There’s nothing like the thrill of exploring a new country. But that excitement can quickly fade when you return home to a shockingly high phone bill from calling loved ones. Traditional international roaming charges are notorious for being expensive, turning a quick ‘hello’ into a costly affair. Fortunately, we’re in 2026, and staying in touch doesn’t have to drain your travel budget.
This guide will walk you through the best methods for making cheap, or even free, international calls from anywhere in the world. The secret lies in using the internet for your calls, and the key to unlocking this is affordable, reliable mobile data. At Yoho Mobile, we specialize in providing that key. Ready to learn how to call home without fear? Let’s start by exploring our flexible data-only eSIM plans.
The Problem: Why Traditional International Calls Are So Expensive
When you use your regular carrier’s service to make a call from another country, you’re ‘roaming’ on a partner network. Your home provider has to pay that foreign network for using their infrastructure, and they pass those costs—plus a hefty markup—onto you. These per-minute rates can be astronomical, and even receiving calls can cost you money.
This old model is quickly becoming obsolete. Why pay these fees when a much smarter, cheaper alternative already exists in your pocket?
Your Secret Weapon: Voice over IP (VoIP) Technology
Voice over IP, or VoIP, is a technology that converts your voice into a digital signal and sends it over the internet. If you’ve ever used WhatsApp calling, Skype, or FaceTime Audio, you’ve used VoIP. Instead of relying on traditional phone lines and cellular voice networks, it simply uses your internet connection—be it Wi-Fi or mobile data.
This is the game-changer for travelers. By using data, you bypass roaming charges entirely, paying only for the data you use, which is significantly cheaper.
Method 1: Leveraging Wi-Fi Calling on Your Smartphone
One of the easiest ways to make calls is using a feature already built into most modern smartphones: Wi-Fi Calling. This allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network as if you were at home, often at your standard domestic rate (which might mean it’s free).
How to Enable Wi-Fi Calling:
- On iOS: Go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling, and toggle it on.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Calls & SMS, and look for the Wi-Fi Calling option. (The exact path may vary by manufacturer).
Pros: Uses your real phone number, so people can call you normally. Quality is usually excellent on a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Cons: You’re completely dependent on finding a reliable Wi-Fi network, which isn’t always possible when you’re out exploring. Before you travel, it’s always a good idea to check if your device supports modern connectivity options by reviewing an eSIM compatible devices list.
Method 2: The Best Apps for Free or Cheap International Calls
When Wi-Fi is unavailable, VoIP apps powered by mobile data are your best friend. All you need is a data plan, and you can talk for hours. Most major apps offer free calling to other users of the same app.
WhatsApp Calling
With over 2 billion users worldwide, chances are your friends and family already have it. Calls between WhatsApp users are completely free, using a small amount of data. It’s perfect for quick chats and long catch-ups alike. If you’re planning a trip through Southeast Asia, for example, a Yoho Mobile eSIM plan for Asia gives you ample data for calls, maps, and social media.
Skype
An old favorite, Skype is still one of the most versatile options. Skype-to-Skype calls are free. Its major advantage is the ability to call any landline or mobile number worldwide for a very low per-minute rate. You can buy Skype Credit, making it a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to traditional roaming for calling your hotel or a local tour operator.
FaceTime Audio
For those in the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime Audio offers crystal-clear call quality and is completely free between Apple devices. It uses data very efficiently, making it an excellent choice for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
The Key to Freedom: Secure and Affordable Mobile Data with an eSIM
Wi-Fi is great, but you can’t be tethered to your hotel or a café. To truly stay connected and have the freedom to make calls whenever you want, you need mobile data. This is where a travel eSIM from Yoho Mobile transforms your experience.
An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you install a data plan without needing a physical SIM card. You can set it up in minutes before you leave home.
- Flexible Plans Just for You: Why pay for a month-long plan when you’re only traveling for a week? With Yoho Mobile, you can get a flexible data plan for your European adventure that matches your exact travel dates and data needs. Pay only for what you need.
- Never Lose Connection with Yoho Care: Worried about running out of data in the middle of an important call? Our exclusive Yoho Care service provides a safety net, ensuring you can always stay online for essential tasks, even if your main data package is depleted.
- Try Before You Buy: New to eSIMs? We’ve got you covered. Get a free eSIM trial from Yoho Mobile to test our service and see how easy it is to stay connected abroad, completely risk-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I still receive calls on my regular phone number if I use a data-only eSIM?
Yes! Most dual-SIM phones allow you to keep your primary line active for incoming calls and texts (check with your carrier about roaming charges for this) while using your Yoho Mobile eSIM for all affordable data needs, including your outgoing VoIP calls.
2. How much data do VoIP calls on apps like WhatsApp actually use?
A typical voice call on WhatsApp uses about 0.5 MB to 1 MB of data per minute. A 30-minute call would only use about 15-30 MB, which is a very small fraction of most data plans.
3. What’s the best way to make cheap international calls from Japan to the USA?
The most cost-effective way is to use a VoIP app. If both you and the person in the USA have iPhones, FaceTime Audio is a great free option. Otherwise, WhatsApp calling is free app-to-app. If you need to call a landline in the US, using Skype with a little Skype Credit will be far cheaper than roaming. Just make sure you have a reliable data connection with a Japan eSIM plan.
4. Is it completely free to make international calls with these apps?
Calls are free when they are made from one user of an app to another user of the same app (e.g., WhatsApp to WhatsApp). The only cost is the data used. If you want to call a traditional mobile or landline number, services like Skype offer very low pay-per-minute rates.
Conclusion
Gone are the days of returning from a trip abroad to a massive phone bill. By embracing VoIP technology through Wi-Fi calling and popular apps like WhatsApp and Skype, you can stay in close contact with everyone back home for a fraction of the cost. The final piece of the puzzle is a reliable and affordable data connection that gives you freedom from hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots.
A Yoho Mobile eSIM provides just that—instant, cost-effective data in over 200 countries and regions. You get to call, navigate, and share your journey without ever worrying about bill shock again.
Ready to make calling home the easiest part of your trip? Explore Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans today and travel connected.