5 Ways to Reduce International Business Call Costs

1. Switch to VoIP: Save up to 90% on international calls by using internet-based calling systems.
2. Choose the Right Plan: Track your call habits and pick plans tailored to your needs (e.g., pay-as-you-go or subscription).
3. Use Smart Call Routing: Optimize call routes to reduce costs by up to 75%.
4. Get Local Numbers: Establish a local presence abroad with virtual numbers, cutting international rates.
5. Track Spending: Use pay-per-use billing, set alerts, and monitor expenses to stay within budget.

Quick Comparison of Cost Reduction Strategies

Method	Savings Potential	Key Features
VoIP	Up to 90%	Internet-based calls, low setup costs
Right Plan	Varies	Tailored plans based on call habits
Smart Call Routing	Up to 75%	Optimized, cost-effective call paths
Local Numbers	Significant	Local rates, no physical office needed
Spending Tracking	Varies	Alerts, detailed reports, budget control

Reduce Communication Costs with VoIP

1. Switch to VoIP Systems to Cut Global Call Costs

Switching to VoIP can dramatically lower the cost of international calls. In fact, businesses can reduce telecom expenses by up to 50% and save as much as 90% on international calls ^[3].

How VoIP Saves You Money Compared to Traditional Phone Lines

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, routes calls through the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This not only reduces the cost of calls but also eliminates the need for extra office phone lines and hardware.

"As long as you already have a high-quality internet connection for your business, you don\'t have to invest in a lot of telephony equipment to get started with a VoIP phone system for your business." - Kirsten Barta, Sr Marketing Communications Manager at Intermedia ^[5]

Getting Started With VoIP

Setting up a VoIP system doesn't require much in terms of infrastructure. Here's what you'll need:

• A Reliable Internet Connection
  Your internet should have low latency and be able to allocate 100 Kbps per call ^[4].

• Network Configuration
  Adjust your network settings to prioritize voice traffic (using QoS) and disable SIP ALG to avoid disruptions ^[4].

• Devices for VoIP
  You can use mobile apps on smartphones, softphones on computers, IP desk phones, or even traditional phones with VoIP adapters.

Concurrent Calls	Recommended Bandwidth
1 call	100 Kbps
5 calls	500 Kbps
10 calls	1 Mbps
15 calls	1.5 Mbps
20 calls	2 Mbps

Virtual numbers are available starting at just $7.95 per month ^[2]. With these simple steps, you can set up a VoIP system that delivers both cost savings and reliable performance.

2. Choose the Right International Calling Plan

Want to save on international calls? Picking the right plan can make a huge difference. BlazePhone offers coverage for calls to 190 countries and combines savings with top-notch call quality through its VoIP solutions ^[6].

Track Your Call Habits to Find the Perfect Fit

Before jumping into a plan, take a closer look at your calling habits. Here's what to keep an eye on:

• Frequently Called Countries: Identify which countries you call the most.
• Average Call Length: Understand how long your typical calls last.
• Monthly Usage: Calculate how many international minutes you use each month.
• Peak Times: Note when you make most of your calls.

BlazePhone's smart routing algorithm takes it a step further by finding the most budget-friendly routes without sacrificing call quality ^[6].

Call Pattern Analysis	Key Metrics to Watch
Daily Usage	Total calls and minutes per day
Weekly Trends	Peak days and times for calls
Monthly Volume	Total international minutes used
Country Breakdown	Percentage of calls per destination

By analyzing these trends, you'll have the data you need to pick the BlazePhone plan that works best for you.

Explore BlazePhone's Plan Options

BlazePhone offers flexible, no-contract plans that cater to different usage needs ^[6]. Here's a breakdown:

Pay-as-you-go

• No commitments or contracts.
• Pay only for the minutes you use.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden charges ^[6].

Subscription Plans

• Pre-set bundles of minutes.
• Includes a minute rollover feature.
• Best for consistent, high-volume calling.

If your calling needs are unpredictable or you contact a variety of countries, the pay-as-you-go option is a safe bet. On the other hand, if your calls are more routine and focus on specific countries, subscription plans can help you save even more.

3. Use Smart Call Routing to Lower Costs

Smart call routing technology offers a practical way to cut down communication expenses without sacrificing call quality. In fact, research shows that using smart routing can slash costs by as much as 75% ^[8].

How Smart Routing Works

BlazePhone's intelligent call routing system constantly evaluates factors like network quality, carrier rates, call timing, geographic location, and available routes. This ensures your calls are always routed in the most cost-effective way possible.

"Intelligent call routing (ICR) is a business telecom innovation designed to increase efficiency of automated call management and improve the customer experience for callers." - Reuben Yonatan, Founder, Chief UCaaS/CCaaS Analyst, GetVoIP ^[7]

For instance, if you're calling Mexico, the system can distinguish between a major city like Mexico City - where rates might be $0.04 per minute - and more remote areas, which could cost closer to $0.12 per minute ^[1]. By optimizing these routes, you can significantly lower your overall costs.

Steps to Maximize Savings

To get the most out of smart call routing, follow these steps:

• Analyze Call Trends
  Look at your international call data to pinpoint high-traffic destinations. This information helps you adjust routing rules for better savings.

• Set Quality Standards
  Define quality thresholds to avoid unnecessarily expensive routes while still ensuring reliable connections.

• Prioritize Routing Rules
  Assign priorities based on factors like the importance of the call, urgency, and your budget. This ensures calls are routed efficiently without compromising quality.

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4. Get Local Numbers in Other Countries

Expanding into international markets doesn't have to mean opening physical offices. With virtual local numbers, you can establish a local presence, maintain global accessibility, and cut down on international call costs.

Why Use Local Virtual Numbers?

Virtual local numbers are a smart way to reduce expenses while creating a seamless connection with customers abroad. They eliminate international calling rates, making communication more affordable and appealing to clients ^[1]. For businesses looking to grow globally, this approach is a practical solution ^[9].

Here's why local virtual numbers stand out:

• Lower Costs: Calls are charged at local rates, encouraging more frequent client interactions.
• Centralized Operations: Your team can handle calls from multiple regions through one system, reducing overhead while keeping a local image ^[9].
• Simplified Management: Forget juggling contracts with different carriers. A single platform can handle all your international numbers efficiently ^[9].

Component	Traditional Setup	Virtual Numbers
Monthly Fee	$15+ per line	$4.99 - $7.95
Setup	Physical office needed	No physical presence required
Management	Multiple local contracts	Single platform

Setting Up Virtual Numbers with BlazePhone

BlazePhone makes it easy to establish virtual numbers online. With access to numbers in over 190 countries, you can create a local presence almost anywhere your business operates.

To make the most of virtual numbers:

• Assess Your Call Needs: Review call patterns to identify your busiest regions and calculate potential savings.
• Pick Strategic Locations: Select numbers in key areas with high customer density and favorable time zones.

"Customers calling from their local areas only have to pay local rates instead of international rates. This is the most popular and easiest international number to purchase." - business.com ^[1]

BlazePhone also lets you customize call routing. You can direct calls to specific representatives, sales teams, an auto-attendant, or voicemail. This flexibility ensures smooth call handling while keeping costs low ^[9].

Next, find out how to quickly set up these numbers using BlazePhone's user-friendly platform.

5. Track Spending with Pay-Per-Use Billing

Pay-per-use billing gives you a clear view of your international calling expenses, helping you manage costs more effectively. With detailed usage tracking, you can pinpoint areas to cut back and make every call as cost-efficient as possible. Let's explore how to allocate expenses and set spending limits for better financial control.

Split Costs by Team or Project

BlazePhone offers tools to divide expenses by department or project, making it easy to see which teams or initiatives are generating the most costs. This level of detail helps you manage budgets more effectively and allocate resources where they're needed most.

Here's what BlazePhone's cost tracking tools include:

• Department Tags: Keep an eye on team budgets and monitor spending by department.
• Project Codes: Bill clients accurately and track expenses tied to specific projects.
• Custom Categories: Create tailored tracking categories to fit unique business needs.

Set Cost Limits and Alerts

BlazePhone also lets you set spending limits and receive automated notifications to avoid surprise charges. These features ensure that your business communications remain uninterrupted while staying within budget.

Some of the key tools for managing costs include:

• Usage Thresholds: Define spending limits for specific departments or projects.
• Real-time Alerts: Get notified as you approach budget limits to take action quickly.
• Automated Reports: Receive detailed breakdowns of your spending directly in your inbox.

Switching to a VoIP service can save businesses between 30% and 50% on communication costs ^[10]. BlazePhone's smart algorithm enhances these savings by optimizing call routing without compromising quality, ensuring you get the best value for every minute spent on calls.

You can set spending alerts at these thresholds:

Alert Level	Threshold	Action
Warning	75% of budget	Review usage
Critical	90% of budget	Apply cost-saving measures
Emergency	100% of budget	Notify management

For even more insight, BlazePhone integrates seamlessly with popular CRM systems. This integration links call expenses to customer interactions and business outcomes, giving you a clearer picture of the return on investment (ROI) for your international communication efforts ^[10].

Conclusion: Steps to Lower Your International Call Costs

Cutting down international call expenses doesn't have to be complicated. By making a few smart adjustments, you could reduce these costs by as much as 50% ^[10]. Here's a straightforward approach to get started.

Traditional phone carriers often come with hefty charges, but VoIP technology offers a way to sidestep those expenses. Plus, it brings added features that make managing costs easier. Consider these steps to fine-tune your international calling strategy:

• Examine Calling Trends: Identify the countries you call most often to choose plans and routes that make financial sense.
• Set Up Cost Controls: Use tools like department tags or project codes to track spending more accurately.
• Use Smart Routing: Automate route selection to get the best rates without sacrificing call quality.
• Keep an Eye on Usage: Real-time alerts can help ensure you stay within your budget.
• Review Call Data: Dive into analytics to uncover even more ways to save.

If you're looking for a tool to simplify this process, BlazePhone's dashboard is worth exploring. It offers detailed insights into your calling habits, making it easier to make informed decisions. With transparent pricing and no hidden charges, BlazePhone helps you stay focused on expanding your global reach without worrying about unexpected costs.

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