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Why Calling Africa from the USA Can Be Costly
Calling friends and family back in Africa from the United States can be surprisingly costly, despite technological advancements that have made international calling more affordable. Calling Africa from the USA stems from various factors.
Firstly, there is a lack of adequate connectivity between the United States and many African countries. This means most calls need to be routed through intermediary telecom carriers before reaching the destination network. All these hops and exchanges add up to extra charges passed on to the consumer.
Secondly, many telecom companies still charge very high rates for calls to Africa from the USA, much more than for calls to other regions. These charges are levied for connecting the calls and maintaining the infrastructure needed for communication between the continents.
Additionally, calling mobile phone networks in Africa often attracts premium charges, as most African telecom operators have priced international calls at a premium. They face the cost of terminating international calls on their networks.
To compound the issue, currency exchange rates and taxes on international calls also contribute to elevated pricing. And when making calls on a landline, per-minute charges rack up quickly. For immigrants and expats living in the USA, calling family and friends in Africa becomes very expensive owing to these factors. A short 10-minute call could cost over $10 in certain cases. Therefore, finding affordable ways to call Africa is essential for maintaining connections with loved ones. The costs should reduce as infrastructure and competition improve over time across networks. But currently, it remains a challenge that needs economical solutions.
How to call Africa from the USA
Here are the step-by-step instructions for calling Africa from the USA:
Step 1: Identify the best time to call
- Research the time zone in the African country you want to call and compare it to the US time zone.
- Avoid calling very early in the morning or late at night when recipients may be asleep.
Step 2: Choose a cost-effective calling method
- Options include international calling apps, VoIP calling, prepaid phone cards, or satellite phones.
- Compare rates offered by different providers.
Step 3: Dial the exit code
- On a landline or mobile phone, dial 011. This is the USA exit code for international calls.
Step 4: Dial the country code
- Each country in Africa has a unique country code. Examples:
- Algeria: 213
- Egypt: 20
- Nigeria: 234
Step 5: Dial the area code and local number
- Drop the leading 0 from the area code.
- Dial the full local number.
Step 6: Test the connection
- For internet-based calling, test the call quality before speaking for a long time.
- Switch locations or use alternatives if the sound quality is poor.
Step 7: Be aware of costs
- With cell phones, costs per minute can be very high.
- With VoIP or calling cards, monitor minutes are used to avoid unexpectedly high bills.
Following these steps carefully will help you stay connected to loved ones in Africa from the US while minimizing your calling costs. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Different Ways to Call Africa from the USA
There are several different options for calling Africa from the USA:
Using a Landline
Calling Africa directly from a landline phone is one of the more expensive options. Rates average $1–$3/minute with extra fees and taxes added. Use this method minimally to avoid high bills. Dial 011, followed by the country code, area code, and number. Monitor call length closely.
Using a Mobile Phone
Calling directly from a mobile phone typically incurs costly roaming charges of $2–$10 per minute. Some carriers offer international talk add-ons with a set number of minutes, but overages remain expensive. Disable roaming when travelling overseas. Only use a mobile phone minimally.
Using a Calling Card
Prepaid international calling cards offer a more affordable way to call Africa. Cards are available at retail stores or online. Dial the access number and enter your card details through the prompts to connect—per-minute rates average 5–20 cents with connection fees. Calling cards are convenient, but check the terms for hidden fees.
Using VoIP Services
VoIP (voice over IP) services like Skype, Callmama, and Google Voice utilize the internet to route calls. To use it, simply install the app and add funds if needed. WhatsApp calls to Africa are free if both parties have the app. Skype rates start at 1 cent per minute. Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection for the best VoIP call quality.
Other Tips
- Compare rates offered by different providers to find the cheapest option for your needs.
- Calling late at night or early in the morning is cheaper with some services, but time zone differences can mean recipients are asleep.
- Use a headset for the best call clarity on computer-based VoIP services.
Consider cost, call quality, and convenience when choosing the best method to call Africa from the United States. Let me know if you need any other advice on affordable international calling options!
Staying Connected with Loved Ones in Africa from the USA
Living abroad in the United States can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with the challenge of staying connected with friends and family back in your home country, Africa. Calling internationally from the USA using regular landlines or mobile phones typically incurs hefty charges, with average per-minute rates exceeding $1. Even short calls can lead to enormous phone bills that eat away at your budget. Luckily, you have many more affordable options for calling Africa these days beyond traditional phone carriers. By leveraging calling cards, mobile apps, voice over IP (VoIP) services, and dedicated international calling providers, you can slash the cost to call Africa from the USA to as low as 1 cent per minute. This blog will explore the most budget-friendly calling solutions, as well as tips for getting the best rates and call quality when phoning Africa.
Using Callmama to Save on Calls to Africa
Get a Local Virtual Number
The first way Callmama helps cut costs is by providing local virtual phone numbers for any country in Africa. This allows you to get a virtual number from the same country you are calling. Calls made to a local number are significantly cheaper than international calls from the USA.
Low per-minute rates
Even for calls you make to non-local numbers in Africa, Callmama offers highly affordable per-minute rates. This is drastically cheaper than conventional international calling rates to Africa, which can be $1 per minute or higher.
Multiple Calling Options
With Call Mama, you can make calls through their website, mobile app, or by dialling a local access number. This gives you the flexibility to call Africa from any device conveniently. The rates stay consistently low across all platforms.
No Contracts or Fees
There are no monthly fees or contracts to use Call Mama. You only pay for the minutes used on calls to Africa. This predictable, per-minute pricing model saves you money.
High Call Quality
Callmama utilizes modern VoIP technology to ensure excellent call quality and network reliability, so you can hear loved ones.
Easy to Get Started
Signing up with Call Mama takes just minutes. You can start calling Africa from the USA right away, with the convenience of an app or website.
By using Call Mama to call Africa from the USA, you can avoid the expensive fees that traditional phone carriers charge for international calls. Call Mama leverages innovative infrastructure to route calls over the Internet, bridging the gap between the United States and African countries at a fraction of the cost of legacy providers. Their advanced technology and discounted rates make calling Africa from the USA inexpensive and convenient. With Call Mama, you can call friends and family in Africa for as little as 1 cent per minute, slashing your phone bill compared to typical $1+ per minute charges. For affordable calls to Africa from the United States, Call Mama is the solution.
Key Takeaway: Callmama provides virtual local numbers and ultra-low international calling rates that reduce the cost of calling Africa from the USA by over 50% compared to other providers.
How Callmama APP Works
Step 1: Download the Callmama app.
First, download the free Call Mama app on your phone from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Step 2: Create an account.
Open the app and sign up for a free account by entering your email address or connecting your Google or Facebook account. Follow the verification steps.
Step 3: Buy Credit:
Purchase prepaid credit through the app to start making calls. The minimum recharge amount is $10. You can pay via credit card or PayPal.
Step 4: Get a Local Number:
Go to the Numbers menu and search for a local virtual number for the country you want to call. Please select it and assign it to your account.
Step 5: Make a call.
To make a call, open the app’s keypad dialer, enter the destination number, and press call. Alternatively, you can make calls directly from your phone’s native dialer using Callmama’s access numbers.
Step 6: Check Usage:
Your account dashboard shows real-time usage statistics, including minutes spent and remaining balance. It deducts credit automatically as you use the service.
That’s it! Follow these simple steps to start saving money on international calls using Callmama’s low-cost calling app and virtual numbers.
Tips on how to save money on international calls to Africa with Callmama, such as using the app, taking advantage of Callmama’s discounts and promotions, and signing up for a subscription
The app allows you to make international calls through the Internet., which is much cheaper than calling directly through your phone carrier. Download the app on your iOS or Android device and follow the instructions to set up an account. You can then purchase talk time credits to make calls through the app at discounted rates.
Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions
frequently offers discounts and promotions, such as first-time customer credits, referral bonuses, and seasonal sales. Check their website regularly and subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals. Using these can reduce your calling rates substantially.
Get a Subscription
Sign up for a monthly or annual subscription for the lowest rates. The Unlimited Africa plan includes unlimited calling to all African countries Subscriptions can save you 50% or more compared to pay-per-minute rates.
Take Advantage of Special Discounted Calling Rates
Callmama offers specially discounted rates to certain African countries that can be up to 50% less than standard rates. Check their country rate list to see the lowest-priced destinations. You can save a lot by dialling directly to numbers in these countries.
Avoid Roaming Charges
If you call Africa directly through your regular cell phone carrier, you will pay very high roaming charges, which are typically $5–10 per minute. Always use Call Mama to bypass these excessive fees and save.
Manage Data Usage
If you use the Call Mama app on your cell phone, make sure to disable cellular data and use only WiFi. This prevents you from incurring hefty data overage charges from your carrier. Limit app data usage to WiFi only.
I hope these tips help you save substantially on calls to Africa! Let me know if you need any other advice specific to reduce your calling costs.
Here is a comparison of Callmama’s international calling rates to Africa vs. some other popular providers:
In summary, Callmama offers some of the lowest rates available for calling Africa, whether through their app, subscriptions, or calling cards. The unlimited calling plan is almost half the price of competitors. Overall, Callmama provides very affordable options for keeping in touch with Africa. So now you can call Africa from the USA
Here is a table listing the country codes and area codes for major countries in Africa:
| Country | Country Code | City | Area Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 234 | Lagos | 01 |
| Abuja | 080 | ||
| Ethiopia | 251 | Addis Ababa | 011 |
| Egypt | 20 | Cairo | 02 |
| Alexandria | 095 | ||
| South Africa | 27 | Johannesburg | 011 |
| Cape Town | 021 | ||
| Kenya | 254 | Nairobi | 020 |
| Morocco | 212 | Casablanca | 0522 |
| Marrakech | 0528 | ||
| Tunisia | 216 | Tunis | 071 |
| Ghana | 233 | Accra | 0302 |
| Tanzania | 255 | Dar es Salaam | 022 |
| Uganda | 256 | Kampala | 0414 |
To call Africa from the USA, you would dial:
011 (USA exit code) + [Country Code] + [City Area Code] + [Local Number]
Let me know if you need the country codes and area codes for any other African countries!
Conclusion
Calling Africa from the USA to stay in touch with friends and family back home is important for many living in the United States. However, the cost of international calls can be prohibitively expensive using regular landline or mobile providers, with rates commonly exceeding $1 per minute. Luckily, there are far more affordable options available today. By leveraging calling cards, VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp, or international calling apps, the cost to call Africa from the USA can be slashed substantially. Per-minute rates can be as low as 1 cent per minute using these alternative calling methods.
When calling Africa from the USA, be sure to research country codes and local time zones first to ensure you reach the recipient at a convenient time and dial all numbers correctly. Testing the call quality beforehand and using stable WiFi helps optimize connections for app-based services. Monitoring talk times closely is key to controlling costs. Having an international calling plan with unlimited minutes is recommended for frequent callers to eliminate per-minute charges.
With so many great options now available for cheap calls to Africa from the United States, there is no longer any need to incur exorbitant phone bills. Services like Callmama make calling Africa simple and budget-friendly. By leveraging these innovative calling solutions, you can stay affordably connected with loved ones in African countries from the convenience of the USA.
FAQ
What is the best way to call Africa from the USA?
Some of the most affordable options are calling apps, VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp, international calling cards, or an international calling service like Callmama. These services offer per-minute rates as low as 1 cent.
How do I dial an African phone number from the USA?
First dial 011, the USA international exit code. Then dial the country code, city area code, and local number. Be sure to drop the leading zero from the city code.
What are the country codes for major African countries?
Some examples: Nigeria 234, Ethiopia 251, Egypt 20, South Africa 27, Kenya 254, Morocco 212.
What times are best to call Africa from the USA?
Research the time zone in the African country to determine peak waking hours. Avoid calling very early in the morning or late at night local time.
How can I avoid high bills when calling Africa on my cell phone?
Use WiFi whenever possible, and disable roaming to prevent costly roaming fees. Consider an international talk plan from your carrier.
How do I get the best call quality to Africa?
For internet-based calling, use a strong WiFi connection and test the call quality before speaking for long. Switch locations if the sound drops. Use a headset for computer calls.
What options does Callmama offer for cheap calls to Africa?
Callmama provides discounted per-minute rates, unlimited calling plans, call forwarding, conference calling, and other great features for calling in Africa from the USA.
What is the most cost-effective way to call Africa from the USA?
To minimize costs when calling Africa from the USA, consider using international calling apps, VoIP services, or international calling providers like Callmama. These options often offer lower per-minute rates compared to traditional phone carriers.
How do I dial an African phone number from the USA?
To dial an African phone number from the USA, start with 011 (the USA international exit code), followed by the country code, city area code, and local number. Make sure to omit the leading zero from the city area code.
What are the best times to call Africa from the USA to avoid waking recipients at odd hours?
Research the time zone of the African country you’re calling and compare it to the US time zone. Avoid making calls during very early mornings or late nights in the recipient’s local time to ensure they are awake and available to answer.
How can I avoid high bills when calling Africa from my cell phone in the USA?
To prevent high bills, use WiFi whenever possible when making international calls. Disable roaming on your mobile device to avoid costly roaming charges. Consider subscribing to an international talk plan from your carrier if you frequently make such calls.
What are the benefits of using Callmama for calling Africa from the USA?
Callmama offers several advantages, including discounted per-minute rates, the option for unlimited calling plans, local virtual numbers in African countries for lower costs, and easy-to-use apps for making international calls. It can significantly reduce your calling expenses when connecting with Africa from the USA.
