TL;DR
Free Calling Apps
WhatsApp is frequently recommended for making free international calls, as long as both parties have the app installed. It supports voice and video calls, though it requires an internet connection [3:1]
[3:5]. Google Voice also offers free calls within the US and Canada, and can be used internationally with some limitations
[3:2]
[3:8].
Low-Cost Alternatives
For calls to actual phone numbers without relying solely on WiFi, several apps provide cost-effective solutions. Yolla allows users to call anywhere in the world by topping up their account, offering competitive rates [4:1]. Rebtel provides unlimited calls to certain regions and offers promotional credits for new users
[4:4]. Talk360 is another option that has been praised for its reliability
[4:3].
VoIP Services
For those interested in VoIP services, Sipcall was mentioned as a reliable provider for making calls over non-WiFi connections [2:3]. However, users should be aware of regional restrictions, such as bans on VoIP in Dubai
[2:4].
Additional Options
Textfree and Discord were noted for their ability to make free calls, though they require both parties to use the same platform [3:3]
[3:9]. Additionally, Microsoft Teams was suggested for business communications, especially for integrating local number porting and routing systems
[2:6]
[2:9].
Considerations Beyond the Discussions
While these apps and services provide various options for free or low-cost international calls, it's important to consider factors such as call quality, ease of use, and compatibility with your device. Additionally, privacy concerns may arise with some apps, so choosing encrypted communication platforms like Signal could be beneficial [3:7].
I have a family member going on vacation somewhere with spotty wifi so I’m looking for an app that will let me call them from Canada. Ideally free or low cost and not operated via wifi but I’m not familiar with how that works.
Thank you!
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Hey guys, I'm working remotely here and I need to make calls to Dubai and the UK on a daily basis. With Skype going out of business it's been a ball ache. I'm wondering if you guys can recommend an app or service you've used that's been pretty simple and effective.
Cheers
Viber -viber out credit feature might work
True, they also have a 7 day free trial and I've used it plenty of times to make calls around the world
I am unfamiliar with Dubai's regulations, as I have no business there. However, I travel frequently and make many calls over landlines and non-WiFi connections using a VoIP provider called Sipcall. So far, I have been able to call landlines and mobile numbers worldwide without difficulty.
WhatsApp my guy
VoIP is banned for all in Dubai.
There's other local apps that allow it but they suck and are janky.
Wouldn't a vpn solve this?
Microsoft Teams Phone with local number porting.
I second this.. Microsoft Teams is widely used in Dubai..
Yeah. We recently got an Aussie firm with global offices migrated to Teams with phone. So local number porting + routing system that redirects calls worldwide to whoever's available. Pretty neat.
So highly recommend Teams for all-in-one business comms. We do IT services in Sydney.
WhatsApp or Google Voice
Skype charges you, Google used to let me do it through my Gmail but they took it away recently
The Google voice app still allows you to make calls for free in US and Canada, I believe.
Beware that it comes at a cost of google recording and using your voice/conversation for whatever they want. Data mining companies don't makes products like that out of the goodness of their heart. The best app to use would be one that is encrypted, such as Signal, Conversations, Element/Matrix, etc. And if you want a alternative to Zoom that is encrypted and free with no time limits, use Jitsi Meet.
Yea, it does, you can also do same from the google voice website as well.
It definitely does in the US, I use it regularly for work.
Textfree let’s you make calls
What's app, but the other person has to also have What's app.
I think WhatsApp lets you make calls for free.
It does, including video calls, but you need to be connected to WiFi.
I have used whatsapp when not on WiFi, but then it does use mobile data.
Discord
Can it connect out to a normal phone line or you just mean discord to discord calls ?
just discord to discord, but the call quality is really good and also doesn’t use too much mobile data at all if you don’t have wifi
Hi all, I just moved to the USA recently and want to connect back to my family in India. They don't have an Internet connection at home. I got to know about a few apps that let you Call on the sim. The thing is they do charge; You have to buy credit but the charges are a bit lower as compared to a phone. Please suggest an app if you are using one.
Rebtel has been great for me, they even give you free unlimited calls to the US. Here is 10$ credit/coupon code if anyone wants to try it. https://reb.tel/WpHbb2
free calls to us from where?
I use Yolla, which is an app that allows you to call anywhere in the world by topping up your account. It looks like $8 would buy you around 615 minutes to both landlines and mobile numbers in India. The only caveat is that the service can sometimes be a little patchy, as it uses your 4G or wifi connection to make calls, but overall I’ve been fairly happy with the service!
Did you use any other services also?
Talk360, Rebtel, Skype
No, just that one!
When Skype closed their credit-based calling, I switched to Yadaphone for calls from abroad. It is quite cheap and you don't have to buy a phone number or a subscription
How to make international calls for free or at a low cost to anyone around the world who uses an actual cell phone number or landline number? I need to make calls to companies or to people who use landline phone number or cell phone number. Thank you so much.
But really just use any of the dozen apps like whatsapp, line etc... dunno why in the internet age still got company charging for international calls, when we all know the world wide web is making instant cheap international communication every second of every day.
Phones numbers should have been depreciated in 2005
Get a phone number in any country you want from DIDlogic basic account ($25).
For example, US number costs about $2 activation + $2 / month. Then it will charge per minute of use. Right now I pay about $.005 / minute.
Some countries require ID to obtain a phone number (such as Russia).
Then use a service that connects to DIDlogic via SIP, for example Zoiper5. You can download this program to your computer or download their app to your phone. Connect it to your DIDlogic account.
You can make outgoing calls to any phone number for very low rates using DIDlogic. As long as you have a data connection you can place a call to any phone number in the world.
If someone calls you on your phone number it will get routed to whatever local SIM phone number you have set up. For example, someone can call me on my DIDlogic US phone number and it will get forwarded to my Mexico SIM phone number.
Later, if I go to another country and get a different SIM card I can forward the same US phone number to the new country's phone number.
You can SMS / text message local numbers through your foreign number but will need to upgrade to the Business account ($250).
There are other services for getting a phone number and for using SIP to place calls. You can check the list of compatible providers on Zoiper's website. There are a TON with varying pricing structures.
Why is this better than Skype or similar services?
- It's a bit more reliable. It's private / encrypted.
- There's more flexibility if you need to change numbers.
- You can record phone calls for future reference. You can call, text (SMS + MMS) with this setup.
- People don't need to know you are using a "virtual" phone number.
- Tech support / service has been much better. As opposed to, say, Skype which has very low quality support.
As said above. Skype (paid) or you can get a digital phone number and call from the pc.
Hi can you elaborate on this? Which services would you suggest?
I used paid Skype. There are several, depending on where you live.
If you only need outgoing calls, skype is a few cents per minute and what I use.
​
If you need to have a number that people can call you at, then you need to pay a monthly fee.
I use WhatsApp, and since I'm Canadian also created a cell number through Text Now. Can call and text on both, but I prefer WhatsApp as you can send files, etc easily and use on a desktop.
I will be traveling from Canada to Jamaica for work soon, and staying in Jamaica for 4-6 months. I need to be able to make calls to Canadian numbers, from a Canadian number while I'm there. I'm trying to find the best free wifi calling app, where you can choose your own phone number. Does anyone have any experience with these apps? Any help appreciated!
I use WhatsApp. I think it uses wifi for calls as well as texts.
This is always what I use when I am out of the country. It is also widely used all over the world so connecting with other people should be an ease. Use your own number if you are using wifi mostly and if you are buying a temporary SIM card while away, you can change the number on your WhatsApp account easily.
Skype probably or google voice
This. It's pretty damn cheap. You just need an internet connection
What's app, Skype, and Google fi sim card
This worked perfectly for me. I kept my cell phone on plane mode the entire time I was abroad and placed calls over WiFi using house wifi and this gadget whenever I was out of the house. To dial locally, I dialed as if I was in my home country. https://www.skyroam.com/
You can install a mock phone app like 2nd number or textnow. They will give you free US/Canada Calls, a canadian/us number as long as you use it regularly.
Google Voice: https://voice.google.com/
I make calls on google voice but I am hearing good things about TextNow.
Free wifi locations and passwords: https://www.wifimap.io/
Free wifi phone service: https://www.textnow.com/
If your cell phone works on the Sprint network, TextNow has an advertising supported cell phone service.
Now that Google Hangouts has gone the way of the dodo. I made one last year but I can't quite recall how now - I think it was through the Skype free trial?
I ask because I may need to call two (and only two) USA numbers from Singapore, and I don't want to sign up for something expensive if I don't need to.
Do you have Google voice? That’s how I make calls to the US from Korea. The numbers I call don’t have to do anything or necessarily even know I’m outside the US. You may need a VPN to sign up. I did the sign up while still in the US.
AFAIK you need to be in USA.
Signal, Telegram, Facetime, and WhatsApp as a last resort
My family uses Signal, as we’re scattered all over the planet.
Another Signal user here. Friends and family all over the place but we keep in touch with signal.
WhatsApp offers free calls as long as all parties register for an account
Hi. anyone knows what free app to use for calling USA numbers? For iPhone
OnPhone App
[removed]
If you download the free Viber app then you can talk for free with anyone else who has the app. I've used it from the USA to Southern Europe.
Yep and if they don’t have Viber, you can use Viber out for cheap. It’s what I do when I travel and need to call US numbers
But on WhatsApp??? Now the quality is very high if you scroll from bottom to top and start the voice call
> no more Skype or Gvoice
Huh? Google Voice still exists.
GV is still around, but not available in all Asian countries/markets.
I too that it was worded strange.
But has it actually left some markets? I know you can’t sign up for it in many markets (maybe most places outside the U.S.), but it didn’t stop existing.
OP needs to provide a bit more information about home country. It’s not entirely clear whether Indonesia is just where they are at the moment or their home country.
Yöllä of you need to call a landline. WhatsApp if not.
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I am looking for an app that will allow me to call from the UK to US landlines, as well as providing me with a US number. I have found a few apps but the reviews say that the call quality is poor, they crash, etc. Just wondering what apps people have used and found helpful
Skype
Why can you not just use WiFi and use what’s app it will be with your own current US phone number?
Also you can use FB messenger too?
Now as far as new phone number I am not to sure…
Just use snapchat or Facebook messenger or hell even what's app. Just be on wifi.
How could you use WhatsApp to call a landline? The other party has to also have WhatsApp for it to work… you obviously can’t use WhatsApp on a landline…unless there’s something im missing 😭
Get Google free number. You can use Google voice. You might have to use American VPN (like Hola VPN) to register and create an American account. Please let me know if you need any help.
best apps for free international calls
Key Considerations for Free International Call Apps:
Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, as these apps rely on internet connectivity.
User Base: Choose apps that your contacts are likely to use, as many require both parties to have the app installed for free calls.
Features: Look for additional features like video calling, messaging, and file sharing, which can enhance your communication experience.
Call Quality: Check reviews regarding call quality and reliability, as this can vary significantly between apps.
Privacy and Security: Consider apps that offer end-to-end encryption to protect your conversations.
Top Recommendations:
WhatsApp:
Skype:
Viber:
Google Voice:
Facebook Messenger:
Recommendation: If you want a versatile app with a large user base, WhatsApp is often the best choice. For those who prefer a more traditional calling experience, Skype is a solid option. Always ensure that both you and your contacts are using the same app for free calls.
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