Google Voice finally went international in 38 countries. After years of offering the free calls service in US and Canada, now people outside of US can enjoy this
amazing portability service which lets you connect and receive calls via a single google voice number.
Starting today, if you use Gmail you might see an Call button under the chat list on the left side in your gmail. Try logging in and check if you see it enabled. I believe you still need the Google Voice Plugin which needs to be installed. (I already have it so am not sure if its directly connected to gmail voice calls). If prompted, then you must download it.
Although Gmail Voice calls are extended its not very clear whether the Google Voice service and one number portability is available outside of USA. You can try if you actually get an access to it. From the Google Voice blog post, it seems its only a gmail voice calling feature and doesn't actually give you access to Google Voice features.
However, its not a free international calling service as you still have to pay charge per minute. They have lowered the calling rates to over 150 destinations around the world. For example, it’s now only $0.10 (or €0.08) per minute to call mobile phones in the U.K., France or Germany (landlines are $0.02/min), $0.15/minute to call mobile phones in Mexico and $0.02/min to call any phone number in China and India.
Please note that if you live in US or canada, you can continue to call US and Canada for free but people outside of USA, will not be able to call free to these countries. All calls originated from outside of US, will be charged at 1 cent per minute to US & Canada.
Google voice has certainly gone international but we are surely looking for those awesome Google Voice features to invade the world. Till then, Lets make calls via Gmail Voice.
