Staying in touch with family and friends abroad doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right tools, making free or cheap international calls is easier than you might think.
Through the internet, you can directly call people worldwide using your phone. Some methods work best for regular contact with close friends and family, while others are useful for occasionally calling landline numbers. Here are some common approaches, you can see which one fits your situation.
1. Free Online Calls Apps
This is the easiest way to call for free. You and the person you're calling both need the same app on a smartphone or computer. If you have an internet connection, the call doesn't cost anything.
imo
imo is a strong choice if your network isn't always reliable or if your phone has limited storage. It's widely used in South Asia. The app is lightweight but includes all the main features.
imo is free and lets you send messages, make voice and video calls, and create groups. This makes it easy to talk to one person or connect with family and friends together.
It uses data compression technology to make clear calls and send messages quickly, even on slower 3G networks where other apps might have trouble. It doesn't take up much space on your device and runs without slowing down your phone or draining your battery too quickly. The simple interface is easy for people of all ages to use. If you want a reliable connection that works well without extra features, imo is a good option.
If you’re asked to pay when downloading imo, it’s likely because you installed the US version by mistake—see our guide on how to download the official free version.
Other Options
WhatsApp is widely used for messaging and group calls. It works best when you have a strong and stable internet connection. While it offers many features, long calls can consume more battery and require a phone with sufficient memory.
Messenger lets you make free voice and video calls to your Facebook contacts. It's convenient for casual conversations, and you can use stickers and filters. However, it works best if the people you want to call are active on Facebook.
Zoom isn't just for business meetings—it also provides high-quality video calls for one-on-one or small group conversations. Audio and video clarity are often superior to social messaging apps, making it suitable for more formal or special occasions.
Signal is known for its speed and strong security features. Its voice call function is high-quality and private, which makes it a good alternative for users who value privacy.
Each of these apps has its strengths, but imo stands out for being lightweight, reliable even on slower networks, and easy to use for people of all ages. It's particularly suited for users in regions with limited connectivity or older smartphones, making it a practical choice for keeping in touch with family and friends abroad.
If you're only looking for noline free calling apps, you can also check out our other blog: 5 Top Options for Online Free Call.
2. Paid Online Calls
What if you need to call a regular landline or mobile number? Low-cost online calling services work for this. They aren't free, but their rates are much lower than those of traditional phone companies.
You can use Skype for this. It lets you buy credit or a monthly subscription to call any phone number in the world. For example, calling from India or Bangladesh to the United States may cost just a few cents per minute.
You can also check local VoIP providers in your country. In South Asia, companies like My Country Mobile or GossipTel offer international calling plans. These are often tailored for specific communities and can have good rates for calls to places like the Middle East or Southeast Asia.
3. International SIMs and eSIMs
If you travel often, avoiding high roaming fees is important. International SIMs and eSIMs can help. They connect you to local networks at local rates. This lets you avoid your home carrier's international roaming charges.
Major providers like Airtel and Grameenphone sell special international roaming packs. These packs include bundles of minutes, texts, and data at much lower rates than standard roaming.
Another option is eSIM services like Airalo. These allow you to download a data plan for a specific country. This gives you affordable local data to use with free calling apps, so you don't have to pay for international calls through your regular carrier.
4. Override providers
Override providers can lower your calling costs through a method called "least cost routing." These systems redirect your call through the cheapest available network path.
With a service like Tel3, you first dial a local access number. Their system then finds the most cost-effective route to connect your international call. This method bypasses the standard infrastructure used by traditional carriers. The rates are often much lower, sometimes just pennies per minute to many places. Using it requires an extra step when dialing.
5. International calling cards
Calling cards help you control costs because you pay for minutes in advance. This prevents surprise bills on your statement. The companies that offer them buy calling capacity in bulk from various carriers at wholesale rates. They then resell this capacity to consumers in smaller packages.
The per-minute rates are usually much lower than standard international rates from major carriers. However, some cards may have hidden fees or expiration dates for your prepaid credit.
Finally
For most daily communication with friends and family, a free international calling app is all you need. If you have network issues or an older phone, trying a lighter app like imo could help.
You can try one of these options and see how it works for you.