Is it free to make international calls using WhatsApp?
It is free, but you will need to be connected to the internet
· 3 min read
summary
In today's interconnected world, staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues across borders is more crucial than ever. Traditional international calling can be costly, but messaging apps like WhatsApp have revolutionized the way we communicate globally. One of the most common questions users have is whether it is free to make international calls using WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), is a popular messaging application used by over two billion people worldwide. It offers a range of features, including text messaging, voice messages, video calls, and voice calls.
As compared to traditional calls and SMSes, WhatsApp supports calls and messages through the internet. This is no different from how other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, Telegram, or even FaceTime supports calls and messages.
This fundamentally means that to make calls via WhatsApp, all you really need is an internet connection. But, the catch is that both parties on the call will need to have WhatsApp installed on their devices; and both parties will need to have a stable internet connection.
If WhatsApp uses the internet, why does it need my phone number?
Since WhatsApp supports calls and messages via the internet and not through the traditional cellular methods, you don’t actually need the number. In the context of WhatsApp and most messaging apps, your phone number is primarily used as an account identifier.
Do I need to pay to make international calls on WhatsApp?
The good news is that WhatsApp does not charge for international calls. Whether you're calling someone in the next city or on the other side of the world, WhatsApp calls are free. However, there are some caveats to consider:
- Internet Connection: While WhatsApp itself does not charge for calls, you need an active internet connection to use the app. This can be through Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you're using mobile data, your carrier might charge you for data usage, especially if you're roaming internationally. It's advisable to use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid unexpected charges.
- Data Consumption: Voice and video calls on WhatsApp consume data. The amount of data used can vary depending on the length of the call and whether it's a voice or video call. On average, a voice call uses about 0.3MB of data per minute, while a video call can use up to 5MB per minute. Monitoring your data usage can help prevent exceeding your data plan limits.
- Quality of Service: The quality of WhatsApp calls can depend on the strength and stability of your internet connection. In areas with weak or unstable connections, call quality might suffer, leading to dropped calls or poor audio/video quality.
It is important to note that when you make international calls - or any calls, for that matter - on WhatsApp, you are actually making the call through the app. That means that both parties on the call will need to have the app installed and a steady internet connection is required.
In today’s context where we are constantly connected to the internet, using WhatsApp for calls can actually result in significant cost-savings especially when you are making international calls. Traditional international calling rates can be exorbitant, while WhatsApp offers a free alternative, provided you have internet access.
Get a Nomad eSIM to stay connected hassle-free when traveling
WhatsApp is a great option for you to stay connected with your friends and families while traveling. But, the pre-requisite is that you need to have a good and stable internet connection.
Of course, if your overseas data is going to be very expensive, then you might want to think twice about making WhatsApp calls when you are overseas, because that is going to count towards your overseas data usage. The good news is that there are ways for you to get data connectivity at a very affordable rates while you are traveling!
Nomad offers affordable data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. With a Nomad travel eSIM, you can continue to stay connected and keep in touch with your friends via WhatsApp or any other messaging apps that rely on the internet!
And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries.
Most of Nomad’s eSIM plans start automatically upon connection to the local network, so you can safely install your eSIM before your trip (and you probably should) without worrying that the plan gets activated too early. Double-check your plan details before purchase to be sure of the activation conditions.
If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will stand to enjoy 25% off their first purchase of a Nomad eSIM of plans that are USD 5 and above. You will also receive a 25% off coupon that you can use for your next purchase!
