primary long distance service on your local phone service. Dial around (10 10) long distance services can be cheaper than a switched long distance service in many cases. A lot of people these days also use their cell phones for their long distance calls. However, these are only good for domestic calls, not international long distance. VOIP is also a great option nowadays for domestic and international long distance.

By far, the cheapest way to get long distance service is through the use of pre-paid calling cards or phone cards. These services can also be used along with just about any type of phone. you can use these pre-paid services from, your cell, home or work phone. They can also be used on top of a VOIP service. Definitely very convenient. We'll cover some do's and don'ts when considering a pre-paid phone card next.

You have to be careful with pre-paid phone cards. There are so many to choose from out there and not all of them are good. A lot of these companies don't actually give you the rate they advertise and more often than not you will be charged hidden fees and other charges that are not advertised clearly. Don't get me wrong, pre-paid services do provide the cheapest long distance rates. You just have to be careful which service you use. Use a recommended service that is known for it's quality, reliability and good customer service. Some companies even offer free minutes for new customers. So, as long as you're careful, pre-paid services can provide the cheapest long distance rates and still offer you good call quality.

International calling cards are a great way of staying in touch whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. Everyone wants to call home when they are away, for students this can be costly and a card makes the process easier and cheaper. Whether you're staying in a hotel or a hostel, long distance, overseas call rates are extremely high - this is where the prepaid international calling card will come in handy. Most stores who sell calling cards to the public, deal with International calling cards. You pay a fixed amount of money, based on what you think your call rate and length of call will be. Each call is logged by the phone service who then deduct the appropriate amount from your card. The rates on international calls differ and what you pay is dependent on where and when you want to call and the way you plan your calls. Long-distance calls are charged by the minute as a general rule, and what it costs you will depend largely on the rates that the telephone company has on offer.

There are a number of services you can opt for when it comes to paying for your international long distance calls. There is a variety of international calling card plans and each one may have different services on offer. These might include callback services and dial around. There are also some prepaid phone cards on offer that may charge at a lower rate than other companies generally offer. A lot depends on the type of prepaid international calling card that you choose; with some of the telephone companies will have basic rates. The features on these cards may vary but usually includes the following:

· The connection fees
· Minimum phone call times
· Different rates for the day time/ nighttime
· Different fees for weekend and weekday Times

The benefits of obtaining an international calling card

You might ask just exactly why should you need an international long-distance calling card, and what might suit you? The following information is designed to help you make wise choices so that you get the international calling card that is best suited to your needs. Unfortunately whichever card you choose they each have their own call plans and drawbacks. Some companies will charge you a high connection fee whereas some phone cards have no connection fees but will charge you for using a pay phone or may add extra charges if any call you make is longer than ten minutes. When you are doing your research, trying to find the right calling card for you then you want one that will allow you to talk for as long as you want to without extra phone charges. If you plan on calling someone who is only contactable by cell phone, then you need to find a card that allows you to call mobile phones and which doesn't make additional charges. Finally, it is a good idea to check that you will be entitled to the minutes that it says you will without incurring any extra charges. You should also check whether the company will apply connection charges for calling other countries.

Prepaid international calling cards will keep you connected

A major disadvantage of the prepaid phone card for international use is the requirement that you dial a 1- 800-number and then have to enter a long pin number. If the rates on the international calling card are decent then you might want to see this as only a minor inconvenience. If you obtain your prepaid calling card on the Internet rather than at a store then you may find that you reduce any inconveniences you may have to deal with. There are additional benefits to getting your card this way because you can recharge the card online or over a phone line whenever you need it. You should be able to do this with most prepaid phone cards providing you use the online service. Your card number is automatically linked to your cell phone so when you can just call stored numbers without having to enter them every time.