Try this phone trick to make free international calls on your upcoming trip abroad

After returning from an international trip, you'll likely face a mountain of laundry, a stack of mail, and possibly some work emails you've neglected. One thing you shouldn’t stress about is a shocking cellphone bill filled with international call charges.

Most mobile providers impose a per-minute fee for international calls beyond Mexico and Canada, with rates differing by country.

Many carriers offer international calling plans as an extra feature for your monthly service. For instance, Verizon has a $10 per day TravelPass for unlimited calls, texts, and data in over 210 countries, charged only on days of use. Similarly, T-Mobile provides an International Pass with unlimited calling and varying levels of high-speed international data for $5 per day, $35 for 10 days, or $50 for 30 days.

These fees can accumulate quickly if you're traveling for an extended period and frequently calling home, but there are better alternatives available.

A clever trick can help you save money while staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. All you need is a smartphone and a communication app like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, or Facebook Messenger.

How does this work?

Instead of using a cellular network, apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger rely on Wi-Fi or mobile data. As long as you’re in an area with Wi-Fi and an active internet connection, you can use these apps to make voice or video calls to your loved ones. Some of these apps also support text messaging.

To use these apps, both users must install them, create a free account, and have a stable internet connection. You'll be pleased to know that all these apps utilize end-to-end encryption to ensure your calls and messages remain secure and private.

For instance, both participants need to have an Apple device with FaceTime enabled to use the app. One of the great features of FaceTime is that you can use your iPad or MacBook along with your iPhone. If you have an iPhone with iOS 15 or newer, you can even invite Android users to join ongoing calls.

It's best to set everything up before your trip to ensure all is ready to go. Additionally, inform your friends and family about which app you'll be using for calls while abroad, so they can prepare accordingly.

When you're on your international trip, simply open your chosen app, find the person you want to contact in your list, or enter their phone number to reach out to loved ones, no matter where you are in the world.

Considerations to keep in mind

Monitor your data usage

While many plans offer some international data, if you incur charges for international roaming or have a data cap, using these apps could still lead to additional fees. To avoid this, disable mobile data and data roaming to ensure you connect solely through Wi-Fi.

If you find yourself without Wi-Fi and have limited international data available, keep an eye on your data consumption abroad to avoid exceeding your limit. Some carriers provide alerts when you’re nearing your data cap, but you can also log into your account to check your usage at any time.

Alternatively, consider purchasing a travel SIM card, which may be more cost-effective than a temporary international plan from your carrier. A travel SIM card allows you to use your mobile device abroad without incurring roaming fees by connecting to local networks.

Be cautious with open Wi-Fi networks.

Even though calls and messages on these apps are encrypted, using public Wi-Fi networks raises safety concerns. In places like airports or hotels, you often have to rely on potentially insecure public networks, especially if they lack password protection.

Public Wi-Fi is susceptible to attacks, making it easier for hackers to intercept any information you transmit, including usernames, passwords, and financial data.

Consider utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) like NordVPN or Surfshark. VPNs safeguard your data from cyber threats by encrypting sensitive details. They create a secure 'tunnel' that protects your information as it travels from your device to the VPN's data center and onward.

In summary,

Although it's not as straightforward as simply picking up your phone to call, these apps offer an easy way to make free international calls. You'll need to take a few initial steps, like reviewing your cell phone plan and setting up the app. However, by the time your trip arrives, you'll be all set to stay in touch with your loved ones back home without incurring international calling charges.