Calling Home for Less: Smart Ways to Make International Calls
Travelling abroad is exciting, but staying connected with loved ones back home can be tricky—and expensive—without the right tools. Between outrageous roaming charges and compatibility issues with local networks, international communication often becomes a frustrating (and costly) part of travel.
We believe staying connected while overseas should be easy and affordable. In this article, we’ll show you how to make international calls without blowing your travel budget, and we’ll clear up some of the confusion around using your phone abroad.
The Problem: Traditional Roaming Is Pricey
We’ve all heard the horror stories—travellers return home to find a mobile bill full of roaming charges. Per-minute international calling rates through standard mobile providers can cost a fortune, and that’s before you factor in data roaming.
The Solution: Use VoIP Apps (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Thankfully, there’s a smarter way. Instead of relying on traditional mobile networks to make calls, you can use VoIP apps—these apps allow you to make calls over the internet using your travel SIM’s data or Wi-Fi connection. That means no roaming charges and often free or very cheap calls.
Here are some of the best VoIP apps for international travellers:
-
✅ WhatsApp
One of the world’s most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp is fantastic for voice and video calls. Just keep in mind that both you and the person you're calling need to have the app. It works reliably on mobile data, making it ideal when you're using a travel SIM abroad. -
✅ Google Voice
Google Voice is a great option if you’re travelling to the USA or Canada. You can get a free US number, make free calls within the US and Canada, and enjoy cheap international rates. Perfect for those longer North American trips! -
✅ Viber
Similar to WhatsApp, Viber allows free voice and video calls between users. It's particularly popular in parts of Europe and Asia, so if your friends or family use it, it's a solid choice. -
✅ FaceTime (for Apple Users)
For iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, FaceTime offers excellent video and audio quality. It's seamless between Apple devices and doesn't cost a cent—just make sure you’ve got a stable connection. -
✅ Facebook Messenger
Already using Facebook to share travel pics? Messenger allows voice and video calls, too—completely free and easy to use, as long as you're both on Facebook.
What You’ll Need
To use these apps, you just need:
- A stable internet connection—either Wi-Fi or data from your travel SIM or eSIM.
- The app installed on your device.
- An account (usually free) and the contact saved in your app.
If you're using our travel eSIM, you'll have access to high-speed mobile data across multiple countries, so you can call from just about anywhere—no need to hunt for Wi-Fi at a café.
Bonus: Other Options to Know
- Prepaid International Calling Cards: Still available in some regions, but often less convenient than using apps.
- Travel SIMs with International Call Bundles: Some travel SIMs—including ours—offer packages with included international calling minutes. That way, you can dial a landline or mobile number directly, even if the person you’re calling doesn’t use any apps.
Stay Connected the Smart Way
Making international calls doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you’re checking in with family, sorting out travel plans, or catching up with friends, VoIP apps paired with a reliable travel SIM or eSIM keep you connected wherever you go.
Ready to make your trip smoother? Check out our Travel SIMs and eSIM options designed for Aussie travellers heading abroad—simple, affordable, and designed to work across destinations like the USA, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
