How do I not get charged for international calls?

Avoid International Call Charges: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s globalized world, international calls are more frequent than ever before. However, hefty charges can quickly add up, putting a strain on your budget. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you minimize or eliminate international call charges:

Leverage Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. This eliminates international call charges as long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Check with your mobile carrier to ensure that Wi-Fi calling is supported on their network.

Pre-download Maps

Maps applications can consume a significant amount of data when used internationally. To avoid unexpected roaming charges, pre-download maps of the areas you’ll be visiting before leaving your home country.

Consider a Local SIM Card or International Plan

If you plan on staying in a foreign country for an extended period, consider purchasing a local SIM card. This will provide you with a local phone number and access to local call rates, which are usually significantly lower than international roaming charges. Alternatively, your mobile carrier may offer international plans that include a bundle of minutes, data, and texts for use abroad.

Minimize Background Data Usage

Apps and widgets can continue to run in the background, consuming data even when you’re not actively using them. To minimize data usage and avoid unnecessary charges, disable background data for non-essential apps and turn off cellular data when not in use.

Use Airplane Mode When Not Actively Calling

Airplane mode disables all wireless connections, including cellular and Wi-Fi. When you’re not actively calling, enabling airplane mode will effectively prevent your phone from incurring international call charges.

Additional Tips

• Notify your mobile carrier: Inform your carrier that you will be traveling internationally to avoid any unexpected charges or service interruptions.
• Check data usage: Monitor your data usage regularly to avoid exceeding your plan limits.
• Use VoIP services: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like WhatsApp and Skype allow you to make free or low-cost calls over the internet.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce or eliminate international call charges while staying connected during your travels. Remember to carefully consider your options and choose the strategy that best meets your needs and budget.