WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users across 180 countries. Connecting with friends and family internationally is easy with WhatsApp, as long as you have an internet connection. There are a few things to keep in mind when using WhatsApp internationally, such as verifying your number, country codes, and data charges. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be video chatting and sending messages internationally in no time!
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a free messaging and voice over IP service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows you to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users globally. WhatsApp uses your phone’s mobile data or WiFi connection to send messages and make calls so you don’t have to pay for SMS or phone call rates.
Some key features of WhatsApp:
– End-to-end encryption for secure messaging
– Group chats with up to 256 people
– Share your location, contacts, documents
– Desktop and web apps to use WhatsApp on your computer
– Free voice and video calls
How WhatsApp works internationally
WhatsApp uses the internet to send messages, so as long as both you and the person you’re messaging have an internet connection, the geographic distance doesn’t matter. You can message someone next door or on the other side of the planet with no difference in functionality.
When you send a message on WhatsApp, it goes to WhatsApp’s servers, then to the recipient’s phone if it is online. Even if the recipient’s phone is offline, the message will be held on WhatsApp’s servers until their device connects to the internet again. This way, messages are delivered quickly when possible, but ultimately always delivered as long as internet connectivity exists.
The same goes for voice and video calls – WhatsApp utilizes your phone’s internet connection for making calls internationally. As long as both callers have an internet signal, the physical distance is irrelevant. WiFi is preferable when making international calls to get the best sound quality and avoid potential cellular data charges.
Get set up with WhatsApp
To start using WhatsApp internationally, first make sure you have the app downloaded on your phone. WhatsApp is available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, JioPhone, and desktop/web.
Here are the basics to get started:
1. Verify your phone number
WhatsApp requires you to register using your phone number. This verifies your identity on WhatsApp.
When you first launch WhatsApp, it will automatically detect your country code based on your SIM card. You can also manually enter your country code if needed.
Next, enter your full phone number including area code. WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS to confirm your number. This also tells WhatsApp which country you’re located in.
2. Allow WhatsApp network access
For messaging and calls to work properly, you need to allow WhatsApp access to your phone’s network connections like mobile data or WiFi.
On both iOS and Android devices, this is done in your phone Settings, not within the WhatsApp app. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > WhatsApp > Mobile Data & WiFi and enable access.
3. Configure your profile
To complete your profile setup, you’ll be prompted to enter your name and optionally a profile photo people will see when messaging you. You can also add more information like an About section if you want.
4. Allow notifications
To get notified of new WhatsApp messages and calls on your device, go to your phone Settings > Apps & Notifications > WhatsApp and enable notifications. You can customize the notification sound and display options too.
That covers the basics to get up and running with WhatsApp! The app will guide you through the rest of the onboarding process like allowing contacts access, data settings, and more.
Connect with contacts internationally
Once set up, start adding contacts and messaging away! Here are some tips for connecting internationally:
Add international phone numbers properly
Make sure to enter the full international phone number of any foreign contacts you want to message on WhatsApp. This includes the country code and area code.
For example, a number in London might be +44 20 XXXX XXXX where +44 is the country code for the UK. Getting the country code right ensures your messages reach the proper destination.
Find people via invite link
You can generate a WhatsApp invite link in your profile settings to share with friends abroad. When they click the link on their phone, it will open the WhatsApp app and automatically add you as a contact.
Join groups and group calls
WhatsApp groups let you message up to 256 people at once. You can name groups, mute notifications, and share media. To join an international WhatsApp group, simply get a group invite link from the admin and click to join.
Group calls are another great way to keep in touch with overseas friends and family. Video chatting with up to 8 participants at once is free over WhatsApp.
Use WhatsApp internationally while traveling
When traveling abroad, WhatsApp will automatically switch over to use your roaming cellular data or local WiFi networks. So you can keep messaging friends and family back home for free, as long as you have an internet connection.
The easiest way is adding an international roaming plan to your cell phone service. You can also connect to local WiFi hotspots in hotels, cafes, airports etc. Some airlines even offer in-flight WiFi for internet access.
Understanding international charges
While WhatsApp usage is free, you do need an internet connection which could incur data charges when traveling internationally or messaging people in other countries.
Cellular data roaming fees
If using WhatsApp overseas without a roaming plan, standard carrier data roaming rates will apply and can be very expensive! Always check your carrier’s international roaming rates first before traveling.
Some tips to reduce roaming fees:
- Enable data roaming caps or limits if supported by your carrier
- Disable mobile data when not needed and connect only via WiFi
- Download offline maps to limit navigation data usage
- Enable Airplane Mode and selectively turn WiFi back on as needed
WiFi data charges
Connecting to paid public WiFi networks abroad may also result in data usage fees. Some hotels charge for 24 hours of WiFi access, for example. Budget-friendly options are WiFi hotspots in public places like cafes, restaurants, malls, and airports which are often free.
SMS charges
While WhatsApp avoids costly SMS fees, receiving the verification code during initial setup does use SMS. So if not on a roaming plan, international SMS charges apply.
After setup, all messaging within WhatsApp is via internet data only. But initiating new activations on new devices in different countries can incur SMS fees.
Using WhatsApp desktop and web
WhatsApp isn’t just for your phone – you can also use WhatsApp Web to send and receive messages on your computer’s desktop browser. This is great for seamless messaging when traveling with your laptop.
Here’s how to get started with WhatsApp for desktop:
1. Connect your mobile device
Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap Menu > WhatsApp Web. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code loading on web.whatsapp.com. This pairs your phone as the primary device.
2. Message from your computer
Once connected, you can see your full WhatsApp account loaded in the browser. Send and receive messages as you normally would on your phone.
3. Stay connected
WhatsApp Desktop relies on your phone being on and connected to the internet. If your phone loses connection, you’ll be logged out of web/desktop until the phone reconnects.
Make sure your phone stays on and has an active internet connection to continue using the desktop app. Your phone doesn’t need to be on your person, just connected online somewhere.
4. Multi-device support
WhatsApp recently rolled out multi-device connectivity. This lets you use WhatsApp desktop even when your phone is offline, up to 14 days before reconnecting your phone. Slowly rolling out to users in 2022.
Top international calling tips
WhatsApp also facilitates free voice and video calls internationally. Here are some top tips for making calls over WhatsApp when traveling or contacting people overseas:
Use WiFi instead of mobile data
To get the best call quality when video chatting internationally, connect to a stable WiFi network instead of using cellular data. This prevents glitches, lag, or call drops from poor mobile data signals.
Check internet speed
Run an internet speed test first, especially on public WiFi networks. You’ll want at least 1 Mbps download and upload speeds preferably for smooth video calls abroad.
Try WhatsApp audio calls
If video calls won’t connect well, high quality audio calls work over slower connections. Switch to a WhatsApp audio call when experiencing video lag or freezing.
Limit background apps
Close unused apps running in the background on your phone during calls to devote maximum internet bandwidth to WhatsApp calling.
Use headphones
Connecting headphones, earbuds or a headset improves sound quality on both ends of the call. The microphone focuses on your voice rather than ambient noise.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp internationally
Despite WhatsApp’s reliable worldwide service, you may encounter some snags when using it internationally. Try these troubleshooting tips if having issues:
Can’t verify number?
WhatsApp may not be able to automatically detect your country code if traveling and using a local SIM card. Manually enter your full international number including country code to receive a verification SMS.
Messages not sending
Check your internet connection first. Switch between WiFi and mobile data, turn Airplane mode on and off. Also try force quitting and relaunching the app – this often fixes sending issues.
Calls disconnecting
Low cellular signal while roaming or overcrowded public WiFi networks can disrupt calls. Use WhatsApp audio if video calls won’t hold a stable connection, or try connecting to a different WiFi network.
Can’t use WhatsApp abroad
Some countries block or restrict access to WhatsApp. Get a VPN app to access WhatsApp if it’s unavailable in your current region. ExpressVPN and NordVPN have free trial periods.
Account banned
Attempting to use WhatsApp with an unauthorized or restricted smartphone can result in a ban. Always use official app versions from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Key takeaways
Here are some important points to remember about using WhatsApp internationally:
- Verify your number with your full international phone number and country code
- Be aware of potential cellular data charges and roaming fees
- Connect to WiFi whenever possible, especially for calls
- Make sure your phone has an internet connection to also use WhatsApp Web
- Check for internet connectivity issues if messages won’t send
- Use a VPN if WhatsApp is blocked or restricted in your location
With the right preparation, WhatsApp makes staying in touch across borders easy and free. Follow these tips to message, call, and video chat with your global contacts.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has revolutionized instant messaging since its launch over a decade ago. With just an internet connection, you can communicate freely across the globe. While traveling or living abroad, WhatsApp provides the comfort of easy communication with loved ones back home.
Some key takeaways:
– WhatsApp is the world’s most popular cross-platform messaging app, with over 2 billion users worldwide
– End-to-end encryption ensures secure conversations, without compromising privacy
– Group chats and calls facilitate connecting multiple people simultaneously
– Desktop and web apps extend conversations seamlessly from your phone
– Using mobile data or WiFi means no SMS fees, making WhatsApp ideal for global communication
– With the right settings and connectivity, WhatsApp works flawlessly across borders
Stay in touch wherever you are with the simple convenience of WhatsApp. Follow the guidance in this article to get set up internationally and connect around the world.