International calls: rates, solutions and comparison 2026
International calls remain a major expense for expats and businesses. Find out how to cut your bills with the right solutions and providers.
Why international calls are expensive
Mobile operators' standard rates for international calls have barely changed in years. A call to Africa can cost between €0.50 and €2 per minute depending on your operator and destination. For someone who regularly calls family abroad, that quickly adds up to hundreds of euros a year.
The high cost comes from outdated infrastructure: international calls pass through intermediaries (transit operators) who each take their cut. The further away the country or the less well connected it is, the higher the cost climbs.
"Unlimited" plans from operators rarely include international calls, or only to a handful of European countries.
Three solutions for cheaper international calls
1. Per-minute VoIP services
VoIP (Voice over IP) bypasses traditional phone networks by using the internet. You dial a number on an app, and the call goes through the provider's servers.
Advantages:
- Rates shown upfront, no surprises
- No mandatory subscription
- Works on smartphone, computer or landline
- Ability to top up a single account and use it for multiple destinations
Limitations:
- Depends on your internet connection quality
- Requires the other person to accept the call (not a standard number)
- Some countries block VoIP calls
With ELK Connect, you top up a single balance and call by the minute to multiple countries. The credit doesn't disappear and stays available for your next calls.
2. Virtual numbers with local calls
A virtual number gives you a local presence in a country without being there physically. When someone calls you on that number, they pay for a local call, not an international one.
How this changes your bill:
- Your loved ones call a local number (cheaper for them)
- You receive the call on your current phone, anywhere
- Incoming calls are often free or very cheap
This solution works particularly well if you receive a lot of calls from abroad.
3. Data plans + VoIP calls
If you travel or live abroad, an eSIM with a data plan lets you use WhatsApp, Telegram or a VoIP app without paying excessive roaming charges.
Combining data + VoIP often costs less than a standard roaming call.
Cost comparison: real example
| Situation | Standard call | Per-minute VoIP | Virtual number + VoIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call to Senegal (5 min) | €5 to €10 | less than €1 | Free (incoming) |
| Call from abroad (roaming) | €2 to €5 per minute | depends on data | depends on data |
| Regular family calls | €200-400/month | €20-50/month | €0 if incoming |
If you often call the same country, check if your provider offers country-specific plans (example: Africa plan, Asia plan). They're usually better value than per-minute rates.
Which country should you choose for your virtual number?
Your choice depends on your contacts:
- French number: if your family or clients are in France
- UK number: if you work with the United Kingdom
- Swiss or Austrian number: for a presence in Central Europe
- Canadian or US number: if your contacts are in North America
ELK Connect offers virtual numbers in several countries. Check availability based on your needs.
Pitfalls to avoid
Confusing VoIP with standard calls
Some providers advertise "international calls" but actually use VoIP. Check whether you're dialling a standard number or using an app.
Overlooking audio quality
Cheap VoIP can deliver poor audio quality. Test with a short call before committing.
Missing hidden fees
Some services charge:
- Account activation
- Monthly maintenance even if you don't call
- Currency conversion fees
Before topping up a VoIP account, check that the site uses HTTPS (green padlock) and your payment is secure. Never store large amounts on these accounts: top up as you go.
For businesses: beyond just saving money
A virtual number in your clients' country boosts your credibility. A French client calls a French number, even if you're in Africa. It's cheaper for both of you.
If your team is spread worldwide, a centralised VoIP solution (rather than each person using their own operator) simplifies management and cuts admin costs.
Checklist before switching
- List your 5 most frequent call destinations
- Note the number of incoming vs outgoing calls per month
- Compare your current bill with rates from 3 providers
- Test audio quality on a short call
- Check that the provider works in countries where you travel
- Read the terms on hidden fees and refund timelines
Summary: three key points
1. Standard international calls cost 10 to 50 times more than VoIP. Switching solutions can cut your bill by 5 times or more.
2. Choose based on your usage: per-minute VoIP if you call often, virtual number if you receive lots of calls. You can combine both.
3. A single rechargeable balance via Mobile Money simplifies management and lets you switch between calls, SMS and data without opening multiple accounts. It's especially useful in Africa and for the diaspora.
Ready to try it?
ELK Connect editorial team
We write about staying reachable across borders — numbers, calls, eSIM and the money side of it. Everything published here is checked against what the platform actually does.