Some international carriers are beginning to offer free downloads for smartphones that will detect when an international call is being made and automatically route the call to a 'dial-around' access number for completion over their network. This works the same as using a calling card except the software in the phone does all the access number and PIN dialing rather than the user.

One such carrier is Tel3 Mobile. For international calls originating from the US it's hard to beat their...

Using an international calling card is the most common way to "dial-around" AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile to avoid the expensive rates charged by their cell phone international calling plans. They will allow you to direct dial international calls using 011 in front of the international number, same as on a landline, but their standard rates are well over $1/minute in most cases. They all have discounted international rates for an additional monthly service charge of around $4-$5...