In the past, individuals and businesses had no choice but to spend a lot of money on international phone calls. Companies still rely on the convenience and connectivity of landline phones but no longer have to pay the exorbitant rates of yesteryear. New communication technology has made it possible to contact anyone for free, no matter where they live or do business.
How to Make Free International Calls?
Learn how to call international for free with some of the standard VoIP services today. Each of these popular solutions has a list of features specifically designed to help individuals and businesses easily connect with the people in their family, friend group, or network. Some services target different audiences and demographics. However, weighing the pros and cons of each service before deciding to opt for one is essential.
Skype
As one of the more popular VOIP number services worldwide, Skype helps make free international calls. While it offers free international calling, both caller and recipient must sign up to make free international calls over Skype. Video chatting and text messaging provide multiple communication options.
Features
a) Offers both a desktop and mobile app
b) All Skype users can enjoy free calls
c) Video and voice messaging are available
d) Free international calling to others who use the app
Facetime
As a product of Apple Inc., Facetime offers only limited use for those with Android phones or other mobile devices. This voice-over internet protocol phone option is trendy among younger iPhone users.
However, since late 2021, callers can invite non-iOS/Mac users to a chat. Allowing calls between people on the same app can seriously limit the capabilities of most people and businesses who need bi-directional calling on a global scale.
Features
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Facetime is only available for Mac/iOS users
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Full-featured video calling options
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Voice calls with high quality
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Free worldwide calling between users
WhatsApp service targets mostly individual consumers, especially a younger demographic. Some people use this VoIP app for business, but it is not as expected. It is owned by Facebook and works between operating systems as long as everyone has an active account.
Features
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Available on all major operating systems: Android, Windows, Mac, and iOS
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Create group chats or virtual social meetings
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Easy text messaging between users
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Share images and other files with ease
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Security of end-to-end encryption
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Free international calling for WhatsApp users
Messenger
This option is also owned by Facebook, which may put off some users. It requires internet connectivity to function and focuses mainly on text-based communication.
How to call international for free with Messenger?
You can call internationally with Messenger if you and the recipient of the call are on the same app.
Features
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Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows supported
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Offers unique customized group chats with themes
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Connect with business options
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Video and voice calls are available
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Leave voice messages
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Share files, including images with contacts
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Send money to friends and family
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International calling with no cost to users
Issues with VoIP International Calls
Most VOIP service providers offer international calling without cost. You have the option to use their apps to make calls from your smartphone at any time. However, this presents issues if your intended target does not have the app available. If the recipient of your call fails to understand this or prefers to use another phone system, the result is the same. You cannot connect, call, or text if they are not on the same VoIP app.
Unfortunately, some countries ban commonly used VOIP and messaging services, rendering them useless for personal and business communication.
Dubai and the UAE disallow WhatsApp, for example. If your company does not engage with those regions, it might not matter. However, these issues make it challenging to expand into new markets in the volatile global economy. Why block options from the start when other cheaper international call options exist?
FAQs
1. Is WhatsApp free for international calls?
WhatsApp's voice calling feature lets you call your contacts for free, regardless of location. Rather than using your mobile plan's minutes for voice calls, WhatsApp uses your phone's internet connection.
2. How can I make an international call to a landline?
To call internationally, dial 011, and then the code of the country you are calling, the city code, and the phone number.
3. Why do you have to dial 011 for international calls?
The 011 code signals that the number you will dial next is outside the United States.
4. Do I have to dial 011 from a cell phone?
When using a mobile phone, you can enter a + instead of 011 or 00 by pressing and holding the 0 key.