Cheap and Easy Ways to Call Turkey from Abroad

Ways to Make Cheap Calls to Turkey

Calling friends and family back in Turkey can get expensive, especially if you are making frequent long-distance calls. However, with the rise of internet-based communication tools and Voice over IP (VoIP) services, there are now many options for making cheap calls to Turkey.

Using VoIP Services

One of the most popular ways to save money on calls to Turkey is to use a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. VoIP allows you to make voice calls over the internet rather than through a traditional phone line. Some top VoIP providers like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer free or very low-cost international calling.

For example, with Skype you can get a monthly subscription for unlimited calls to mobiles and landlines in Turkey for as little as $5 a month. Skype also offers per minute rates for calls to Turkey as low as 1 cent per minute.

WhatsApp provides free voice and video calls to anywhere in the world as long as both parties have the app installed and an internet connection. The voice quality is excellent and it doesn't use up cellular plan minutes.

Viber Out is another VoIP app that lets you call any number in Turkey for low per minute rates. You simply buy Viber Out credit and use it to call non-Viber mobile and landline numbers.

Using a SIM Card

Purchasing a Turkey SIM card and using it while traveling in Turkey or making calls from your home country can also save you money. With a Turkey SIM card, you pay local rates rather than expensive international roaming fees when making calls within the country.

Some Turkey SIM card providers like Turkcell offer affordable prepaid international calling plans as well. You can get a SIM card plan with minutes to call countries like the USA, UK, Germany and more for reasonable rates.

Just keep in mind that using a Turkey SIM for calling internationally will require an unlocked phone that supports Turkish carrier frequencies.

Using an International Calling Card

International calling cards are another fairly inexpensive method for making calls to Turkey from abroad. Calling cards work by using access numbers to connect to the calling service provider who then connects your call.

When using a calling card, you are charged at a much lower per minute rate rather than paying the excessive fees your phone provider would charge. Rates can be as low as 1 cent per minute depending on the calling card service.

Some of the most reputable international calling card providers include Lingo, Lucky 2 Call, and Nobelcom. You can easily order a calling card online and then start making cheap calls to Turkey right away.

Using Internet-Based Apps

There are now many free internet-based apps and services that allow you to make international calls for free or very cheaply. For example:

• Facebook Messenger - Free voice and video calls
• Google Hangouts - Free calls to other Hangouts users
• WhatsApp - Free voice and video calls
• FaceTime - Free video calls to other iPhone/Mac users
• Signal - Free high-quality voice calls

The advantage of these apps is that they use your existing internet connection for calling so you don't need cellular minutes. As long as both parties have the app, you can make free high-quality calls over WiFi or mobile data.

Use a Softphone Service

Another way to save money on Turkey calls is to use a softphone service. Softphones allow you to make VoIP calls directly from your computer, tablet, or mobile phone without needing a traditional phone.

Popular softphone apps like Zoiper and Bria let you sign up for a VoIP number, then make inexpensive calls to Turkey using your internet connection. These apps work great for both individual users and business customers.

Take Advantage of Low Call Rate Hours

If you don't want to use internet-based calling options, you can still save on traditional long distance calls by taking advantage of discounted call rates. Most phone carriers offer reduced call rates during off-peak hours such as late at night or early morning.

Calling Turkey 8 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the US means you will get the best rates by calling between 11pm - 6am EST when Turkish daytime rates start applying. Taking advantage of low call rate hours is an easy way to reduce your phone bill.

Get the Best Rates on Calls to Turkey

Calling Turkey from abroad doesn't have to be costly. By using one of the money-saving techniques outlined above such as VoIP calling, international calling cards, internet-based apps, and off-peak call times, you can drastically reduce your international calling expenses.

A little bit of research and switching to cheaper calling options can save you significant money compared to just using your regular phone plan's long distance. Try out some of these options so you can afford to call Turkey more often to keep in touch with loved ones.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to call Turkey?

The cheapest way to call Turkey is using internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype that allow free or very low-cost international calls over WiFi or mobile data.

Can I use a Turkey SIM card to make cheap calls?

Yes, purchasing a Turkey SIM card can lower your calling costs to local Turkish rates when traveling there. Some Turkey SIM card plans also offer affordable international calling minutes.

What VoIP providers offer cheap calls to Turkey?

Top VoIP services like Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp offer some of the cheapest rates for calls to both mobiles and landlines in Turkey.

When is the best time to call Turkey at low rates?

Calling Turkey during their late night hours between 11pm - 6am Eastern Time in the US takes advantage of off-peak discounted calling rates.

Can I use a mobile app to call Turkey for free?

Yes, apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Hangouts allow you to call Turkey for free over the internet.