Being a digital nomad is a lifestyle typically based on remote work and involves travelling to different countries to work from them. This is considered by some to be an upgrade to the more traditional working-from-home model.
Digital nomads tend to move around frequently, so it’s essential to find the right tools to make international calls and stay in touch with their family and international network of friends. There can be many reasons that digital nomads need to make international calls. Client calls tend to be a regular part of digital nomad life, and they may also need to talk to work colleagues based in different countries. Unfortunately, family emergencies can also play a role, and it is essential to be able to call home reliably in case this becomes necessary.
We will look at some of the tools that are available to make calls internationally and the pros and cons of each, including cost, call quality and reliability.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Calling Tool
When choosing the correct tool for international calling, it is essential to consider several key factors, including the internet access available to you and its reliability. It can make a real difference whether you are on a fast and reliable WiFi connection or a 5G internet connection. This will directly affect the quality of the calling, based on the level of data transfer you can get.
The destinations you will be calling can also affect the tool you choose to use. Some tools are more widely available in certain regions, and others have high adoption rates in different countries. The tool you choose may differ if you plan to contact two different clients, one in the USA and another in China, for example.
The type of device you use to access the internet is also a consideration. This may determine whether you use a service that has a good website that is accessible via a computer or one that has a well-optimised app for smartphones. It also depends on how you feel most comfortable talking and whether you are in a peaceful place or a busy cafe. It can be easier to use a phone for calls in a busy place, whereas a laptop microphone may pick up a lot of ambient background noise.
There are several different call types you can make, including calls to landlines and mobile phones. You can choose between audio and video calls, as well as whether you require SMS integration. All of these will affect the choices you make for which service to use.
The amount of money that you have available to you can also help to narrow down the choices. If budget is a major consideration, this can definitely impact decisions. Budget has to be balanced with data privacy and security, and good research can help to protect your important documents and files while on a call.
Categories of International Calling Tools
There are several different categories of international calling tools. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Wi-Fi calling are popular because they utilize your internet connection and typically rely on a website or computer program to make free calls to other users of the same program. This relies on the other person using the same program, which can be challenging due to differential uptake in other countries.
Apps like BOSS Revolution typically work on smartphones, allowing users to make calls to both landlines and mobile phones, as well as send and receive SMS messages. There are various calling plans available to suit different budgets.
It is possible to purchase SIM cards and e-SIMs in different countries, which allow you to access local mobile internet data from your phone or other internet-connected device. The quality of the internet access provided may vary because the internet quality differs from region to region, even within the same country.
Calling cards are another way to call people in different countries. These can usually be bought in person or online and activated using your phone. They will give a certain number of minutes to call different countries. There are pinless calling cards that can be activated by clicking a link in your email.
Tips for Better International Calling as a Digital Nomad
When using the internet abroad, it can be challenging to determine whether you’re getting a good deal. If you ever need to test the speed of the internet connection you are using, simply search for “internet speedtest” and you will find options that will show you how fast your internet access currently is.
Knowing your options and thoroughly researching what is available will ensure that working and calling from another country can be done with minimal stress, allowing you to enjoy your new location. If you plan to use a SIM or e-SIM in a different country, it makes sense to research compatibility before you travel and understand how to activate it upon arrival.
Testing multiple apps is an excellent idea, allowing you to determine which one best suits your needs as a digital nomad. Once you settle on a viable option, keep the next-best one as a backup, because outages can occur and they can be stressful when you’re trying to do your job, call clients, or host meetings.
Conclusion
The life of a digital nomad can be one of adventure, as they visit many different countries and live like a local for a while. It can also be stressful if you haven’t prepared enough for the eventualities that you may face.
Being prepared and researching the internet connectivity at your destination, as well as the available apps and options for calling home, will be incredibly helpful, allowing you to land on your feet and settle into a routine quickly.
There are many options, including calling cards, e-SIMS, VoIP, and WiFi Calling. High-quality calling apps, such as BOSS Revolution, which also integrate messaging, can help make life easier by allowing you to stay in touch with those who are important to you, whether they are clients, colleagues, business prospects, or family.
