How to Make an International Call on Google Voice
Google Voice is a popular voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) service that allows users to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and access various other features. One of the most useful features of Google Voice is its ability to make international calls. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making an international call on Google Voice.
Step 1: Setting Up Google Voice
Before you can make an international call on Google Voice, you need to set up your account. Here’s how:
- Go to the Google Voice website (www.google.com/voice) and sign in with your Google account.
- Click on the "Create a new Google Voice number" button.
- Choose a phone number for your Google Voice account. You can choose from a variety of phone numbers, including your current phone number, a new number, or a number from a different country.
- Note: You can only use a phone number that is registered with Google Voice. If you want to use a different phone number, you can do so, but you will need to set up a new Google Voice account.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Google Voice Number
Once you have set up your Google Voice number, you need to set it up to make international calls. Here’s how:
- Go to the Google Voice website (www.google.com/voice) and sign in with your Google account.
- Click on the "Settings" button.
- Scroll down to the "Phone numbers" section.
- Click on the "Make international calls" button.
- Note: You can only make international calls from the United States. If you want to make international calls from a different country, you will need to set up a new Google Voice account.
Step 3: Adding a Google Voice Number to Your Phone
To make an international call on Google Voice, you need to add a Google Voice number to your phone. Here’s how:
- Go to your phone’s settings app.
- Scroll down to the "Phone" or "Calls" section.
- Look for the "Google Voice" option and select it.
- Note: You can only add a Google Voice number to your phone if it is registered with Google Voice. If you want to add a Google Voice number to your phone, you will need to set up a new Google Voice account.
Step 4: Making an International Call on Google Voice
Now that you have set up your Google Voice number and added it to your phone, you can make an international call on Google Voice. Here’s how:
- Dial the phone number you want to call using your phone’s keypad.
- Note: You can only make international calls from the United States. If you want to make international calls from a different country, you will need to set up a new Google Voice account.
International Call Rates
Google Voice charges international call rates based on the destination country. Here are some examples of international call rates:
- United States to Canada: $0.25 per minute
- United States to Mexico: $0.25 per minute
- United States to the UK: $0.30 per minute
- United States to Australia: $0.30 per minute
- United States to Japan: $0.35 per minute
Additional Features
Google Voice also offers additional features that can make your international calls more convenient. Here are some examples:
- Google Voice Auto-Attendant: This feature allows you to set up an auto-attendant that answers calls from your Google Voice number and transfers them to the person you want to call.
- Google Voice Call Forwarding: This feature allows you to forward calls from your Google Voice number to another phone number or email address.
- Google Voice SMS: This feature allows you to send and receive text messages from your Google Voice number.
Conclusion
Making an international call on Google Voice is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay in touch with friends and family who live in other countries. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your Google Voice number and make international calls with ease. Remember to check the international call rates and additional features that Google Voice offers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
Table: International Call Rates
| Destination Country | International Call Rate |
|---|---|
| Canada | $0.25 per minute |
| Mexico | $0.25 per minute |
| UK | $0.30 per minute |
| Australia | $0.30 per minute |
| Japan | $0.35 per minute |
Bullet List: Additional Features of Google Voice
- Google Voice Auto-Attendant: Set up an auto-attendant that answers calls from your Google Voice number and transfers them to the person you want to call.
- Google Voice Call Forwarding: Forward calls from your Google Voice number to another phone number or email address.
- Google Voice SMS: Send and receive text messages from your Google Voice number.