WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. One of the handy features it offers is the ability to make voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users, including international calls.
Can I make international calls through WhatsApp?
Yes, you can make international calls to any other WhatsApp user worldwide. WhatsApp calls use your phone’s internet connection rather than your cellular plan’s minutes, allowing you to bypass long distance charges.
What do I need to make international WhatsApp calls?
To make international WhatsApp calls, you need:
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone
- An internet connection – WiFi or mobile data
- The phone number of the person you want to call saved in your WhatsApp contacts
As long as you and the person you are calling have an internet connection, you can call them through WhatsApp for free, no matter what country they are in.
How to make an international WhatsApp call
Making an international WhatsApp call is just as easy as making a local call:
- Open WhatsApp and select the Calls tab
- Tap the phone icon next to the contact you want to call
- Your phone will connect the call using your internet connection
If you don’t see the phone icon, first make sure you have an internet connection and have saved the international phone number in your contacts including the country code.
Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth international WhatsApp call:
- Check that you both have a strong WiFi or mobile data connection – this affects call quality
- Try using headphones with a microphone for improved audio
- Let the person you are calling know you’ll be calling over WhatsApp to avoid missed calls
Key benefits of International WhatsApp calls
Here are some of the main benefits of using WhatsApp to make international calls:
- Free calls – WhatsApp uses your internet connection so you don’t get charged per minute like traditional long distance calls.
- Convenience – You can call anyone in your WhatsApp contacts list without dialing long international numbers.
- Call quality – WhatsApp uses Voice over IP technology for good call quality as long as you have a decent internet connection.
- Works worldwide – As long as both parties have WhatsApp, you can call any country.
- Value-added features – Make video calls to see your loved ones abroad or send messages if they can’t talk.
Costs of international WhatsApp calls
While WhatsApp international calls themselves are free, you may incur data charges depending on your cell phone plan:
- With a flat-rate unlimited data plan, WhatsApp calls are completely free.
- If you have a metered data plan, you will be charged for the mobile data used during the call based on your standard data rate.
- On WiFi the calls are free. Just beware of public WiFi data caps.
To estimate data usage, a WhatsApp audio call uses up to 2MB of data per minute. For budgeting purposes, 1GB of data can provide around 500 minutes of WhatsApp calling.
You can also use WhatsApp’s data saver setting to lower data usage on calls. Note that this may decrease call quality.
Pros and cons of international WhatsApp calls
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free if you have WiFi or unlimited mobile data | Can use large amounts of mobile data on metered plans |
| Convenient built-in calling to all your contacts | Call quality depends on having a good internet connection |
| Make video calls to see loved ones overseas | Not usable in some countries where WhatsApp is restricted |
Troubleshooting international WhatsApp calls
If you are having issues making international WhatsApp calls, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm that you have an active internet connection on both devices.
- Check that you entered the complete international phone number properly, including country code.
- Ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
- Restart your phone and reconnect to the internet before trying your call again.
- Try toggling WhatsApp’s in-call data saver setting on or off.
- Ask the recipient to confirm WhatsAppCalling is enabled under their account settings.
If issues persist, get in touch with WhatsApp support for further assistance troubleshooting call problems.
WhatsApp call alternatives
If WhatsApp calling is not working well for your international calls, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Skype – Offers affordable international calling rates using Skype Credit.
- Facebook Messenger – Free international calls if you have WiFi or mobile data.
- Viber – Free Viber-to-Viber calls worldwide.
- Google Duo – Video calling app by Google, works well for Android users.
- Cell plan international minutes – Add an international call package if you call landlines frequently.
Be sure to compare call rates and quality to choose the best option for your needs. With the right app, calling friends and family abroad can be simple, affordable and reliable.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides a convenient free option for making international calls using your phone’s internet connection. To call internationally through WhatsApp, both you and your recipient will need the app installed along with a WiFi or mobile data connection. Be aware of potential mobile data charges based on your cell plan. With strong internet connections, WhatsApp can offer excellent call quality along with handy features like video calling. But always have a backup option in case you run into any issues.