Maintaining regular communication with family and loved ones across international borders is essential, especially when it comes to long-distance calling to Australia. The good news is that with the right calling plan, staying connected doesn't have to break the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore over 10 affordable calling plans tailored for connecting with family in Australia, analyzing their features, pricing, and suitability for various calling needs.
1. Skype: A Global Favorite for International Calls
Skype has long been a popular choice for making international calls, and its versatility and low-cost calling plans make it an excellent option for connecting with family in Australia. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and pricing:
Features
- High-quality voice and video calls.
- Group calling for up to 25 people.
- Instant messaging and file-sharing capabilities.
- Call forwarding and voicemail services.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
Pricing
Skype offers a range of calling plans to suit different needs:
- Pay-as-you-go: Purchase Skype Credit and pay per minute for calls to Australia. Rates start at approximately 0.02/minute for landline calls and 0.07/minute for mobile calls.
- Subscription Plans: Monthly plans offer unlimited calling to Australia, starting at around 10/month for landline calls and 20/month for mobile calls.
2. Viber: A Modern Alternative with Advanced Features
Viber is a feature-rich messaging and calling app that has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and advanced features. Let’s explore its offerings for international calling to Australia.
Features
- High-quality voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption.
- Group calls for up to 20 participants.
- Text messaging, photo, and video sharing.
- Public and private chat groups.
- Viber Out for calling non-Viber numbers at low rates.
Pricing
Viber provides two primary options for international calling:
- Viber Out: Pay per minute for calls to Australia. Rates start at approximately 0.02/minute for landline calls and 0.08/minute for mobile calls.
- Viber Premium: A subscription service offering unlimited calls to specific countries, including Australia, starting at around $4.99/month.
3. Google Voice: The Go-to for Google Users
Google Voice is an excellent option for individuals already deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem. Its seamless integration with other Google services makes it a convenient choice for international calling.
Features
- Voice calls with a US phone number.
- Text messaging and voicemail services.
- Integration with Gmail and Google Hangouts.
- Call screening and spam blocking.
- Customizable greetings and call forwarding.
Pricing
Google Voice is free to use within the US, but international calling rates apply. Calls to Australia start at approximately 0.02/minute for landline calls and 0.12/minute for mobile calls.
4. Vonage: A Reliable Business-Grade Solution
Vonage offers a range of calling plans suitable for both personal and business use, making it a versatile option for connecting with family in Australia. Here’s an overview of its features and pricing:
Features
- HD voice and video calling.
- Virtual phone numbers.
- Call forwarding and call recording.
- Voicemail to email and text transcription.
- Advanced call management features.
Pricing
Vonage’s plans are tailored for different calling needs:
- Residential Plans: Starting at 10/month, these plans offer unlimited calling to the US, Canada, and Mexico, with additional minutes for international calls, including Australia.</li> <li><strong>Business Plans</strong>: Vonage's business plans offer advanced features and flexibility, with pricing starting at 19.99/month for a single user.
5. RingCentral: A Comprehensive Business Communication Platform
RingCentral is a feature-rich communication platform designed for businesses, but its robust capabilities make it a suitable option for personal use as well. Let’s explore its offerings for international calling.
Features
- HD voice and video calling.
- Virtual phone numbers and extensions.
- Call forwarding, recording, and transcription.
- Team messaging and collaboration tools.
- Integration with popular business apps.
Pricing
RingCentral’s pricing is tailored for businesses, with plans starting at 19.99/month for a single user. International calling rates apply, with calls to Australia starting at approximately 0.02/minute for landline calls and $0.10/minute for mobile calls.
6. Ooma: Affordable Home Phone Service with International Calling
Ooma offers a cost-effective home phone service with international calling capabilities, making it an attractive option for families looking to stay connected with loved ones in Australia.
Features
- Unlimited calling to the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- Low-cost international calling rates.
- Voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID.
- Call forwarding and 911 services.
- Mobile app for on-the-go calling.
Pricing
Ooma’s pricing is straightforward, with two primary plans:
- Ooma Basic: Free, with low per-minute rates for international calls. Calls to Australia start at approximately 0.015/minute.</li> <li><strong>Ooma Premier</strong>: Starting at 9.99/month, this plan includes advanced features like call recording, call blocking, and a second phone line.
7. Rebtel: A Cost-Effective Option for International Calls
Rebtel is a global communication service provider known for its low-cost international calling rates, making it an excellent choice for connecting with family in Australia.
Features
- High-quality voice and video calls.
- Group calling and conference calls.
- Call forwarding and voicemail services.
- Mobile app for on-the-go calling.
- No hidden fees or contracts.
Pricing
Rebtel offers a unique pricing model with no per-minute charges. Instead, you purchase a plan with a specific number of minutes for a flat rate. Plans start at $5 for 100 minutes of calling to Australia.
8. Grasshopper: Virtual Phone System for Small Businesses
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system designed for small businesses, but its features and pricing make it a viable option for personal use as well, especially for those with specific calling needs.
Features
- Customized phone numbers and extensions.
- Call forwarding and voicemail services.
- Mobile app for on-the-go calling.
- Call tracking and analytics.
- Integration with popular business apps.
Pricing
Grasshopper’s plans are tailored for small businesses, with pricing starting at 26/month for a single user. International calling rates apply, with calls to Australia starting at approximately 0.05/minute.
9. T-Mobile: Affordable International Calling with Uncarrier Plans
T-Mobile’s Uncarrier plans include features that make international calling more affordable, making it an attractive option for those with a T-Mobile connection.
Features
- Unlimited calling to over 200 countries, including Australia, with select plans.
- Texting and data roaming in over 200 countries.
- High-speed data and 5G connectivity.
- Mobile hotspot capabilities.
- Fraud and scam protection.
Pricing
T-Mobile’s Uncarrier plans start at 60/month for a single line, with international calling included in select plans. International calls outside of the included countries start at approximately 0.20/minute.
10. AT&T: Reliable International Calling with Global Add-Ons
AT&T offers a range of international calling plans and add-ons, making it a versatile option for those looking to connect with family in Australia.
Features
- Unlimited calling to select countries, including Australia, with certain plans.
- International text messaging and data roaming.
- HD voice and video calling.
- Mobile hotspot capabilities.
- Fraud and spam protection.
Pricing
AT&T’s international calling plans start at 10/month for unlimited calling to select countries, including Australia. International calls outside of the included countries start at approximately 0.20/minute.
11. Verizon: International Calling with TravelPass and Call-Forward-International
Verizon provides international calling options through its TravelPass and Call-Forward-International services, making it a suitable choice for those with a Verizon connection.
Features
- TravelPass: Offers talk, text, and data in over 200 countries, including Australia, for a daily rate of $10.
- Call-Forward-International: Allows you to forward calls from your Verizon number to an Australian number for a per-minute rate.
- HD voice and video calling.
- Mobile hotspot capabilities.
- Fraud and spam protection.
Pricing
Verizon’s international calling options start at 10/day for TravelPass and approximately 0.20/minute for Call-Forward-International.
What are the key factors to consider when choosing an international calling plan to Australia?
+When selecting an international calling plan to Australia, consider factors such as the frequency of your calls, the number of participants, and the balance between voice and video calling. Additionally, evaluate the plan’s compatibility with your existing communication apps and services. Lastly, compare pricing structures to find the most cost-effective option for your calling needs.
Are there any free options for calling Australia from abroad?
+While some apps offer free international calling with certain limitations, most free options are restricted to text messaging and basic voice calling. For high-quality voice and video calls, you’ll typically need to pay a small fee or subscribe to a plan.
Can I use a local SIM card in Australia to make international calls?
+Yes, using a local SIM card in Australia can be a cost-effective way to make international calls. Many Australian carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons that can significantly reduce the cost of calling abroad. However, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with the local carrier’s network.
What are the benefits of using a virtual phone system like Grasshopper for international calling?
+Virtual phone systems like Grasshopper offer customizable phone numbers, advanced call management features, and the ability to forward calls to any device. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for businesses or individuals with specific calling needs, ensuring a professional and efficient communication experience.
Are there any hidden fees or contracts associated with these calling plans?
+Most of the calling plans mentioned above are contract-free and transparent in their pricing. However, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand any potential hidden fees or charges, especially for international calling.
