How to make international calls for free? Want to connect with family or friends while overseas but it’s expensive? Want to save on communication costs when traveling abroad? Next we’ll tell you step by step how to make free online calls or save money on foreign calls.
What Are International Calling?
Basic rates for international calls are nondiscounted calls from landlines without any international calling plan. Basic rates may also require additional charges if you place calls to mobile phones.
Your international calling costs and rates are dependent on a variety of factors, but here’s the average the FCC listed: The basic nonplan rate to place a call to China is $5 per minute, while the U.K. is $3.50 and Mexico is $3.50. It’s easy to see how those costs could add up quickly.
Details Of International Call Costs
Here are two tables helping you have a better understanding of international calling costs.
| International Calls from Landline Phones Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling($5.99/month) | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month)* | Skype |
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.02 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.02 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.02 |
| Mexico | $3.50 | $0.09 | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.01 |
| USA | $3.50 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.02 |
| International Calls to Mobile Phones Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate-Mobile | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling ($5.99/ month)-Mobile | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) – Mobile | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month) – Mobile* | Skype-Mobile |
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.02 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.17 | $0.17 | $0.02 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.02 |
| Mexico | $3.65 | $0.24 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.04 |
| USA | $3.70 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.10 |
Best Free Online Calling Apps
Without a SIM card, free international calls and messages are possible with a free VoIP program for overseas calls. These universally calling apps need the Internet to function properly. Users can save money on international contact greatly with these calling apps.
Skype: Best For Group Calls
Skype is a versatile telecommunications application and one of calling apps launched in 2003, enabling free Skype-to-Skype calls, affordable international calls and free call online to landlines and mobile phones. It supports group video calls for up to 100 participants, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
Pros:
- Customizable Voicemail: Tailor voicemail settings to your preference.
- Unlimited Free In-App Calls: Allows free, unlimited international calls between Skype users.
Cons:
- Dependent on Internet Quality: Requires a stable, high-speed internet connection for optimal performance.
WhatsApp: Most Secure
WhatsApp is one of widely-used messaging call apps that offers a comprehensive range of free communication services and free call online, including text messaging, voice and video calls, and multimedia sharing, all through an internet connection.
Pros:
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Operates across several devices simultaneously for increased accessibility.
- Group Video/Audio Calls: Supports conference calls with up to 32 participants, ideal for both personal and professional gatherings.
Cons:
- Dependent on Internet Quality: Requires a stable internet connection for optimal use, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
RingCentral: AI-driven
RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is an international calling app and leading provider of AI-driven cloud business communications, free online calls, free foreign calls, video and hybrid event solutions.
Pros:
- Auto-Join Conferences: Automatically connects callers to conferences at start time.
- Exceptional Service Reliability: Guarantees 99.999% quality of service and worldwide dependability.
Cons:
- Complex Interface: The software demands a significant learning investment and technical acumen.
Viber: Good VoIP APP
Viber is a comprehensive communication app and free call mobile app launched in 2010, offering free voice and video calls, instant messaging, and multimedia sharing, all via an internet connection. How to call international for free? Known for its high-quality voice calls and strong emphasis on privacy, Viber utilizes end-to-end encryption to secure user conversations.
Pros:
- Global Conferencing: Facilitates worldwide conferencing with excellent audio fidelity.
- Customizable Audio Prompts: Offers personalized voice prompts and a selection of hold music.
Cons:
- Complex Interface: The software demands a significant learning investment and technical acumen.
Google Voice: Best For Calls Between U.S.A And Canada
Google Voice is a free phone call app and worldwide calling app, allowing mobile app for free international phone calls within the US and Canada and offers competitive rates for international calling.
Pros:
- Global Reach: Make international calls to both mobiles and landlines.
- Virtual Number: Acquire a virtual phone number at no cost.
Cons:
- No Toll-Free Numbers: Lacks the option to provide toll-free numbers for businesses.
Facetime: Best For Video Calls On iOS
How to call free international call? FaceTime is a proprietary video and audio calling service and free international calling app developed by Apple.
Pros:
- No Cost: Pre-installed and free on all Apple devices.
- Group Calls: Supports conferencing for up to 32 participants.
Cons:
- Data Usage: High data consumption during video calls.
Telegram: Fast And Secure Instant Messaging Service
Telegram boasts a super fast and secure instant messaging service, and it comes with the option to voice-call people online for free.
Pros:
- Live Captions and Translations: Offers real-time captioning and translation during video calls.
- Global Calling: Enables calling to landline and mobile numbers worldwide, even if they’re offline.
LINE: Asian Calling App
LINE is one of the lesser-known online calling apps and a free world calling app in the UK, but it’s massive in Asia. This is a fun one to use, as the app has the most ridiculously massive catalogue of stickers to add to your chats. One issue is that you can’t be logged in on multiple devices, as (like WhatsApp) you can only assign one device to a phone number. The app also has a feature that lets you make a free domestic or international call of up to five minutes if you watch an ad.
Pros:
- Easy Contact Addition: Seamlessly add contacts from your phonebook to Skype.
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Receive calls on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Hushed: Pioneering Online Calling Platform
Hushed stands out as a pioneering online calling platform and one of calling apps, providing users with a complimentary virtual number. This VoIP application is celebrated for its superior audio calls and free online calls, along with capabilities for text and multimedia messaging.
Pros:
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Use your Hushed number across various devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
- Wide Selection of Area Codes: Choose from over 300 area codes across the USA, U.K., and Canada.
- Global Communication: Enjoy international calls and messaging services.
Cons:
- Pricing: Some users may find Hushed’s plans to be pricier compared to other VoIP services.
Cheap International SIMs And Tariffs
If you’re looking for cheap international calls on a regular basis, it might be worth getting yourself a special mobile bundle to accommodate this. There are some of the best international SIM providers.
Lycamobile: Best For Free Online Calls
Lycamobile is a global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) founded in 2006, known for providing free online calls, affordable international and domestic prepaid mobile services. Operating in over 20 countries, Lycamobile focuses on delivering cost-effective voice, text, and data plans, catering especially to customers with significant international calling needs. The service leverages partnerships with established mobile networks to offer wide coverage and reliable connectivity.
O2: High-quality Communication Services
O2 is one of the largest telecommunications providers in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of free foreign calls, mobile and broadband services to both individual and business customers. With a strong focus on sustainability and community initiatives, O2 not only aims to deliver high-quality communication services but also to make a positive impact on society.
EE: Reliable 4G And 5G Network Coverage
Known for its extensive and reliable 4G and 5G network coverage, EE provides a wide array of services and free international phone calls including mobile, broadband, and TV. The company offers flexible plans such as pay-as-you-go, SIM-only, and contract options to suit different customer needs. EE is acclaimed for its innovative solutions and high-quality customer service, and it was the first to launch 4G in the UK.
Lebara: Affordable And Flexible Mobile Services
Lebara is a global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) founded in 2001, known for providing international free calls, affordable and flexible mobile services with a strong focus on international calling. Operating in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and several European nations, Lebara offers competitive prepaid mobile plans that cater to customers seeking cost-effective options for domestic and international communication.
What Affects International Calling Costs?
The average international cost per minute will vary based on your phone provider and plan, whether you’re calling via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or a landline, and the countries – even cities – you’re calling to and from. We’ll take a more in-depth look and explain how these factors affect your international calling costs.
Your international calling rates will differ for each country. If you are using VoIP, your costs will vary depending on which city within a certain country you call, and if you are calling a landline or mobile phone.
International Numbers: 800 And Local
There are two main kinds of international numbers: local and toll-free. Here’s the skinny on each:
Local International Numbers
Local international numbers are the most common, although each provider handles them a bit differently. How to make international calls for free? If you obtain a local number in Mexico City with RingCentral, then your number will have the same area code as the locals. In this case, you won’t have to pay additional fees for incoming calls; however, you’ll still pay standard international rates for outgoing calls.
With Phone.com, you can obtain a local international number for around $5 – for over 30 countries. The number will be local, but international rates will apply to both incoming and outgoing calls. Customers calling from their local areas only have to pay local rates instead of international rates. This is the most popular and easiest international number to purchase.
International 800 Numbers
International 800 numbers are less common and not all providers offer them. They are also a little pricier than local international numbers. For example, RingCentral charges $15/line/month. How to make international calls for free? It is much like a U.S. 800 number, just within another country. Anyone calling your international 800 number within their country does not pay any call fees. Consequently, you still pay international rates for outgoing and incoming calls. Businesses that want an added sense of class and professionalism may opt for an international 800 number.
How To Make International Calls For Free
- Use VoIP Services
How to make international calls for free? Use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, Google Voice, or FaceTime. These apps allow you to make voice and video calls over the internet for free or at significantly lower rates compared to traditional phone plans.
- Have International Calling Plans
How can I call free international call? Check if your current mobile or landline provider offers international calling plans. These plans often bundle minutes for international calls at a reduced rate compared to standard rates.
- Use Prepaid International Calling Cards
Prepaid calling cards can offer competitive rates for free online calls. Look for reputable providers that offer low connection fees and per-minute rates.
- Have Bundle Services
Some providers offer bundles that include free internet call minutes along with other services like internet or TV. Bundling services can sometimes provide cost savings compared to purchasing each service separately.
- Use Local SIM Cards
If you’re traveling internationally and need to make local calls frequently, consider purchasing a local SIM card. Local rates are typically much lower than international calling rates from your home country.
- Check Time Zones
Be mindful of time zones when making free foreign calls. Some providers offer discounted rates during off-peak hours, so scheduling your calls accordingly can save money.
Conclusion
How to make international calls for free and how to make international calls cheaper are all explained in this blog. Calling apps providing free online calls and international calling service offering free foreign calls are mentioned there. You are able to save your costs on international calls and have a close contact with friends or families abroad easily.
FAQ
The charge for a call or to send a message from your mobile device to a mobile number is called a mobile terminating charge. The charge for an international call while in the US includes the airtime charge from your plan, in addition to the per-minute rate based on what type of phone answered the call.
Many international travelers encounter foreign transaction fees while making purchases or withdrawing cash from an ATM in a foreign country. The easiest way to avoid a foreign transaction fee is to use debit or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees while traveling abroad.
You’re charged as per your international long distance calling plan. If you don’t have one, you’re charged pay-as-you-go rates. Calling back to the US is free. Calls to any other country will be charged as per your international long distance calling plan.
Your international calling costs and rates are dependent on a variety of factors, but here’s the average the FCC listed: The basic nonplan rate to place a call to China is $5 per minute, while the U.K. is $3.50 and Mexico is $3.50. It’s easy to see how those costs could add up quickly.
It is true that Airplane Mode can help you to avoid international roaming charges. With Airplane Mode turned on, your device will not be able to connect to cellular service, meaning you will definitely not incur any international roaming charges.
Many VoIP apps also have a web version that you can use with any device that can access the internet. Examples include Skype, Viber, and Google Voice.
