International Calls are made between different countries. These telephone calls are processed by international gateway exchanges (switches). Early high rates for these calls declined very much during the 20th century due to advances in technology and liberalization. Originally they were placed via long distance operator. The calls were transmitted by cable, communications satellite, radio, and more recently, fiber optics and VOIP. IDD or ISD (International Direct Dialing) was introduced in the 1970s, so calls can be dialed by country code without an operator.

International calls can be paid via telephone card (aka phone card, calling card). These popular telecommunications products allow users to initiate an international call from virtually anywhere in the world. These cards typically offer rates lower than most traditional long distance products and services, and can be used via land line, cellular phone, PBX, and some VOIP services, as well as from some airports and hotels.