Photo credit: www.androidauthority.com
If you are preparing for international travel this year, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive strategy for your mobile phone coverage. There are various options at your disposal, such as utilizing a foreign SIM card or eSIM, or even considering a specific travel SIM plan. For many travelers, the most straightforward solution involves activating their carrier’s roaming services; however, experiences can vary significantly across different providers.
In cases where international roaming services are limited, travelers often wonder about the feasibility of using an international Wi-Fi network to make phone calls. Generally, this is indeed possible, but whether it incurs charges can depend on the policies set by your carrier.
How to Activate Wi-Fi Calling
Before diving into Wi-Fi calling, ensure that this feature is enabled on your phone. Most major US carriers provide Wi-Fi calling, as do many prepaid options. However, it’s worth noting that some providers impose restrictions on device eligibility. For instance, Cricket may only allow Wi-Fi calling on devices purchased directly from them, with certain exceptions. If you’re uncertain about your device’s compatibility with Wi-Fi calling, it is advisable to review your carrier’s terms carefully.
Are Wi-Fi Calls Free Overseas?
Now that you’ve verified your access to Wi-Fi calling, you might be curious if it can be utilized without charges during your international journey. If you’re making calls to the US, it’s often a yes. However, calls made to other countries while connected to an international Wi-Fi network are typically subject to standard fees.
A glance at discussions on platforms like Reddit reveals that some travelers have reported unexpected charges for Wi-Fi calls to the US when abroad, which can be concerning. While such situations can occur, they are often avoidable.
Strategies to Avoid Charges for Wi-Fi Calls to the U.S. While Traveling
To evade unwelcome fees, consider these strategies:
Activate Wi-Fi calling before departure. Although it sounds straightforward, failing to enable Wi-Fi calling before departing the US may prevent you from activating it later. Also, it’s advisable to keep it enabled while traveling to avoid issues reactivating it. If you need assistance, our guide provides detailed steps for enabling Wi-Fi calling.
Use Airplane mode. Instead of merely disabling your mobile data, turn on Airplane mode and then connect to a Wi-Fi network. This precautionary step ensures your device won’t switch to a mobile network if a Wi-Fi call fails.
Can I Use an International Calling Plan with Wi-Fi Calling?
If you have an international calling plan as a resident of the US and are in a country like France, you may wonder if you’ll face charges for Wi-Fi calling to French businesses. Typically, the answer is yes.
International calling plans are structured to let users call overseas from the US without added costs. However, using Wi-Fi not connected to a US source generally incurs roaming fees. Some individuals attempt connecting through a VPN, yet this approach offers no guarantees and could breach your service terms.
Some people argue that it shouldn’t matter where the call is made when using Wi-Fi calling since it still routes to your carrier’s network. In theory, this means there should be no additional costs to the provider. However, many carriers, such as T-Mobile, appear to prefer encouraging customers to purchase intended international roaming packages.
It’s essential to note that international calling plans differ from international roaming plans. The former allows calling to other countries from the US, while the latter enables calls to and from abroad.
If your service includes an international roaming plan, you should not face extra charges when making Wi-Fi calls, as long as both numbers are within your plan’s coverage. This also opens up the option of placing calls via your mobile network directly during your travels.
Alternatives to Wi-Fi Calling
If your carrier doesn’t provide an international calling plan and you’re looking for economical ways to communicate while abroad, consider these alternatives:
Utilize a VoIP service. A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platform allows you to make free Wi-Fi calls to the US from virtually anywhere. Google Voice is a top recommendation for its user-friendly experience and attractive international calling rates.
Explore add-on roaming packages from your carrier. Even if your primary carrier doesn’t offer free roaming, they may have international options available for purchase. Many prepaid carriers, like Google Fi and Mint Mobile, provide budget-friendly international add-ons.
Acquire a local SIM or eSIM. Though this involves additional steps, obtaining a local SIM or eSIM is often the most cost-effective method to enjoy international roaming. Many airports have kiosks or stores that sell these services.
Consider a travel SIM plan. Travel-specific SIM and eSIM options generally come at a higher price than local alternatives but provide superior convenience. You’ll pay for international data through a provider that collaborates with local carriers for seamless service abroad.
Choosing the Right Carrier for International Travel
Another viable strategy is to opt for a carrier that eliminates roaming issues altogether. For those who travel internationally frequently, Google Fi stands out as one of the best options available. Its Unlimited Plus plan is competitively priced at $65 per month, with lower rates available for multiple lines.
This package includes unlimited data, text, and data usage in more than 200 countries, activating automatically upon arrival—no hassle involved. For further details, refer to our Google Fi plans guide or explore options available through the service provider.
Source
www.androidauthority.com