Martin Lewis
The International CallChecker - Find the cheapest instant access provider for calls to all destinations. For how to use it, how it works, and providers info see below. For more information read the International CallChecker article. How To Use It How It Works Providers Info UK Callchecker International Callchecker article
Destination






Always double-check prices on providers websites before calling.Prices may vary from non-BT landlines. More info

(A lo-call tariff is usually 4p daytimes and 1p all other times)

Ensure you don't miss out on even cheaper calls!

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Where call rates vary, the daytime rate is displayed




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Most people are wasting a fortune overspending on overseas calls. This free, non-commercial CallChecker provides a daily list of the cheapest way to call a landline or mobile in any country. Even better, most of the winners are accessible instantly without an account or changing phone line. (See the International Calls Article for a full explanation).

The CallChecker scans the cheapest providers daily to provide the most up to date call costs for calling all countries. Once you've found the cheapest provider for your chosen destination, dial the override provider's access number followed by the number you want to dial, remembering the international code.

Please remember the information listed here comes from the providers automatically. Before making the call always double check on the provider's own website. MoneySavingExpert.com takes no responsibility for any expense caused by this data.
Please note that your main providers connection charge will apply as normal.

Non-BT landlines

Call prices may vary from non-BT landlines, it's always worth checking your bill to see exactly what you're charged before using one of these providers excessively. Those using a Carrier Pre-Select provider (ie you still pay BT for your landline) can dial 1280 as a prefix to a call, which re-routes them through BT and means you will be charged at BT prices.

How to use it banner

Enter the country you want to call and whether you are calling a mobile or landline for a list of the cheapest providers.

There shouldn't be a need to do this each day. Most of these call providers announce the call charge at the start of each call. If that changes come back and find the new cheapest, or periodically return to check another hasn't overtaken it.

Remember these are no frills, budget providers. Sometimes the quality or connection may be poor. The great advantage is you simply don't use that provider again and pick the next cheapest.

Simply Dial Providers

0844Calls, Abroadcall, Abroadphone, Abroadtel, Bestminutes, Budgetcom, Cheapestcalls, Cleverates, Dialabroad, DialAround, Dialwise, DiscountDial, italk247, Just-dial, Liquid Telecom, Pennyphone, Phonebird, Phonecheap, Ratebuster, Simply-fone, CheapchatUK, Tele88, Telediscount, Telesavers, Telestunt, 05pence, 1pminute, 4cheapcalling

There is no need for an account with these providers; they can be accessed instantly. To do this, dial the special access number listed. This connects you to the provider's system and you are charged the rate listed for making the call (which is for calls from UK landlines, it may be more from mobiles). Once connected, you simply dial the number you want to call at no further charge. These companies make their money by receiving a proportion of the income from the access calls.

One important note though. As the call charge starts the moment you're connected to the access number you're paying immediately, so if the person you're calling is engaged or out, you're paying anyway. Even so the timy comparative prices of these calls make it worthwhile.

Account Needed Providers

18185, 1899, Alpha Telecom, call18866 and Liquid Telecom

Here you must first set up an account via the internet. Once that's done access the service by dialling (for free) a short four or five digit prefix or freephone number. Then dial the number you're calling and you will receive a monthly bill for it.

Important: some of these providers charge a connection fee (ie., a fixed amount per call). Also do note the prices listed are for calls from BT phones, calls from other providers can sometimes vary.

Call1899 and 18185 are both 5p for UK calls and 4p for international calls; Call18866 is 5p

Cheapestchat, Localphone, Teletop, Topupdiscount, Topupnow, Simplytext2talk and Storytelecom

These types of providers work in a different way to the traditional override providers. To access the cheap rate you first call a special number which charges that line with credit. The cost of the call (usually about £1.50) will come up on your BT bill and will be fully transferred to the line as credit. To make the call you then use a specific 02 access codes depending on the destination you're calling at the special rates they offer, this access code won't be free, and varies depending on the phone provider or mobile network you are calling from and the phone package you have.

TopUpDiscount, Storytelecom and CheapestChat can be also be used from a mobile. If you're calling from your mobile and you've inclusive minutes you will only have to pay the override providers rates otherwise dialling the access number will be charged at your networks normal rate.

Cheap calls from mobiles

TopUpDiscount, Storytelecom and CheapestChat can be also be used from a mobile. If you're calling from your mobile and you've inclusive minutes you will only have to pay the override providers rates otherwise dialling the access number will be charged at your networks normal rate.

Mainstream Providers

BT, One-Tel

These are mainstream providers. To access their services (if you don't have them have already) you need to switch via Carrier Pre-Select, so all your calls are automatically put through their network. These carriers are rarely the cheapest and are primarily included to demonstrate how much you can save. The prices are based on BT option 1 and One-Tel UK talk without the international saver add-on.

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