Generally each cell phone service provider has the freedom to create its own tariffs for calls to local, national, mobile and non-geographic numbers etc. Due to local tariffs and phone service, rates are almost always higher when calling a cell phone.

The question then arises: how can you make an international call? The answer is that you can still use your cell phone, but you will probably be charged higher rates and it will probably be on a per call basis. So the next question would be: How can I avoid paying the outrageous fees charged by my cellular provider? One option is to purchase a prepaid international calling card and use your cell phone to call on it.

With so many governing bodies involved in international telecommunications, be prepared for an occasional problem when using a prepaid international phone card. For example, in some countries the local mobile service provider may block your phone card access number. If this happens, you can try using your phone card with an alternative phone such as a home phone or hotel phone. There are often restrictions on use of cell phones with prepaid calling card services, and often payphones may not be used, but hotel phones can be. These special conditions are usually stated in the calling card details, so choose an international calling card wisely.

Also, you always want to check the rate of your call from your mobile before using a card. When roaming or when using your cell phone in other countries, you will get charged much higher charges for making a call, so you will want to ask your cell phone provider for the cost of the call you want to make to the access number. You do not need to mention that it's a phone card number, just mention the number itself. This is because any charges your cell phone would charge for calling the toll-free access numbers would still apply. The rates will depend on the home service area or country of your calling plan. This is the biggest disadvantage to using a prepaid phone card. You not only pay upfront to get the phone card minutes, but you also get charged when you get connected to the calling card access number.

One alternative to using a prepaid international phone card is what is known as pin less international dialing right from your cell phone. This is making a call directly from your cell phone. Check with your provider to see if they offer discounts whether your provider be SBC Cingular Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint or any other billed or prepaid mobile phone plan.

Another alternative is to get a GSM mobile phone that operates on the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 or on the GSM 1900 frequencies. These phones are also known as international cell phones because with the appropriate SIM card you can receive coverage in almost every country in the world.

In summary, sing an international calling card to make calls on your cell phone is possible. The drawback to doing so is that you are more than likely going to be faced with extra charges.