When making an international phone call, rates per-minute can vary widely depending on the country you are trying to reach. Some nations may be isolated from Europe or the United States both in a geographical or political sense. As a general rule of thumb, this kind of situation usually results in those countries being more expensive to call.

The map below indicates 10 of the most expensive destinations to reach with an international phone call.  We’ve further compiled some example pricing below, based on an average of the leading telecommunications companies in the US.  This can give you a good base for comparison when comparing rates with online VoIP services like Skype, Tango and Rebtel etc.

Be aware that results and statistics fluctuate and are representative of a snapshot in time, Q4 of 2015

 1. North Korea ($2.49 Verizon/$2.49 Sprint)

The North Korean telecommunication market is indeed a unique one. Expats in the country are given access to a completely different network than locals and the two networks do not interchange.  Sanctions imposed on North Korea, and high tariffs in the country, contribute to extremely high rates.

 2. Madagascar ($2.38 Verizon/ $2.29 Sprint)

Madagascar imposes heavy costs of doing business on telecommunications providers, which are passed on to callers into that country.

 3. Comoros ($2.07 Verizon/$2.07 Sprint)

Comoros imposes heavy tax burdens that affect calls into the country.

 4. Chad ($1.99 Verizon/ $2.11 Sprint)

Chad imposes high taxes on calls ending in this country.

 5. Guinea-Bissau ($1.85 Verizon/ $1.82 Sprint)

Guinea-Bissau also imposes heavy cost structures on telecommunications providers, including high taxes on calls terminating in that country.

 6. Laos ($1.52 Verizon/ $1.49 Sprint)

Laos imposes a high tax burden on calls terminating in that country.

 7. Vanuatu ($1.49 Verizon/$1.49 Sprint)

Vanuatu imposes high taxes on calls terminating in that country.

 8. Tuvalu ($1.49 Verizon/$1.49 Sprint)

Tuvalu imposes heavy cost structures on telecommunications providers, including high taxes on calls terminating in that country.

 9. Nauru ($1.49 Verizon/$1.38 Sprint)

Nauru imposes heavy costs of doing business on telecommunications providers, which are passed on to callers into that country.

 10. Cuba (Verizon $1.19/ $1.19 Sprint)

Cuba traditionally also imposes a high tax burden on all calls terminating in the country.  Interestingly though, as the country gradually move closer to leading western market economies, you can expect to see call rates fall.

Save on Expensive International Calls

When you need to place calls to expensive destination like those above, or in fact any for international call, there are better options to help alleviate some of the financial burden. Low-cost alternatives offer VOIP and inexpensive calling to help circumvent high international rates. Whether you want to check in with loved ones or need to communicate with business contacts in other countries, services like Rebtel make it possible to stay connected without breaking your budget.