WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. A key feature of WhatsApp is its ability to allow users to communicate internationally for free through internet data or WiFi. But does WhatsApp work abroad and is it really free to use internationally?
How WhatsApp Works Internationally
WhatsApp uses your phone’s cellular or wireless internet connection to send messages, photos, videos, voice messages and make calls. As long as you have an internet connection, either through a wireless network or your phone’s cellular data, WhatsApp will work internationally. Here’s a breakdown of how WhatsApp works globally:
- WhatsApp uses your phone number as your identifier. When you register for WhatsApp, it verifies your phone number through an SMS code.
- It connects to your contacts list on your phone and automatically detects which of your contacts are also using WhatsApp.
- Messages are sent via your internet connection, either WiFi or cellular data like 3G, 4G or 5G. The messages are sent to WhatsApp’s servers which then pushes them to the recipient.
- As long as both you and the recipient have internet connections, messages will be delivered internationally for free.
- WhatsApp also provides free international voice and video calls through data.
So in summary, WhatsApp relies on the internet to send messages and make calls, so you don’t actually need a cellular plan or SIM card from the country you are visiting. As long as you have a data connection through WiFi or a temporary data SIM, WhatsApp will work globally.
Using WhatsApp Internationally on WiFi
The easiest and cheapest way to use WhatsApp when travelling or living abroad is to connect through WiFi networks. Here are some tips for using WhatsApp over WiFi internationally:
- Connect to local WiFi networks in your accommodation, cafes, restaurants, bars and public areas.
- Look for WiFi networks with strong, reliable connections for the best WhatsApp call quality.
- Download offline area maps on Google Maps to locate WiFi hotspots when you’re out and about.
- Bring a portable WiFi hotspot device or use WiFi tethering to connect other devices.
- Make sure to manually reconnect if you switch wireless networks as you move around.
Using WhatsApp over safe, password-protected WiFi networks is the most convenient and affordable way to stay connected with friends and family back home. Just make sure to avoid risky public WiFi networks when using WhatsApp for calls, messages or media with private information.
Pros
- Free to use – no mobile data costs when connecting through WiFi
- Convenient – Large number of WiFi hotspots available globally
- Reliable connections on strong networks
- No need for local SIM card or cell plan
Cons
- Need to be in range of a WiFi network
- Public WiFi carries security risks
- Spotty connectivity when moving between networks
Using a Local SIM Card and Cell Plan
Another option is to get a local SIM card with a cellular data plan when travelling internationally. Here are some tips on using WhatsApp with a foreign SIM card:
- Research the best local mobile carrier and short-term, prepaid SIM card options.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked for use on foreign networks.
- Purchase a prepaid SIM in the airport on arrival or at local carriers.
- Choose a plan with data, texts and calling minutes for WhatsApp usage.
- Insert the SIM card – your phone will configure network settings automatically.
- Connect to the cellular data network to use WhatsApp.
A local SIM card may provide more reliable WhatsApp access when WiFi is limited. But it does involve the cost of purchasing a plan with adequate data.
Pros
- Reliable cellular data connection
- Not dependent on finding WiFi hotspots
- Can include voice call minutes and texts
- Short-term prepaid plans are flexible
Cons
- Cost of purchasing SIM card and data plan
- Need an unlocked, compatible phone
- May need to show ID/passport when purchasing
- Not as affordable as using WiFi
Using WhatsApp Roaming Internationally
You can also use WhatsApp through international roaming by keeping your regular cell plan activated abroad. Here’s what to know about using WhatsApp roaming:
- Check with your carrier on roaming rates and countries covered.
- Roaming capabilities may be limited on discount US carriers.
- Disable cellular data roaming on your phone then manually enable when needed.
- WhatsApp will use data from your regular plan when roaming.
- Expect very high data usage costs unless you have an international roaming package.
Using WhatsApp roaming without an international plan can be very expensive. But roaming packages and passes from your carrier provide affordable short-term roaming options.
Pros
- Seamless connectivity through your regular number
- Convenient if already travelling on your carrier’s network
- Roaming packages can lower costs for short trips
Cons
- Expensive without an international roaming plan
- Not all carriers offer roaming packages
- Spotty coverage in some regions
- Lower data speeds while roaming
Tips for Using WhatsApp Internationally
To stay connected with WhatsApp while travelling abroad, keep these tips in mind:
- Use WiFi whenever possible to avoid cellular data fees.
- Toggle on WhatsApp’s Data Saver mode to reduce usage on metered networks.
- Download media, maps and files on WiFi for using WhatsApp offline later.
- Disable automatic media download when roaming to limit costs.
- Keep cellular data turned off unless actively using WhatsApp if no plan.
- Favor texting over voice and video calls to minimize data usage.
- Buy a local SIM if travelling for an extended period of time.
Being smart about your WhatsApp usage and settings while travelling internationally helps ensure you stay affordably connected.
WhatsApp Call and Message Rates Internationally
One of the biggest advantages of WhatsApp is that sending messages internationally is completely free over both WiFi and mobile data. There are no extra fees or charges applied based on the recipient’s location – WhatsApp messages sent worldwide cost the same as domestic.
WhatsApp voice and video calls are also free through WiFi. However, when using cellular data, standard roaming charges will apply unless you have an international plan with your carrier. Here are the typical costs for WhatsApp calls when roaming:
| Carrier | WhatsApp Call Rates (per minute) |
|---|---|
| AT&T | $2.05 (simple global countries) to $9.99 (rest of world) |
| T-Mobile | $0.25/min (Canada/Mexico) to $3.00/min (other countries) |
| Verizon | $2.05 (Canada/Mexico) to $10.00/min (other countries) |
| Google Fi | $0.20/min (any country) |
As you can see, WhatsApp call rates when roaming internationally are quite high without an international plan. WiFi calling is much more affordable.
Countries Where WhatsApp is Restricted or Banned
While WhatsApp has a global user base, the app has been banned or restricted to limited functionality in some countries. Here are places where WhatsApp may not be fully available:
- China – not accessible without a VPN due to government firewalls
- Iran – banned due to national security reasons
- North Korea – unavailable due to government restrictions
- United Arab Emirates – voice/video calling blocked
- India – blocked for brief periods during social unrest
- Turkey – banned for short intervals surrounding politics
WhatsApp does comply with requests from governments to block access or limit functionality due to local laws and censorship policies. Using a VPN can sometimes bypass these restrictions.
Popular Alternatives to WhatsApp Internationally
In certain regions globally, other messaging apps are more widely used than WhatsApp. Here are some top alternatives used internationally:
WeChat (China)
- Over 1 billion monthly active users, most in China.
- Offers messaging, social newsfeed and mobile payments.
- Operates entirely within China’s internet regulations.
- Mainly Mandarin language but supports English and other languages.
LINE (Japan and Southeast Asia)
- Dominant in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia.
- Has over 85 million users in Japan alone.
- Features free calls, instant messaging and social gaming.
- Supports over 60 languages including English.
KakaoTalk (South Korea)
- 95% market share in South Korea with over 50 million users.
- Offers texting, voice calls, video calls and photo sharing.
- Integrated with popular KakaoTaxi and KakaoMetro apps.
- Korean language interface but accessible worldwide.
These apps have strong dominance regionally over WhatsApp due to earlier market entrance and more localization. WhatsApp’s worldwide appeal continues growing but local apps prevail in some large countries.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides a free, convenient way for users worldwide to stay connected while travelling abroad or living internationally. While completely free over WiFi, WhatsApp can generate high cellular data costs unless you use a local SIM, roaming package or data plan. With the right connectivity setup, WhatsApp provides affordable messaging and calling globally. But be aware WhatsApp may be restricted or require a VPN in some countries due to government policies.