One of the biggest concerns for anyone who decides to live abroad is how to stay connected with loved ones, friends, and colleagues back home. Certainly, the fear of being isolated and not in touch is something that prevents some from deciding to move to another country.

Expensive long distance phone costs and poor quality telecommunications service were once real issues that hampered life overseas. However, times have changed. Current technologies now enable low cost and even free phone calls to and from anywhere in the world. And, the quality and consistency of the connections are crystal clear, too.

Through the use of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology, anyone, anywhere can make a call by simply using a PC and an internet connection. The technology is readily available, convenient, and dramatically less expensive than traditional phone service. Because of this, it’s the ideal communication solution for individuals who have chosen an international lifestyle but still want to stay in touch with contacts back home.

VoIP works very similar to a telephone line, but instead of the phone being plugged into the wall, calls are made through an internet connection. With the use of software from a VoIP provider, it’s as easy as plugging in an inexpensive headset or USB phone and dialing the number that you want to call. If a computer has built in speakers and a microphone, no additional equipment is needed at all.

Skype is the most widely-known provider of VoIP technology. First introduced in 2004, the company has grown in popularity primarily because of their free PC to PC calls. By downloading their software, a user of Skype can call other Skype users anywhere in the world for free.

Skype’s service becomes somewhat more complicated when trying to call someone other than a Skype user. To address this issue, they also offer a “Pay As You Go” plan and a variety of subscriptions that are billed monthly or annually. Prices vary depending on where users call, and there are additional fees to be aware of. Thus, it’s a good idea to read the small print before signing up and placing your first call.

As part of Skype’s subscription packages, they also include voicemail, call forwarding, text messaging, and an online number to enable others to call you from a regular phone to reach you on Skype.

For those who make frequent calls outside of their local area, there are a variety of other VoIP providers that deliver even less expensive options than Skype. One such company, MediaRing Talk has been on the cutting-edge of VoIP technology for over a decade. They are a well-known provider with an easy-to-use service for calling landlines and mobile phones that is particularly geared to expatriates and others living or traveling abroad.

Currently, MediaRing Talk offers free PC to PC calls globally just like Skype, but they also provide free PC to phone calls to eight countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and China. Rates to other global destinations are amongst the lowest in the industry. The company has also recently announced that they will be launching a new program that will enable members to enjoy unlimited free call benefits to 50 countries for $12.99 per month. The new program will also allow members to take advantage of unlimited talk time on every call made.

“We completely understand the need for reliable, inexpensive communications when living overseas,” says Robert Pearlstein, vice president of business development and marketing for MediaRing Talk. “Our unique business model is particularly well-suited for anyone who wants the convenience and flexibility to call any type of phone without having to worry about racking up long distance harges.”

Another VoIP provider that is a favorite of many expatriates and international travelers is Net2Phone. Like with Skype and MediaRing Talk, users must download software to take advantage of Net2Phone’s service. They offer low per minute rates on PC to phone calls and a variety of broadband phone service plans.

However, they are most recognized for their international prepaid calling cards. The cards are ideal for individuals who don’t have access to a PC or the Internet but still want to take advantage of the lower calling rates that VoIP technology enables. By prepaying for time on the card, cardholders can enjoy rates as low as 5 cents per minute for international calls.

Cell phones are also definitely an alternative to relying on VoIP or local phone service for long distance. However, roaming charges can get extremely expensive and reception might not always be adequate in certain locations. A far less costly and more reliable option is to purchase a prepaid cell phone once overseas for receiving calls and using VoIP on your PC for calling out.

As technology continues to improve, there will undoubtedly be even more advances that will facilitate cost-effective, widely available global communications. In the meantime, anyone who has decided to reside offshore can certainly reduce their costs for long distance by taking advantage of VoIP technology.