A meeting of the heads of government of the CIS countries was held in Minsk

Modern means of communication allow you to communicate with family and friends regardless of their location. And boundaries on a map, or distances of hundreds of kilometers, are not a problem. The most popular international call destinations for subscribers of Russian operators are the CIS countries and other republics of the former USSR, which is connected both by close family ties and communications between business partners.

Today we offer an overview of the current tariffs of the main mobile operators for international calls: which one to choose for profitable calls abroad to the CIS countries, and what additional options allow you to get even cheaper calls.

How cheap internet calls work

For calls over the Internet, IP telephony is used. It does not use traditional telephone lines, providing voice data transmission through existing Internet channels. Thanks to this, communication via IP telephony is several times cheaper than cellular communications and landline telephony.

If the heart of city telephony is an automatic telephone exchange, then the heart of IP telephony is the server of the SIP operator. It is he who ensures the switching of subscribers and directs calls in the right direction. Using IP telephony, you can call a mobile phone, a landline phone, as well as another IP telephony subscriber in the same or another network (a subscriber of a different operator).

IP telephony does not require the installation of expensive and maintenance-intensive telephone lines. Instead, ubiquitous Internet channels are used. Thanks to the compression of digital voice data, tens of thousands of calls can be transmitted over one channel in any direction. Let's see what happens when a call is made:

• An IP telephony subscriber dials a number, after which his equipment connects to the server of the selected operator;
• The operator’s server looks for another subscriber in its network, sends a request to cellular communication or landline telephony systems - depending on the direction of the call;
• Next, the interlocutors connect to each other - as mentioned above, they can be on different IP networks and use different communication systems.

The entire chain largely consists of Internet channels connected to each other. The cost of traffic in them is cheap, thanks to which IP telephony users enjoy low prices for calls.

If both subscribers use the same IP telephony operator, then communication between them is completely free - even if the interlocutors are on different ends of the planet.

Approximate cost of calls via IP telephony:

• In Russia – within 1-4 rubles/min, depending on the direction;
• To CIS countries – from 3 to 40 rubles/min;
• To underdeveloped foreign countries – from 20 to 50 rubles/min;
• To developed foreign countries – from 0.5 to 5 rubles/min.

Oddly enough, the cheapest destinations are often the USA, Australia and Canada. At the same time, calls to CIS countries are more expensive - here Belarus is often the most expensive destination.

Paid and free calls to any city in the world

Any IP telephony operator will offer paid calls to any city in the world. Tariffing is carried out according to the current tariff schedule and the tariff plan chosen by the subscriber. To start making calls, you need to register an account and top up your account with a bank card, through a terminal or e-wallet.

As for free calls, they are provided within the framework of:

• Current promotions - for example, operators provide subscribers with free directions. The duration of the free period is 1-2 days;
• Cash bonuses – new subscribers are provided with bonus funds that can be spent on calls in any direction;
• As part of bonus points or credits - they are earned, won, or accepted as a gift.

You won’t be able to use free calls on a regular basis - promotions and discounts are short-term, and credits and bonus points are almost never used. As for cash bonuses for new subscribers, they are provided under conditions that exclude the registration of a large number of accounts.

By the way, free calls to any city in the world are provided within popular instant messengers. Their list included WhatsApp, Viber, Skype and Telegram. If both interlocutors use the same messenger, they will be able to talk without the slightest cost - even if they are in different cities and countries.

As for the Viber and Skype instant messengers, they provide the ability to call mobile and landline numbers around the world with payment from the internal balance. There are two types of tariffs - per minute or subscription. The second option is more profitable, as it involves lower cost of calls.

Profitable calls to other countries

provides low cost of calls to Asian and CIS countries for subscribers of the “Smart” tariff line.

Terms of use

The service operates on the tariffs “Smart mini”, “Smart”, “Smart Nonstop”, “Smart Unlimited”, “Smart Top”, “ULTRA”, “X”, “My Unlimited”, “Our Smart”, “Tariffishe”, "My Smart" Connection is possible on all current and archived versions of the listed tariff plans. When switching to any other package, the option will be automatically disabled.

You can use it on your home network and when traveling around the Russian Federation within the operator’s coverage area.

The archived tariff “Smart Unlimited 052016” with the activated service does not provide a discount on outgoing calls to MTS numbers in Armenia and Vodafone in Ukraine. Calls are paid according to the basic tariff for international calls from MTS. At MTS Armenia, the first 60 minutes of calls during the day are paid at these rates, then the cost is reduced to 9 rubles/minute.

It works only if the tariff has the “International access” or “Easy roaming and international access” options connected.

The service is mutually exclusive with “Beneficial international calls”, “MTS countries”, “Favorite country Kazakhstan/Tajikistan/Uzbekistan/China/South Korea/Vietnam/Ukraine/Armenia/The whole world”.

You can activate the option with a USSD request *111*965#. In the menu that opens, select “1”. You can also add it in your Personal Account or on your smartphone in “My MTS”. It is located in the ". You can disable it in the same ways.

Price

The service is activated and works free of charge in Moscow and the Moscow region. Prices may vary in other regions. The exact price can be found out when connecting the option in your Personal Account or by contacting the Support Service.

Cost of outgoing calls to other countries within the service

The cost of calls abroad, provided the option is activated, is indicated below.

Prices are valid only for outgoing calls to numbers with codes listed in the table.

Internet services for free international calls

Let's move on to services and operators that provide the opportunity to call via the Internet for free or with minimal expense. Their list includes three Russian SIP providers with really low prices for international calls.

Zadarma

This provider is actually ready to offer free international calls for every new subscriber. For this purpose, each new subscriber is given a bonus of 20 rubles. Not so much, but it’s enough to check the quality of the connection. And given the low cost of international calls, you can have time to talk with friends or relatives living abroad.

For example, the cost of calls to the USA on the Economy tariff is only 0.54 rubles/min. Taking into account the bonus, the duration of the free call will be 37 minutes. Calls to Kazakhstan cost from 2.08 rubles/min, the bonus is enough for almost 10 minutes of conversation. Calls to Ukraine cost from 1.65 rubles/min, the bonus is enough for almost 12 minutes of conversation. Another cheap destination is Mexico, calls here cost 0.448 rubles/min, the bonus is enough for almost 40 free minutes.

IP telephony from Zadarma is really cheap - several times cheaper than a landline phone or cellular connection. For example, with the Tele2 operator on the “Classic” tariff, the cost of calls to Mexico and Europe costs 69 rubles/min, to the CIS countries – 30 rubles/min. Compare with the prices above and find out how much you can save on every minute of a call via IP telephony.

Connecting to Zadarma is extremely simple:

• Fill out the registration form;
• Confirm your registration using the link in the email;
• Add your mobile phone number to the system to receive a bonus.

To call abroad, go to the “Services – Call from website” menu. Here is a simple web phone with a virtual keyboard. Connect a headset or microphone with headphones to your computer, dial the number of your interlocutor and wait for an answer. Don’t forget to top up your account with a card, electronic money, through Sberbank Online or in the terminal - the bonus tends to end.

Feedback from our reader

My company required IP telephony that would meet a number of requirements: the presence of a PBX, the ability to use numbers from different regions, reasonable prices and the ability to quickly resolve issues.
I chose from several providers on the market, and finally settled on Zadarma, it meets all our requirements. More details >>> Advantages of Zadarma over other operators:

• Low prices for international calls on any tariff plans. The “Unlimited” tariff with a subscription fee of 790 rubles/month is very profitable - this price includes 2000 minutes for calls to 80 countries. The operator also has a “Standard” tariff plan, which includes 100 free minutes monthly - the list of destinations includes Moscow landline numbers, landline numbers in Poland, Great Britain and Spain, as well as any numbers in the USA, China and Canada. To receive free minutes, you need to top up your account monthly with an arbitrary amount (at least 5 rubles);
• Instant connection – filling out the form, confirming registration and entering your mobile phone number to receive a bonus takes no more than 2-3 minutes;
• There is a bonus for free international calls and a tariff with free minutes in seven directions - these are unique features of the operator that other IP telephony providers do not have;
• A convenient application for Windows, Android and iOS - it does not require complex settings and has a simple interface. Turn your smartphone into a full-fledged SIP phone in 2 minutes and use inexpensive international calls even via the mobile Internet;
• High voice quality on all tariff plans - the operator uses premium routes for high-quality communications and impeccably fast connections with interlocutors.

Zadarma is a leader in the field of cheap international communications with any country in the world.

Sipnet

This operator began its activities in Russia, and today it is registered in the Czech Republic. But this does not matter much - low tariffs for international calls for Russian subscribers are much more important. The operator has created the “International” tariff specifically for calls abroad. It is provided without a monthly fee, calls are billed per minute. Prices for some destinations:

• Israel, stationary – 0.16 rubles/min (0.21 rubles/min);
• USA, stationary – 0.32 rubles/min (0.43 rubles/min);
• Germany, stationary – 0.14 rubles/min (0.19 rubles/min);
• Ukraine, stationary – 8.16 rubles/min (11.12 rubles/min);
• Hong Kong, mobile – 1.87 rubles/min (2.54 rubles/min);
• China, any numbers – 7.79 rubles/min (10.61 rubles/min);
• Czech Republic, stationary – 1.37 rubles/min (1.86 rubles/min);
• Australia, stationary – 0.77 rubles/min (1.05 rubles/min).

The cost of the first and every fifth minute of conversation is indicated in parentheses, which creates some confusion and makes the tariff plan more expensive than it seems.

The Sipnet operator does not have free minutes or bonuses when connecting - this is a minus. A few years ago there were promotions with free directions, but today they do not work. An interesting offer would be to double the balance when you replenish your account for the first time - the bonus size ranges from 25% to 100% or up to 1000 rubles, depending on the replenishment amount. The subscriber can take part in the promotion only once. The proposed bonus will make some calls free.

Telphin

Another operator worthy of inclusion in our review is Telphin. The company is old and proven, it provides high-quality communications and relatively low rates for international calls. For individuals, we recommend the “Per-minute” tariff plan, which is provided without a subscription fee. Cost of calls to individual directions:

• Australia, landline – 1.2 rubles/min;
• Belarus – 35 rub/min;
• Brazil – 9 rubles/min;
• Canada – 0.6 rub/min;
• China – 1 rub/min;
• Cyprus – 5 rubles/min;
• Czech Republic – 7.4 rubles/min;
• Egypt – from 7.5 rub/min;
• Finland – 25 rub/min;
• Greece – 3 rubles/min;
• Israel – 3.15 rubles/min;
• USA – 0.75 rub/min.

A complete list of directions with call costs is published on the official website of the Telphin operator.

The operator focuses on connecting corporate clients, so all promotions apply only to them. There are no free minutes or bonuses - this is a minus.

FreeCall

This is a foreign IP telephony service aimed at calls around the world. The official website is completely in English, but with the help of a translator you can figure out what's what. The service provides an application for calls for computers and mobile devices; you can also make calls through a browser. Call costs:

• Free to US mobile and landline phones;
• Great Britain – from 0.4 euro/min;
• Türkiye – from 0.026 euro/min;
• Thailand – from 0.035 euro/min;
• Australia, landlines – free;
• Canada – from 0.01 euro/min.

Thus, FreeCall is suitable for those who need free calls to US numbers and UK landlines.

Evaphone

From the website of this service there is a direct link to the Calls.Online service. It promises users free calls in exchange for certain credits - they need to be earned by installing games and applications on their smartphone or tablet. The service also operates a lottery - every 1-2 hours subscribers are shown a voucher code for free calls. But user reviews indicate that it is impossible to win. Otherwise, this is the simplest telephony service with not the lowest prices for calls (the legal entity is unknown, support is provided only via Skype).

Flash2Voip

This is not an IP telephony service, but a web phone written in Flash technology - outdated, unreliable and insecure. You can log in to your phone with a Sipnet account and make calls at the rates of this operator. The Gtalk-to-VoIP service, created for foreign users, is also supported. There is no tariff schedule on the website; the cost of calls for each direction must be calculated using a calculator. Verdict – the service is not recommended for use.

Non-working services

The telephony services iCall, Jaxtr, Globe 7 and Poketalk are not working - they have ceased to exist. We recommend using the working services and operators described in our review.

Call options

Each operator has various options that allow you to get discounts when making international calls. However, not all of them offer particularly favorable conditions in certain areas that the user needs.

Thus, given MegaFon’s wide range of individual tariff plans, the “Call to all countries” option is available, which can be used on any tariff. It gives discounts to all countries, and is paid daily from the second month (2 rubles), and for the first month of use 60 rubles.

But several services are available on MTS, and their use depends on the tariff package connected by the subscriber. Thus, there is a service “Profitable calls to other countries”, which completely replicates the “Your Country” and “Guest” tariffs. It can be used for free on almost all package plans.

“Beneficial international calls” is similar to MegaFon’s offer, but costs ten rubles less. Calls are charged from one and a half rubles, and in some directions it is a little more expensive than MegaFon. So, if MTS costs ten rubles for European numbers, then nine rubles per minute for MegaFon.

There are also unlimited international calls, and MTS proves this with the “Favorite number of Ukraine and Armenia” service. You can select up to three numbers in these partner network countries and talk without restrictions, paying only the cost of the service itself. But the price differs from the tariff plan used. For the package it is 190 rubles per month, and for the rest it is 60 rubles more expensive.

Beeline has a “Welcome” line of services, which you can use for free, but only on package tariffs. Please note that although the options are absolutely identical, there are two versions. With the prefix “2018” it is connected to numbers at the minimum tariffs.

“Simple Geography” is available to all Tele2 subscribers with a daily payment of two rubles. The option is similar to the offers of MegaFon and MTS, and the only difference is the daily payment and lower cost of calls in certain directions.

Mobile applications for calling abroad

All applications created for calls abroad belong to IP telephony operators. A typical example of this is the Zadarma application for Windows. It works closely with the Zadarma operator, which provides attractive rates for calls to international numbers - we recommend using this combination. The application is available on Android and iOS. Similar applications are Yandex.Telephony, Mango Talker, Rostelecom Phone and many others.

Also, the application stores are full of software designed to work with any SIP operators. These are universal softphones, multifunctional, allowing you to make calls via home, work or mobile Internet. Examples of applications are Zoiper, Linphone, Sipnetic, Sipdroid and many others.

Tariff plans

The largest selection of special tariffs is available from MegaFon. Typically, mobile operators offer a separate tariff offer for international communication without mandatory payment, and MegaFon also has packages.

The special feature of the “Warm Welcome” line is the ability to choose the most optimal use case for yourself, and receive not only profitable calls within the CIS, but also use the number for your smartphone as the main one.

Additionally, we note that the more expensive the tariff, the lower the price for international calls. So, if in the offer without a monthly fee you can call Uzbek numbers for six rubles per minute, then to “Warm welcome M” for 3.5 rubles.

MTS has only one tariff for calls abroad, and it does not have a mandatory payment. Its name may differ in different connection regions. Thus, in Moscow they offer “Your Country”, and for Novosibirsk subscribers “Guest”.

The difference from MegaFon's offer is the per-minute payment for local calls. To “Warm Welcome” after the first of the day in any local direction, a package of ten minutes is provided for twelve rubles.

Tele2 offers exclusive tariffs. There are two versions of “Transparent Borders”, differing both in the set of package services and in the payment option. A tariff with daily payment will cost more per month, but the number of minutes and traffic in it is greater. However, the monthly payment plan additionally offers unlimited access to YouTube, and not just instant messengers and social networks.

How to choose the cheapest way to call abroad

We managed to find out that calling abroad from a mobile phone is very expensive. Let's take the USA as an example - the cost of calls in this direction from Tele2 is 69 rubles/min. A call lasting 10 minutes will cost 690 rubles. By choosing the IP telephony operator Zadarma, we can call the “states” for only 0.54 rubles/min. In total, a call lasting 10 minutes will cost 5.4 rubles - this is more than 12 times cheaper than cellular communications.

The truly American Skype boasts attractive prices – calls to the USA start from 2.4 cents/min. It turns out to be cheap, but calls in other directions are noticeably more expensive than in IP telephony. In the Viber messenger, calls to the USA cost from 2.3 cents/min, other directions are more expensive.

Messengers are attractive due to their free internal calls. But not everyone uses them - there are people who use the phone only as a phone (calls and SMS). For calls to mobile and landline phones around the world, we recommend using IP telephony - this is the cheapest method of communication. The main thing is to choose the right tariff plan, focusing on priority areas.

The optimal operator from our review is Zadarma - subscribers can expect low prices for calls and fast connections. For the greatest savings, we recommend using the “Standard” tariff plan - there are seven free destinations with a package of 100 minutes. Savings will also be provided by the “Unlimited” tariff plan with a package of 2000 minutes in 80 directions - ideal for frequent international calls.

Profitable calls to Uzbekistan

The service from MTS allows you to make profitable calls to Uzbekistan.

Option Description

For the first 1,500 minutes per month, the price of a call with an active service is 4.95 rubles/minute. From 1501 – 7.95 rubles/minute.

Natalia

Technical specialist, user support on mobile communications issues.

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The option works on all Smart tariffs, Tariffishche, My Unlimited, X, Smart Unlimited, Smart +, Smart Zabugorishche, Smart NonStop, Our Smart in your region and traveling around the country in the operator’s network.

The service is mutually exclusive with other MTS options for calls abroad, as well as packages of minutes or minutes and messages to all countries.

How to connect

You can activate or deactivate the service using the command *111*904#. In the menu that appears, you need to select “1” or “2”.

You can add or remove an option in your Personal Account. If it is available for a tariff plan, you can find it in the “Available” or “Connected” section in the “Services” category. If it is not there, this means that you cannot use it on this tariff.