One of the most exciting elements of freelancing is the opportunity to work with people who live on the other side of the world. But co-ordinating international contracts can be challenging when you can’t meet face to face. Often the next best thing is to give them a call.

Here are our top tips to make those international calls go a little more smoothly:

1. Suggest Skype
Before you’re about to make an international call it’s always worth asking the question: Can we use Skype? Of course, to most contractors Skype is the eighth wonder of the world – especially as a Skype-to-Skype call has no associated cost. Skype truly puts the “free” into freelancing.

You may know all about Skype, but it is just possible that your employer may not. It could be a great way to start off your working relationship to introduce them to it. If a Skype-to-Skype call is not possible, then you can also call a telephone directly from it, although it may not be the cheapest option available for you.

2. Be Sure You’re Getting the Best International Rate
If you are not able to connect online, then you will have to start thinking about cost. International calling can be extremely expensive, and as the contractor you could reasonably expect your employer to pay for this or to initiate the call. It is definitely worth discussing this issue with them to ensure there is no ambiguity.

But if you are making the calls, it is worth doing your homework. There seem to be a zillion providers promising the best international rates, and it can be difficult knowing where to start. First, see if your own current provider has specific packages — particularly to numbers you may dial again and again — and then compare the packages to others. Look into specialist providers, for example JAJAH, who can offer heftily discounted international calls if both numbers are registered with them, although this is not available in all countries.

3. Know How to Track Down an International Number
Hopefully you will have the telephone number you need to dial at hand, but if you scribbled it down in a rush (is that a 6 or a 9?) and need to double check, there are a plethora of searchable directories out there. An excellent starting point is Numberway, which has extensive international coverage with handy country-specific listings of searchable commercial and residential telephone directories.

4. Do You Have the Right Country Code?
You may have the number, but the formatting of exactly what to dial for an international connection can be confusing. A very useful resource is Country Calling Codes which allows you to pick your home country and the country you are calling. Then it tells you exactly what to dial. It is completely idiot proof. The site can also be useful for when you are travelling and need to phone home.

5. Double Check the Difference Between Your Time Zones
Arranged to have a Skype call at 2:00 p.m.? Make sure you’ve both got the right time by checking out World Time Zones. You can search by country and city.

6. Remember Your Telephone Etiquette
Finally it is worth reminding yourself of some of the rules of telephoning employers, especially if it is early in your working relationship. Happy dialling!

Discovered a great resource for international calling? Let us know in the comments below.

Steve Bynghall is a freelance writer and consultant, specialising in collaboration, knowledge management and remote working issues. He is based in London, England.