Do you pay roaming with WiFi calling?

WiFi Calling and Roaming: A Cost-Saving Convenience with a Catch

WiFi calling has become a lifesaver for travelers, offering a way to make and receive calls over a WiFi network, potentially bypassing hefty international roaming charges. However, its convenience abroad isn’t without limitations, and understanding these nuances can prevent unexpected charges on your phone bill. The critical point to remember is that WiFi calling’s cost-saving benefits are tied directly to staying connected to that WiFi network.

While connected to WiFi, calls made using WiFi calling typically utilize your home calling plan’s minutes, regardless of your physical location. This means you can call home from a cafe in Paris or a hotel in Tokyo using your regular allowance, often avoiding expensive per-minute roaming fees.

The catch comes when you leave the embrace of the WiFi network during a call. This is particularly relevant for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) calls made via WiFi calling. If your device switches from WiFi to a cellular network while roaming – say, you step outside during a call – your call will seamlessly transition to the foreign carrier’s network. This seemingly smooth handover has a significant consequence: you’ll immediately begin incurring standard roaming charges. That free call to your family back home? It’s no longer free. You are now using the foreign network’s infrastructure, and they will bill accordingly, either through roaming fees applied by your home carrier or directly as long-distance charges.

This “seamless” transition is designed for convenience, preventing dropped calls. However, it can quickly become a costly trap for the unaware. Imagine a lengthy call that begins on WiFi and unknowingly transitions to cellular as you move around. Those roaming charges can accumulate rapidly.

To avoid unexpected roaming fees while using WiFi calling abroad:

• Be mindful of your WiFi connection. Avoid moving around during calls, especially if you’re near the edge of the WiFi network’s range.
• Monitor your call status. Some phones display an indicator to show whether a call is using WiFi calling. Keep an eye on this to ensure you remain on WiFi.
• Disable VoLTE roaming in your phone’s settings. This might lead to dropped calls when leaving WiFi coverage, but it’s a surefire way to prevent accidental roaming charges.
• Consider using a data-only SIM card while traveling. This eliminates the possibility of connecting to a foreign cellular network for calls and forces your phone to rely solely on WiFi for calling.
• Familiarize yourself with your carrier’s roaming policies and rates. Knowing the potential costs can help you make informed decisions about using your phone abroad.

WiFi calling can be a valuable tool for staying connected affordably while traveling. However, by understanding its limitations and taking a few precautions, you can avoid the unpleasant surprise of unexpected roaming charges on your bill.