Question Is it possible to make international calls?

[rufiqcavadov]

Hi everyone,
Sometimes I need to call international customer support numbers (for example Canon support) to get help with my printer. But when I try to call from Azerbaijan, my balance runs out very quickly — it’s really expensive.

Is there any way to make these kinds of international calls at a lower cost, or maybe through an app or setting that allows it?
Any suggestions or experiences would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[B. Diddy]

Many support sites have a chat option, which is often effective. Can you try that?

 

[rufiqcavadov]

Many support sites have a chat option, which is often effective. Can you try that?

Thanks for the suggestion! I know some companies offer chat support, but in many cases I really need to speak to someone on the phone, especially for detailed troubleshooting. I’m mainly looking for ways to make international calls more affordable from Azerbaijan.

 

[VidJunky]

Chat is definitely going to be easiest on your wallet but here are a couple of things you can look into. I'm in the States and here some carriers, Verizon being mine, offer special rates if you know that you are going to be making international calls, vs just calling on a whim. The way you describe it however this may not be the best option for you unless you're calling on a consistent basis. I don't imagine you're having that many issues with your printer, but who knows. Anyway, you might also try a service like Google Voice, if it is available in your region. I want to say that it is associated with Google's FI carrier service but I'm not 100% sure of that, however it does offer the option to make international calls at Google's rate. Maybe that would be a lower rate than your carrier?

You don't say what device you have, but I know some versions of devices have dual SIM. There could be a discount carrier service with international calling you could use for that second SIM slot.

 

[rufiqcavadov]

Chat is definitely going to be easiest on your wallet but here are a couple of things you can look into. I'm in the States and here some carriers, Verizon being mine, offer special rates if you know that you are going to be making international calls, vs just calling on a whim. The way you describe it however this may not be the best option for you unless you're calling on a consistent basis. I don't imagine you're having that many issues with your printer, but who knows. Anyway, you might also try a service like Google Voice, if it is available in your region. I want to say that it is associated with Google's FI carrier service but I'm not 100% sure of that, however it does offer the option to make international calls at Google's rate. Maybe that would be a lower rate than your carrier?

You don't say what device you have, but I know some versions of devices have dual SIM. There could be a discount carrier service with international calling you could use for that second SIM slot.

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, I live in Azerbaijan, and services like that aren’t really available here — the international call rates are quite expensive. Do you know of any other alternatives I could try?

 

[VidJunky]

I found this article, maybe one of f these might work for you.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://tech.co/business-phone-systems/international-phone-call-apps&ved=2ahUKEwjMsZLDtJWQAxWWGtAFHUJ6Ls0QFnoECCMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2DqTEscxo_XwEEvKQd3RIE