WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to make voice and video calls over an internet connection. This raises an important question – can you use WhatsApp to make calls internationally to phone numbers abroad? The short answer is yes, WhatsApp can be used to make international calls. However, there are some important limitations and things to keep in mind when phoning internationally on WhatsApp.
How WhatsApp Calling Works
WhatsApp calls work by using your phone’s internet connection, whether through mobile data or WiFi, to connect the call. When you place a WhatsApp call, the app sends audio data back and forth in a similar way to apps like Skype or FaceTime. This allows you to have a conversation in real-time.
The key thing is that WhatsApp does not use your cellular plan’s voice minutes, and instead relies entirely on your data connection. This means you can avoid expensive international calling charges from your phone provider when making WhatsApp calls abroad.
Placing International Calls on WhatsApp
Placing an international WhatsApp call is simple. All you need to do is open the chat with the contact abroad, then tap the phone or video icon at the top right to place a call. WhatsApp will use your phone’s microphone and speakers for the call.
As long as both you and the recipient have an internet connection, the call quality can be excellent. WhatsApp uses voice over IP technology to digitize and transmit your voice, allowing clear calls even over long distances.
Countries Where WhatsApp Calling Works
WhatsApp calling is available globally in most countries. However, there are a few places where WhatsApp calling is restricted or unavailable:
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- China
- North Korea
- Iran
So as long as the country you are trying to call is not on this list, you should be able to place WhatsApp calls to phone numbers there.
Cost of WhatsApp International Calls
The biggest advantage of using WhatsApp to call internationally is that it avoids expensive international call rates from your phone provider. WhatsApp calls are entirely free using just your data connection.
However, you do still need a data connection, either through WiFi or your mobile plan’s data. Using mobile data to make WhatsApp calls can use up your monthly data allowance. So it is not technically free, but vastly cheaper than international call rates.
Here is a comparison of the cost of a 1 hour WhatsApp call vs standard international calling rates:
| Method | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Call | $2-$10 depending on your data rate |
| Landline International Call | $5-$20 per hour |
As you can see, WhatsApp calls can save you significant money compared to standard international phone rates. However, always be aware of your data usage as excessive WhatsApp calling on mobile data can get expensive. Use WiFi for calling whenever possible.
Call Quality
The call quality on WhatsApp can vary depending on the internet connections of both parties. Call quality is usually very good, providing clear audio that is comparable to a regular phone call.
However, sometimes call quality can suffer from:
- Poor internet connection
- Network congestion
- Bandwidth limitations
- Distance between countries
To get the best quality WhatsApp calls abroad:
- Use a stable high-speed WiFi or cellular data connection
- Avoid calling at peak congestion times
- Try calling countries geographically closer to you
Following these tips will help ensure your international WhatsApp calls have good audio quality. But occasional sound issues are likely when calling long distances.
Using WhatsApp for Business Abroad
WhatsApp can be very useful for businesses needing to communicate internationally. Features like WhatsApp Business accounts, messaging tools, and international calling can help businesses connect across borders.
Key benefits of using WhatsApp for international business include:
- Low cost communication
- Connecting with partners and customers abroad
- Coordination across time zones
- Provides local country numbers for greater accessibility
WhatsApp is often the most popular messaging app overseas so it meets users in a familiar environment. Having business accounts with features like quick replies, away messages, and analytics provides great capabilities for firms operating globally.
Overall, WhatsApp is an efficient and affordable way for companies to conduct international communication and build relationships abroad. The ability to make inexpensive WhatsApp calls around the world is a big help.
Using Local SIM Cards
When traveling internationally, using a local SIM card can improve your WhatsApp calling experience. By getting a SIM card with a phone number from the country you are visiting, you can:
- Make WhatsApp calls at local rates
- Avoid roaming charges
- Improve call quality
- Connect better with local contacts
You’ll want to make sure your phone is unlocked to use foreign SIM cards. But an inexpensive prepaid SIM with a local number can make WhatsApp calling and messaging much smoother abroad.
WhatsApp Alternatives for International Calling
While WhatsApp is convenient for calling abroad, there are some alternative apps that offer similar capabilities:
- Skype – Skype has long been a top app for cheap internet calling internationally. Rates can be very low.
- FaceTime – If you use Apple devices, FaceTime offers very high quality video and voice calls internationally.
- Google Hangouts – Hangouts also allows free messaging and video/voice calls internationally.
- Viber – Similar to WhatsApp, Viber provides free international calling over data.
Each app has pros and cons but all can be great options for affordable international calling. Consider which service your contacts abroad may use to choose the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about using WhatsApp to make international calls:
Does WhatsApp call work abroad?
Yes, WhatsApp calling works internationally to most countries. As long as both parties have an internet connection, you can place free WhatsApp calls abroad.
Can I call a landline with WhatsApp internationally?
No, you cannot directly call landlines with WhatsApp. You can only call mobile numbers of other WhatsApp users. For landlines, you’d need to use Skype or an international landline calling service.
Is WhatsApp banned in any country?
WhatsApp is restricted or banned in a handful of countries like China, UAE, and Iran. Check if WhatsApp works in a country before traveling there or trying to call.
Does WhatsApp work on WiFi only?
No, WhatsApp can work over both WiFi and mobile data connections. But WiFi is preferred when available to save on data usage.
Can I call emergency numbers on WhatsApp?
No, WhatsApp cannot be used to call emergency service numbers like 911 or 112. You need regular cellular service for emergency calls.
Conclusion
WhatsApp can be an incredibly useful tool for affordably making international calls. By using an internet connection and avoiding standard calling rates, WhatsApp facilitates cheap communication abroad.
There are a few limitations like emergency calling and restrictions in some countries. But overall, WhatsApp delivers a quality international calling solution for both personal and business use. Just be aware of data usage and call quality factors when phoning globally on WhatsApp.