Free Calls to US, Canada & Low Call Rates to Other Countries via Gmail

Google now offers free calls to the U.S. and Canada and very low call rates to other countries abroad throughout 2011 via Gmail.

That is if you hadn't already know.

It is only now that I took a closer look about this Google service after seeing a comment notification to my other blog today, sort of an advertisement.

So this is what a good friend has been yapping about a few days back.

Here's what Google is offering:

Country	CALL RATES
United States	Free
Canada	Free
UK Landline	$ 0.02/min
UK Mobile	$ 0.18/min
UK Landline	$ 0.02/min
Mexico Mobile	$ 0.19/min
Mexico Landline	$ 0.10/min
France Mobile	$ 0.15/min
France Landline	$ 0.02/min
Japan Mobile	$ 0.11/min
Japan Other	$ 0.02/min

Japan, is of interest to me as I have two sisters there. This is definitely worth exploring. Here's the complete list of countries you can call and the respective call rates.

First, you need a gmail account. And then, you need to install a plug-in. Of course, your PC should have a headset or earphone + mic. This won't be a problem with smartphones like Nokia E7 capable of accessing gmail.

Google does not allow emergency calls though. And the free calls to US & Canada may only be for 2011. Here's the complete legal notice from Google for this service.

Have you tried this already?