With all the low rates advertised on international calling, you might think getting in touch with friends and family around the world is both easy and cheap. But to the dismay of international callers the world over, it's becoming clear that many phone service providers advertise low rates then use surcharges and hidden fees to increase their profit margins. So what are some of the most common pitfalls with regard to international calling costs, and how can you be sure you're getting a deal that will deliver exactly what it promises?

One thing to look out for when making international calls is the price difference between calling to a landline and calling to a mobile phone. Calling to a mobile is usually much more expensive, yet many service providers will only advertise the lowest cost to call to any given country - which would be to a landline. If you plan on making calls to a mobile, make sure you know what you're going to pay for it.

Another technicality to keep an eye out for is peak hour calling costs versus non-peak costs. You might see a low calling rate advertised for non-peak hours; but if you plan to make your calls during peak times, the low non-peak rate won't do you any good. So make sure you know all the terms of any given service before deciding to utilise it for your international calls. In addition, a hidden cost to look out for is a high initial calling rate. For instance, some service providers might charge a much higher rate for the first few minutes of a call then decrease the charge to the low advertised rate for the rest of the call - so make sure you're aware of any increased initial rates.

Moreover, while most service providers will implement one-minute rounding for international calls, others round higher - so it's worth enquiring about how a provider rounds their minutes. Another thing to ask about is directory assistance calls. There's usually a flat fee for directory assistance calls, but some providers charge high rates - so ensure you know what the directory assistance rate is up front.

Finally, you'll want to enquire as to whether service providers require you to enter a contract. If you've never worked with a provider or heard any feedback regarding their services, you might be wary of entering a contract. However, if you do decide to enter into a contract, make sure you go over the contract with a fine tooth comb, so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.

Ultimately, whether you want to make , Australia, China or the US, you'll first want to make sure your provider will deliver on their implied terms. Do a bit of research, and choose a provider that's going to give you the best rates without the hidden costs and fees.