There are several ways to make free international calls to nearly any country in the world to connect with family, friends, and business clients.
Now, you can make a phone call too without paying exorbitant fees, assuming your phone even works outside the U.S.
How to Make Free International Calls
International calls are possible because of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology.
If you listen to a podcast where the host is interviewing a guest from overseas, they are most likely communicating via VOIP.
Many of these apps work with your smartphone or computer, so it’s possible to make audio-only and video calls for free international calls from any internet-connected device.
1. Skype
Skype is a free app for Android, Apple, and Windows devices. If you need to send text messages or call a cell phone or landline, you will have to pay a monthly fee.
So in a nutshell, Skype to Skype international calls are free, but using Skype to call traditional phones costs money.
Platforms: Android and iOS
2. WhatsApp
Another commonly used app is the Facebook-owned WhatsApp. You can make voice or video calls plus send SMS messages to anybody else with the app.
WhatsApp also lets you send documents up to 100 MB in size which can make this a perfect app for business too.
Platforms: Android and iOS
3. FaceTime
If you’re connecting to another Apple user, you can use the built-in FaceTime app. You will need a Wi-Fi connection to make the call, but audio and video calls are free.
FaceTime only works between two Apple devices and is incompatible with all non-Apple devices.
Platform: iOS
4. Viber
Viber is one of the most popular apps for free international calls. You only have to choose the person from your Viber contact list and click “Free Call.”
Or, you can also open the Viber app and choose the person you want to call or chat with for free too.
Platforms: Android and iOS
5. Rebtel
What makes Rebtel cool is that you can make free international calls to over 53 countries without a data or wifi connection.
Rebtel uses local numbers to complete the call to other Rebtel users.
However, if the person you’re calling doesn’t live in one of these supported countries, you will both need to connect to wifi or a minimum 3G data connection.
Platforms: Android and iOS
6. IMO
Many VOIP apps require a 3G cellular connection or a Wi-Fi network. IMO supports international calls where only a 2G connection is available.
Even though you might have 4G LTE everywhere you go, other countries are thankful just to have the internet.
If security is a primary concern, IMO voice and video calls are encrypted.
The app even supports encrypted calls for up to six participants. How’s that for a party line?
Platform: Android
7. PopTox
We know that it’s possible to make free international calls when you call another app user. PopTox makes it possible to call a regular cell phone or landline for free!
The call recipient doesn’t need the PopTox app for you to make the free phone call.
You can call from your computer or the mobile PopTox app and only need an internet connection.
Although PopTox offers free phone calls, there is a limit to how many calls you can make each day. For unlimited calls, you can pay by the minute after reaching your daily limit.
Platform: Web browser
8. LINE
LINE lets you make free international calls for up to five minutes to almost any phone number in the world.
The call recipient isn’t required to have the LINE app. Your free phone call can be up to five minutes long after watching a brief advertisement.
Besides supporting international phone calls, the LINE app also lets you share text messages, photos, videos, and stickers with your friends inside the app.
Platforms: Android and iOS
9. Vonage Mobile
Vonage was a pioneer of the original VOIP movement and they still offer international calling for residential and business landlines.
Their free app is called Vonage Mobile which lets you make voice and video calls to other Vonage Mobile users.
It’s also possible to share video messages for free too when you don’t want to make a phone call.
This app is available for Android and Apple phones and tablets with a 3G+ or wifi internet connection.
10. Tango
You don’t need to know how to dance to use Tango, but it can make the app more fun. In addition to voice and video calling, you can play games with others or wear a digital mask.
Tango supports free international calls in the following countries:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- India
You can all other international destinations for a nominal fee which can still be cheaper than your current cell phone provider.
Platform: Android
11. VoipBuster
VoipBuster offers free pc-to-pc calls and mobile international app calls through MobileVOIP.
This app doesn’t support video calls or text messages and is for basic communication only.
For voice-only calls, VoipBuster can be a good option.
Platforms: Android and iOS
12. VoipStunt
The same company that owns VoipBuster also owns VoipStunt, but these two apps serve different countries.
If one app doesn’t offer free calls to your country of choice, see if the other apps does.
VoipStunt lets you make free in-app phone calls on your phone or computer to other VoipStunt users. These online calls can be an unlimited length which is also very beneficial.
This app doesn’t support text messaging or video messages, so that is one negative quality if you need a more extensive app.
Platforms: Android and iOS
13. Voxofon
While you were still thinking you would never buy a smartphone, Voxofon was one of the first apps to offer free international calls in 2008.
Now that smartphones are commonplace, it speaks volumes that Voxofon is still around and relevant today! Plus, they are still providing free calls.
The Voxofon app works on any mobile or computer device and calls between app users are free. You can also send text messages, pictures, and videos for free.
Voxofon also provides the option to call international cell phones and landlines.
Platform: Android
14. WeChat
Need to make a phone call to China? You might consider WeChat which is one of China’s most popular apps and doubles as a social media platform.
To put the popularity of WeChat into perspective, Facebook is the most popular social media network in most of the world. However, WeChat is arguably more popular in China.
WeChat offers free international calls and group video calls.
Platforms: Android and iOS
15. Google Voice
Google Voice is the most limited app on this list as you can only make free phone calls between the U.S. and Canada.
If you’re okay with this, you might like this app because it’s powered by Google.
You can even get a free phone number so you don’t have to share your current cell phone number either.
Platforms: Android and iOS
Frequently Asked Questions
How do VOIP apps make free international calls?
Most apps only allow free international calls when you call another person in the app. If you have ever FaceTimed or Skyped anybody, you are already familiar with this principle.
You communicate over the Internet instead of regular telephone lines.
Do you need an internet connection to make free international calls?
Yes. Most apps require a minimum 3G cellular data connection or connecting to a wifi hotspot.
It’s easier and more affordable to make an international call than ever before.
The one exception is the Rebtel app when you’re calling a supported country that they can dial a local number in.
Do free international calls support video calls?
Most of the apps mentioned here let you use video chat for free. You will both need to use the app and have an adequate internet speed to support video. If you have a poor connection, you might only be able to make a voice-only call.
Do cell phone plans offer free international calls?
Your cell phone plan might offer free international calls. You usually have to pay more money for these plans, but it can be more cost-effective than paying by the minute without a plan.
And, if none of the free apps mentioned here work for you, this can be a decent alternative too.
Can I make free international calls from a computer?
Many apps let you make free international calls from your computer or to a computer. All that matters is that you both talk to each other with the internet-powered app. One of you can talk on a smartphone and the other on a computer and your call will be still free.
Related: 12 Best Fax Services Near Me to Fax For Less
Summary
As you can see, many apps offer free international calls with app-to-app voice and video communication.
All you need is a reliable internet connection and you may never have to pay for international phone calls ever again!
