The ability to place international phone calls is a valuable skill in an age where the business world is increasingly global. While email is efficient for quick and casual communications, there is no replacement for the personal touch of a phone call. Unlike U.S. numbers, which have a standard format with a three-digit area code and seven-digit phone number, Japanese numbers have a variety of formats.

Skype is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOiP) service that you can set up on your PC to receive free calls from other Skype members. Once you download and install the Skype program on your PC, you can make and receive calls from other Skype members. Skype also allows you to send and receive text and instant messages, transfer files, screen share, and make conference and video calls. Skype offers both paid and free services.

Calling your friends and family internationally makes all the difference when you don't have to worry about long-distance charges. Regardless of where your loved ones live in the world, you don't have to worry about a high phone bill with overage costs for going over your minutes or incurring international charges for long-distance calling. With the proper software and mobile phone, you can take advantage of free calling using your mobile phone's Internet connection, also called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. You can use Wi-Fi or a 3G network.