That feeling of seeing a massive phone bill after a trip abroad is something every traveler dreads. Traditional international roaming calls can cost a fortune, turning what should be a happy catch-up with loved ones into a source of financial stress. But what if you could call home from anywhere in the world for pennies, or even for free? The good news is, you can. The secret lies in the device you’re already carrying: your smartphone, and its ability to make calls with data.
This guide will walk you through the best methods for making cheap international calls, from popular VoIP apps to your phone’s built-in Wi-Fi Calling feature. And to power it all, you’ll need reliable data. Ready to connect without compromise? Check out Yoho Mobile’s flexible data plans and say goodbye to roaming fees forever.
Why Are Traditional International Calls So Expensive?
When you make a standard call from another country, your phone connects to a local carrier’s network. That local carrier then charges your home provider a premium rate to use their infrastructure—a cost that is passed directly on to you in the form of high roaming charges. According to the GSMA (Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association), these agreements between hundreds of global carriers are complex, which is why prices remain high.
Fortunately, the rise of the internet has provided powerful alternatives that bypass this expensive system entirely. By using data, either from Wi-Fi or a mobile data plan, you can route your calls over the internet, drastically cutting costs.
Your Best Friend for Cheap Calls: VoIP Apps
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that lets you make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a regular phone line. You’re probably already using VoIP apps every day! They are the most popular and accessible way to call home from abroad.
WhatsApp Calling
With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is often the default choice. If the person you’re calling also has the app, calls (both voice and video) are completely free, using only your data.
- Pros: End-to-end encrypted, widely used, good quality on a stable connection.
- Cons: Call quality can suffer on weak networks, and it requires both parties to have the app installed.
Skype
One of the original VoIP services, Skype is still a fantastic option. Skype-to-Skype calls are free, but its real strength for travelers is its incredibly low rates for calling actual landline and mobile numbers around the world.
- Pros: Excellent for calling people who don’t have smartphones or VoIP apps. Competitive pay-as-you-go rates or monthly subscriptions.
- Cons: Less common for personal messaging compared to WhatsApp, so it may require an extra app install for your contacts.
FaceTime Audio
For those in the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime Audio is a game-changer. It offers crystal-clear call quality, often superior to a standard phone call, and uses a surprisingly small amount of data. It’s one of the best apps for international calls on an iPhone.
- Pros: Exceptional audio quality, seamlessly integrated into iOS, secure.
- Cons: Strictly limited to Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac).
Unlocking Your Phone’s Secret Weapon: Wi-Fi Calling
What if you want to use your actual phone number without the roaming fees? Enter Wi-Fi Calling. Most modern smartphones have this feature built-in. When enabled, your phone automatically routes calls and texts over a Wi-Fi network instead of the cellular network when you have a good Wi-Fi connection.
This is perfect for making calls from your hotel, a café, or an airport. For many carriers, calls made over Wi-Fi back to your home country are free. However, it’s crucial to check your carrier’s specific policy. As Apple’s official guide suggests, some may still charge for international numbers. Using Wi-Fi calling to avoid roaming fees is a smart strategy, but always confirm the details first.
The Foundation of Cheap Calls: Reliable Mobile Data
All these fantastic, money-saving methods have one thing in common: they depend on a stable internet connection. While free Wi-Fi is great, it’s not always available, reliable, or secure. For true freedom and connectivity, you need a dependable mobile data plan.
This is where a Yoho Mobile eSIM transforms your travel experience. Instead of hunting for Wi-Fi or risking exorbitant roaming data charges, you can install an affordable, local data plan directly onto your phone.
- Ultimate Flexibility: Don’t get locked into a one-size-fits-all plan. With Yoho Mobile, you can build your own flexible plan by choosing the exact amount of data and number of days you need for your trip.
- Never Lose Connection: Worried about running out of data at a critical moment? With Yoho Care, you’re always protected. Even if your plan expires, we provide a basic data connection to ensure you can still use maps or send an emergency message.
- Try Before You Buy: New to eSIMs? Test our network with a free eSIM trial before you even leave home. It’s the perfect way to ensure your device is compatible and ready for your adventure. You can also check our full eSIM compatible device list anytime.
Imagine landing in Paris for your dream European vacation. With a Europe eSIM plan from Yoho Mobile, you can instantly connect and call your family on WhatsApp to let them know you’ve arrived safely—no Wi-Fi needed, no bill shock later.
Quick Comparison: Data-Based Calls vs. Traditional Roaming
| Feature | Data-Based Calls (VoIP/Wi-Fi Calling) | Traditional Roaming Calls |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to very low cost | Very Expensive |
| Requirement | Internet Connection (Wi-Fi/Mobile Data) | Cellular Signal |
| Flexibility | High (use any app, any location) | Low (tied to carrier) |
| Quality | Depends on internet speed | Generally consistent |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much data does an international VoIP call use?
A standard voice-only call on an app like WhatsApp or Skype uses surprisingly little data, typically around 0.5 MB to 1 MB per minute. This means a 1 GB data plan could give you over 1,000 minutes of talk time. Video calls, however, will use significantly more.
Is Wi-Fi calling completely free when I’m abroad?
It depends on your mobile carrier’s policy. Calls made over Wi-Fi back to numbers in your home country are usually free. However, calling a number in a different international country may incur charges. Always check with your provider before you travel to avoid surprises.
Can I receive calls on my regular number with a data-only eSIM?
Yes! A great strategy is to use a Yoho Mobile data-only eSIM for affordable internet, while keeping your primary SIM active for receiving calls and texts (with data roaming turned off on that line). If you enable Wi-Fi Calling, you may even be able to make and receive calls on your primary number over the eSIM’s data connection as if it were Wi-Fi.
What’s the best app for international calls if I’m on an Android phone?
WhatsApp and Skype are both excellent choices and work seamlessly on Android. WhatsApp is perfect for calling other app users, while Skype is ideal if you need to call landlines or mobiles at a low cost. Both offer reliable performance for making cheap international calls.
Conclusion: Call Freely, Travel Smartly
Staying in touch with loved ones shouldn’t break the bank. By leveraging the power of VoIP apps and Wi-Fi Calling, you can effectively eliminate expensive international roaming call charges. The key to unlocking this freedom is a reliable and affordable data connection.
With a Yoho Mobile eSIM, you get instant, high-speed data in over 200 countries and regions, giving you the power to make calls, navigate maps, and share your journey without a second thought about the cost. Stop paying for overpriced calls and start communicating smartly.
Explore Yoho Mobile’s affordable eSIM plans today and make your next trip the most connected one yet.