Say Goodbye to International Calling Charges: How to Call Abroad for Free
In today’s interconnected world, staying in touch with loved ones, conducting business, or collaborating on projects across borders is more important than ever. However, the high cost of international phone calls can often be a significant barrier. Thankfully, advancements in technology have opened up numerous avenues for making free or incredibly cheap international calls. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to call abroad for free, ensuring you stay connected without breaking the bank.
## Understanding the Landscape of Free International Calling
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the underlying principles that enable free international calls. These methods generally leverage the internet to transmit voice data, bypassing traditional telephone networks and their associated charges.
**Key Concepts:**
* **VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol):** The foundation of many free calling methods. VoIP converts your voice into digital data packets, transmits them over the internet, and then converts them back into voice at the receiving end. Think of it as sending your voice as data rather than relying on dedicated phone lines.
* **Data Usage:** While the services themselves might be free, you’ll still need an internet connection. This means you’ll be using data, either from your mobile data plan or a Wi-Fi network. Be mindful of your data limits, especially when using mobile data.
* **Compatibility:** The person you’re calling needs to be using the same service or a compatible one for the call to be free. In most cases, both parties need the app installed or to access the service through a web browser.
* **Call Quality:** Call quality depends heavily on the stability and speed of your internet connection. A weak or congested connection can lead to dropped calls, delays, and poor audio quality.
* **Terms of Service:** Always read the terms of service of any app or service you use. Some may have hidden fees, data collection practices you’re uncomfortable with, or restrictions on usage.
## Methods for Making Free International Calls
Here are several popular and effective methods for making free international calls, along with detailed instructions for each:
### 1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a widely used messaging app that allows you to make free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world. Its popularity and ease of use make it a top choice for many.
**Requirements:**
* WhatsApp installed on both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
* The recipient must be in your phone’s contacts and have a WhatsApp account linked to that number.
**Steps:**
1. **Install WhatsApp:** Download and install the WhatsApp application from your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS).
2. **Verify Your Phone Number:** Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number. This typically involves receiving an SMS with a verification code.
3. **Grant Access to Contacts:** WhatsApp will ask for permission to access your contacts. Allow this so you can see which of your contacts are also using WhatsApp.
4. **Find the Contact:** Open WhatsApp and navigate to the “Chats” tab. Tap the new chat icon (usually a speech bubble with a plus sign) to start a new conversation.
5. **Select the Contact:** Find the person you want to call from your contacts list.
6. **Initiate the Call:** Open the chat window with the contact. At the top of the screen, you’ll see two icons: a phone icon (for voice calls) and a video camera icon (for video calls). Tap the phone icon to make a voice call or the video camera icon to make a video call.
7. **Enjoy Your Free Call:** The call will connect over the internet. Make sure your microphone and speakers are working properly.
**Troubleshooting:**
* **Call Not Connecting:** Ensure both you and the recipient have a stable internet connection. Try restarting the app or your device.
* **Poor Audio Quality:** Check your internet connection speed. A slow or congested connection can cause poor audio quality. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to a different network.
* **Microphone Issues:** Make sure WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone in your device’s settings. Also, check that your microphone is not muted.
### 2. Facebook Messenger
Similar to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger also offers free voice and video calls to other Messenger users worldwide. Because of Facebook’s enormous user base, it’s likely that many of your contacts already use Messenger.
**Requirements:**
* Facebook Messenger installed on both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
* A Facebook account.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
**Steps:**
1. **Install Facebook Messenger:** Download and install the Facebook Messenger app from your device’s app store.
2. **Log In to Your Facebook Account:** Open Messenger and log in using your Facebook account credentials.
3. **Find the Contact:** Open Messenger and navigate to the “Chats” tab. Select the person you want to call from your contacts list.
4. **Initiate the Call:** Open the chat window with the contact. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a phone icon (for voice calls) and a video camera icon (for video calls). Tap the phone icon to make a voice call or the video camera icon to make a video call.
5. **Enjoy Your Free Call:** The call will connect over the internet. Make sure your microphone and speakers are working properly.
**Troubleshooting:**
* The troubleshooting steps are essentially the same as for WhatsApp. Ensure a stable internet connection, check microphone permissions, and restart the app if necessary.
### 3. Skype
Skype is one of the oldest and most established VoIP services. While it offers free calls to other Skype users, it also provides the option to call landlines and mobile phones at relatively low rates using Skype Credit or a subscription.
**Free Calls to Skype Users:**
**Requirements:**
* Skype installed on both your device and the recipient’s device.
* A Skype account.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
**Steps:**
1. **Install Skype:** Download and install the Skype app from your device’s app store or visit the Skype website on your computer.
2. **Create a Skype Account:** If you don’t have one already, create a Skype account by following the on-screen instructions.
3. **Log In to Skype:** Open Skype and log in using your Skype account credentials.
4. **Find the Contact:** Search for the person you want to call by their Skype username or email address. You can also add them to your contacts if they’re not already there.
5. **Initiate the Call:** Select the contact. In the chat window, you’ll see a phone icon (for voice calls) and a video camera icon (for video calls). Click the phone icon to make a voice call or the video camera icon to make a video call.
6. **Enjoy Your Free Call:** The call will connect over the internet.
**Paid Calls to Landlines and Mobile Phones:**
To call landlines and mobile phones that don’t have Skype, you’ll need to purchase Skype Credit or subscribe to a Skype plan. This is a paid service, but it’s often cheaper than traditional international calling rates.
1. **Purchase Skype Credit or Subscribe:** In the Skype app, go to your profile and find the option to purchase Skype Credit or choose a subscription plan. Select the option that best suits your needs.
2. **Dial the Number:** In the dialpad, enter the country code and phone number you want to call. For example, to call a number in the United States, you would enter +1 followed by the area code and phone number.
3. **Make the Call:** Click the call button to initiate the call.
**Troubleshooting (Skype):**
* Similar to WhatsApp and Messenger, ensure a stable internet connection, check microphone and camera permissions, and restart the app if necessary.
* **Skype Credit Issues:** If you’re having trouble making calls to landlines or mobile phones after purchasing Skype Credit, check your account balance to ensure you have sufficient credit. Also, make sure you’re dialing the number correctly, including the country code.
### 4. Google Voice
Google Voice is a free service (in the US and Canada) that provides a phone number you can use for calls, texts, and voicemail. It offers free calls to the US and Canada from anywhere in the world and allows for low-cost international calls to other countries.
**Requirements:**
* A Google account.
* A Google Voice number (available in the US and Canada).
* The Google Voice app or access through a web browser.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
**Setting Up Google Voice (If you are in the US or Canada):**
1. **Go to Google Voice:** Visit the Google Voice website (voice.google.com) or download the Google Voice app from your device’s app store.
2. **Sign In to Your Google Account:** Log in using your Google account credentials.
3. **Choose a Google Voice Number:** Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a Google Voice number. You may be able to select a number based on your area code or a specific location.
4. **Verify Your Existing Phone Number:** You’ll need to verify an existing phone number to link it to your Google Voice account. This is used for forwarding calls and messages.
**Making Free Calls to the US and Canada:**
1. **Open Google Voice:** Open the Google Voice app or visit the Google Voice website.
2. **Dial the Number:** Use the dialpad to enter the US or Canadian phone number you want to call.
3. **Make the Call:** Click the call button to initiate the call.
**Making Low-Cost International Calls (Outside the US and Canada):**
1. **Add Credit to Your Google Voice Account:** Go to the Google Voice settings and add credit to your account. You’ll need to purchase credit to make international calls to numbers outside the US and Canada.
2. **Check International Rates:** Before making a call, check the international rates for the country you’re calling to ensure you’re aware of the cost per minute.
3. **Dial the Number:** Use the dialpad to enter the country code and phone number you want to call.
4. **Make the Call:** Click the call button to initiate the call.
**Troubleshooting (Google Voice):**
* **Call Quality Issues:** Ensure a stable internet connection. Poor call quality can be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal or slow mobile data speeds.
* **Number Verification Problems:** If you’re having trouble verifying your existing phone number, make sure you’re entering the correct number and that you can receive SMS messages on that number.
* **Credit Issues:** If you’re unable to make international calls, check your Google Voice credit balance to ensure you have sufficient funds. Also, verify that you’re dialing the number correctly, including the country code.
### 5. Viber
Viber is another popular messaging app that offers free voice and video calls to other Viber users. It also provides Viber Out, a paid service for calling landlines and mobile phones at competitive rates.
**Free Calls to Viber Users:**
**Requirements:**
* Viber installed on both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
* A Viber account.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
**Steps:**
1. **Install Viber:** Download and install the Viber app from your device’s app store.
2. **Verify Your Phone Number:** Open Viber and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number.
3. **Grant Access to Contacts:** Viber will ask for permission to access your contacts. Allow this so you can see which of your contacts are also using Viber.
4. **Find the Contact:** Open Viber and navigate to the “Chats” tab. Select the person you want to call from your contacts list.
5. **Initiate the Call:** Open the chat window with the contact. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a phone icon (for voice calls) and a video camera icon (for video calls). Tap the phone icon to make a voice call or the video camera icon to make a video call.
6. **Enjoy Your Free Call:** The call will connect over the internet.
**Paid Calls to Landlines and Mobile Phones (Viber Out):**
To call landlines and mobile phones that don’t have Viber, you’ll need to purchase Viber Out credit or subscribe to a Viber Out plan.
1. **Purchase Viber Out Credit or Subscribe:** In the Viber app, go to the “More” tab and select “Viber Out.” Choose the option that best suits your needs.
2. **Dial the Number:** In the dialpad, enter the country code and phone number you want to call.
3. **Make the Call:** Tap the call button to initiate the call.
**Troubleshooting (Viber):**
* The troubleshooting steps are similar to those for other VoIP apps. Ensure a stable internet connection, check microphone and camera permissions, and restart the app if necessary.
* **Viber Out Issues:** If you’re having trouble making calls using Viber Out, check your credit balance or subscription status. Also, make sure you’re dialing the number correctly.
### 6. Telegram
Telegram is primarily a messaging app known for its security and privacy features. It also offers free voice calls to other Telegram users.
**Requirements:**
* Telegram installed on both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
* A Telegram account.
* A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
**Steps:**
1. **Install Telegram:** Download and install the Telegram app from your device’s app store.
2. **Verify Your Phone Number:** Open Telegram and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number.
3. **Grant Access to Contacts:** Telegram will ask for permission to access your contacts. Allow this so you can see which of your contacts are also using Telegram.
4. **Find the Contact:** Open Telegram and navigate to the “Contacts” tab. Select the person you want to call from your contacts list.
5. **Initiate the Call:** Open the chat window with the contact. Tap the contact’s name at the top of the screen to view their profile. Then, tap the phone icon to initiate a voice call.
6. **Enjoy Your Free Call:** The call will connect over the internet.
**Troubleshooting (Telegram):**
* Similar to other VoIP apps, ensure a stable internet connection and check microphone permissions.
### 7. Other VoIP Apps and Services
Beyond the major players mentioned above, numerous other VoIP apps and services offer free or low-cost international calling. Some examples include:
* **Signal:** Focuses on security and privacy, offering encrypted voice and video calls.
* **Line:** Popular in Asia, offering free calls and messaging.
* **WeChat:** Another popular messaging app, especially in China, offering free calls and messaging.
These apps generally work on the same principle: free calls to other users of the same app, and potentially paid options for calling landlines and mobile phones.
## Tips for Optimizing Free International Calls
To ensure the best possible experience with free international calls, consider the following tips:
* **Use a Strong Wi-Fi Connection:** Wi-Fi generally provides a more stable and faster internet connection than mobile data, resulting in better call quality. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.
* **Close Unnecessary Apps:** Close any apps that are running in the background to free up bandwidth and processing power for the calling app.
* **Use Headphones or a Headset:** Using headphones or a headset can improve audio quality by reducing background noise and echo.
* **Position Yourself Strategically:** Try to find a location with a strong Wi-Fi signal or good mobile data coverage. Avoid areas with obstructions that can interfere with the signal.
* **Be Mindful of Data Usage:** If you’re using mobile data, be aware of your data limits. Video calls consume significantly more data than voice calls.
* **Update Your Apps:** Keep your calling apps updated to the latest versions to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
* **Test Your Connection:** Before making an important call, test your internet connection speed using an online speed test tool.
## Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While free international calls offer significant advantages, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks and considerations:
* **Reliance on Internet Connection:** The quality of your calls depends heavily on the quality of your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can lead to dropped calls, delays, and poor audio quality.
* **Data Usage:** Free calls still consume data. Be mindful of your data limits, especially when using mobile data. Overages can be costly.
* **Privacy Concerns:** Some VoIP apps and services may collect and store your data. Read the terms of service carefully before using any app or service.
* **Security Risks:** Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to security threats. Avoid using sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi.
* **Emergency Calls:** In many cases, you cannot use VoIP services to make emergency calls. Make sure you have a traditional phone line or mobile phone available for emergency situations.
* **Geographic Restrictions:** Some services may not be available in all countries or may have restrictions on which countries you can call.
## Conclusion
Calling abroad for free is now a reality thanks to the proliferation of VoIP technology and messaging apps. By leveraging the methods outlined in this guide, you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues around the world without incurring exorbitant phone bills. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs, consider the potential drawbacks, and optimize your connection for the best possible calling experience. Embrace these technologies and enjoy the freedom of truly global communication!