From currency exchange to housing costs, there’s no shortage of financial considerations for Aussie expats. Many of these are issues that you can sort out as soon as you arrive, but others will be ongoing costs. Communication with your friends and family back home is one of the latter costs. International phone calls can add up, particularly if you do some travelling while you’re in Europe. Here are a few tips to help you cut the cost of communication, whether it’s to stay in touch with loved ones or for international business.
VoIP services
We all use email to stay in touch with friends and family, but nothing beats talking face-to-face. If you’re like most expats, Skype is probably part of your regular routine. This is just one example of a VoIP or voice over internet protocol service, where voice and video calls are transmitted using packets of data over the internet. It does require a strong internet connection to use this type of service, which is fine in most of the UK.
VoLTE services
An alternative to VoIP services is the VoLTE service. Like VoIP, these services break up voice calls into smaller packets of data, but they’re transmitted over a super-fast LTE network. This can lead to a more reliable, crystal clear call if you have the service available. Most new phones come equipped for VoLTE, and a number of big-name providers like Nokia Networks offer this service to users.
Bundle your services
Another way to cut costs is to bundle all of your media services into one package. If you are paying for phone, internet, and cable from separate providers, you will generally pay a higher price even if you shop around. Phone up your providers and threaten to switch if you have a rolling contract. In most cases, they’ll offer you a better deal if you lump all your services into a single package. But at the same time, be aware of your media needs. If you rarely use your voice minutes because you rely on VoIP apps instead, you shouldn’t pay for a more expensive voice package. Compare options carefully to find something that best suits your habits.
Plan ahead for travel
Expats tend to do a lot of international travelling, but this can wreak havoc on your regular minutes and data package. In addition to your usual VoIP or VoLTE services, there are international calling apps that work slightly differently. Apps like Rebtel work by rerouting your call through a local number, which means that rather than paying for international calls you’ll simply pay local prices. In areas where internet reception is spotty and there’s no LTE, this could be a good option. Just be sure to plan ahead and download your apps in advance, and turn off roaming while abroad.
The bottom line
Life as an expat can be expensive – but there are numerous virtual aids that can help you cut costly bills down to size. International calling apps, VoIP services, and shopping around for the best prices will help you save. In most cases, a blend of all of the above will help you work out the best option tailored to your expat communication needs.
Photograph by Carlos R