“best/cheapest” way to call back into the US

Question

I am planning a trip out of the country, and I am trying to find the “best/cheapest” way to call back into the US. I have looked at Skype and MagicJack, is there a better way?

Answer 1

You can make free calls to the USA/Canada using EarthCaller, by Jaduka Labs.  It is currently free while it is Beta development phase.  No strings attached (no money involved).

You can get free 10 minute calls with MediaRingTalk.  Calls are cut off after 10  minutes, but you can call back as often as you like.

As far as cheap calls to USA from abroad, you can use CallCentric.  Their rates to USA is 1.98 cent/min.  They have a free downloadable softphone preconfigured with their service.  Of course you will need a headset with microphone to use the softphone on your PC.

Otherwise, you can also use CallCentric as a Calling Card gateway service.  No computer or VoIP equipment required.  If CallCentric has a "local" calling card gateway number in the country you are traveling to, then calls to USA are only 1.98 cent/min.  Just configue your VoIP account to allow Calling Card access.

Answer 2

Skype is the cheapest by far and if you can get family and friend to download it you will be able to make those calls free if it is to another Skype member.  I have it and put 10$ 6 months ago... still have 6 or 7$ left and I talk for 30 mins each time ... very cheap!