Making international calls from Australia costs an average of $0.50–$2.00 per minute on a standard mobile plan — but browser-based VoIP can cut that to a few cents. That's not a rounding error. That's a 90%+ reduction. In this article, you'll get six real options compared side by side — pricing, convenience, business vs. personal use, and the trade-offs nobody tells you upfront.
Key Takeaways
- Browser-based VoIP like GlobCall starts at $0.02/min to the USA — up to 100x cheaper than Telstra roaming rates
- Free apps (WhatsApp, Viber) work brilliantly when both parties are online, but fail completely for landlines and emergencies
- For businesses, the real cost isn't per-minute rates — it's seat fees, setup time, and local number availability
1. Browser-Based VoIP: The Cheapest Option Most Australians Haven't Tried
Browser-based calling is the most underrated option on this list. With GlobCall, you can call the USA or Canada for $0.02/min, the UK for $0.03/min, and Germany landlines for $0.04/min — directly from your browser, no app download, no SIM required. Top up a balance and start calling in two clicks.
The catch? You need a stable internet connection. That's genuinely it. No annual contract, no monthly fee eating into your credit, no complicated setup. If you're calling Australian landlines from overseas, those rates are $0.05/min — still a fraction of what carriers charge.
For businesses, it gets more interesting. Shared team balances, local numbers in 100+ countries, and no per-seat fees mean a team of ten pays the same structure as a team of two. That's unusual in this category.
2. Free Messaging Apps: WhatsApp and Viber
Free is a compelling price. WhatsApp and Viber are the go-to choice for calling friends and family abroad — and when both sides are on Wi-Fi or data, call quality is surprisingly good in 2026.
Here's the hard limit: you can only call other app users. Try calling a UK landline or a Nigerian mobile? Not happening on the free tier. Viber does offer paid Out calls to real phone numbers at competitive rates, which makes it more flexible than WhatsApp for that use case.
These apps are perfect for personal calls to people you know well. The moment you need to call a business, a hotel, or someone who doesn't have the app, you're stuck. Worth knowing before you rely on them.
3. Google Voice: Great for the USA, Awkward Everywhere Else
Google Voice gives US-based users free calls to US numbers and cheap international rates. Calling India from a Google Voice number runs around $0.01/min. Sounds incredible — but there's a significant asterisk for Australians.
Google Voice requires a US phone number to set up. If you're based in Australia and don't already have one, getting started is genuinely complicated. The service is built around the American market and doesn't pretend otherwise.
For Australian expats living in the US, it makes sense. For everyone else calling from Australia, it's more friction than it's worth unless you've already got an account. You can read a fuller breakdown in our Google Voice alternatives comparison.
4. Microsoft Teams Phone: The Business Standard (With Strings Attached)
Since Skype's shutdown in May 2025, Microsoft's calling story runs entirely through Teams. Teams Phone is genuinely powerful — PSTN calling, virtual numbers, tight integration with the Microsoft 365 stack your company probably already uses.
The pricing tells a different story. Teams Phone requires a Microsoft 365 subscription plus a Teams Phone add-on, pushing monthly costs per user to $15–$25+ depending on your plan. A 20-person team pays $300–$500/month before a single international call goes out.
Well-suited to mid-size and enterprise companies already deep in the Microsoft ecosystem. For small teams or freelancers calling internationally on a budget, you're paying for a lot of features you won't touch. See the full Teams Phone breakdown for the detailed comparison.
5. Calling Cards: Still Alive, Still Clunky
Prepaid calling cards feel dated, but millions of people still use them — particularly in communities with frequent calls to specific countries like the Philippines ($0.46/min on some networks), Nigeria ($0.33/min), or India.
The appeal is real: no internet needed, works from any phone, easy to understand for less tech-savvy callers.
The problems are also real: hidden connection fees, maintenance fees that drain your balance overnight, and rates that aren't always what they advertise. A card that says "2¢/min to India" often means 2¢/min after a 49¢ connection fee per call. Read the fine print. Always.
If you're calling from a rural area with poor internet, cards still have a use case. For most people, VoIP has taken over. Our calling cards vs VoIP breakdown covers when each still makes sense.
6. RingCentral and Other Business Phone Platforms
RingCentral sits at the premium end of the business VoIP market. Solid call quality, strong integrations with tools like Salesforce and Slack, and a genuinely good mobile app. If you're running a contact centre or a distributed sales team, it's a serious platform.
The pricing reflects that positioning. Basic plans start around $20–$30/user/month, and international calling is either bundled at higher tiers or charged separately. For a small Australian business calling the USA regularly, it can get expensive fast.
Worth it if you need CRM integrations and enterprise features. Not the right fit if you just need cheap international calls and a shared balance across your team. In that case, comparing pay-as-you-go vs monthly subscription options is a useful step before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest way to call internationally from Australia?
Browser-based VoIP is consistently the cheapest option for calls to real phone numbers. GlobCall charges $0.02/min to the USA, $0.03/min to Mexico, and $0.05/min to Australian landlines — no monthly fees, no contracts. For calls between app users, WhatsApp and Viber are free but require the other person to have the app installed.
Do I need a SIM card to make international calls?
No. Browser-based and Wi-Fi calling options work entirely without a SIM. You just need an internet connection. This is especially useful for travellers, expats, or anyone wanting to avoid roaming charges. Our guide to calling without a SIM card covers this in detail.
Can I get a local number in another country from Australia?
Yes. Several VoIP providers offer virtual local numbers in other countries. GlobCall offers local numbers in 100+ countries, which is useful for businesses that want customers in the UK, USA, or India to reach them at a local rate. Learn more about virtual phone numbers for business.
What happened to Skype?
Skype was discontinued in May 2025 and its users were migrated to Microsoft Teams. Teams does support PSTN calling through Teams Phone, but it requires additional paid add-ons. If you were a Skype user looking for alternatives, this comparison covers your best options.
Are international calling rates the same for mobile and landline?
No — and the difference matters. Mobile rates are typically higher. Calls to Indian mobiles cost more than Indian landlines. Nigerian and Philippine mobile rates ($0.33 and $0.46/min respectively) are among the highest globally due to termination costs. Always check whether you're dialling a mobile or landline before estimating your bill.
The Bottom Line
Six options, very different use cases. Here's the short version:
- Browser VoIP (GlobCall) — cheapest for real phone calls, no app, no seat fees, best for individuals and small teams
- WhatsApp/Viber — free between app users, useless for landlines and businesses
- Google Voice — excellent rates but practically limited to US-based users
- Teams Phone — powerful but expensive per seat, best for Microsoft-heavy enterprises
- Calling cards — old-school, watch for hidden fees, limited use cases remain
- RingCentral — premium business platform, priced accordingly
If you're calling from Australia and want the simplest, cheapest option without contracts or monthly fees, start a call on GlobCall now. Two clicks, no download, and rates that'll make your current phone bill look embarrassing.
