Does WhatsApp Charge for International Calls? Everything You Need to Know

Wondering if you’ll be charged for calling friends or family abroad on WhatsApp? The short answer: WhatsApp does not charge for international calls. Calling or messaging anyone, anywhere in the world, is free. However, you may incur charges from your mobile carrier if you use mobile data, especially when roaming overseas.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly how WhatsApp handles international calls, what costs you might face, and practical tips to avoid unexpected charges while staying connected wherever you travel.

How WhatsApp calls work

WhatsApp calls use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which means your voice or video is transmitted as digital data over the internet, rather than through traditional telephone networks. When you make a call, WhatsApp securely connects your device to the recipient’s device using end-to-end encryption, ensuring your conversation stays private.

WhatsApp calls work worldwide as long as you have an internet connection. This includes both Wi-Fi and mobile internet.

To make a WhatsApp call, you only need two things:

• Both you and the person you want to call must have WhatsApp installed on your phones
• Both of you must have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile internet)

Did you know? If the call status shows “ringing”, the person has an internet connection and has received your call. If it only shows “calling”, their internet connection may be weak or unavailable.

Does WhatsApp charge for international calls?

No, WhatsApp does not charge for international calls. However, if you use mobile data while roaming abroad, your carrier may charge you for that data usage.

Here are different scenarios to help you understand when your carrier may charge you for an international WhatsApp call:

Scenario	WhatsApp charge	Carrier charge	Likely cost for the user
WhatsApp call on Wi-Fi (whether you’re at home in the US or abroad)	No	No	Free
WhatsApp call on US mobile data	No	Uses your plan’s data allowance	Free (included in the plan)
WhatsApp call while abroad using your carrier’s mobile internet without an international plan	No	Yes (pay-as-you-go roaming charges)	Expensive, approx. $2/MB*
WhatsApp call while abroad using your carrier’s mobile internet with an international plan	No	Included in the prepaid international plan	Controlled costs; approx. $10 to $15 per day**
WhatsApp call while abroad using a travel eSIM’s prepaid plan	No	No	Controlled costs; eSIM prepaid plans can start as low as $4.99.***
WhatsApp call while abroad using a local SIM card	No	No	WhatsApp will use the mobile internet of the locally purchased SIM card; Controlled costs; prices vary depending on the country

• * Roaming charges rates depend on each carrier; please refer to your original carrier for more information
• ** International plan rates depend on each carrier; please refer to your original carrier for more information
• *** WhatsApp will use your travel eSIM’s mobile internet; check Orange Travel website to see available prepaid eSIM plans

To better understand how roaming works, read our guide on what data roaming is.

Tips to avoid charges when using WhatsApp overseas

Turn off data roaming and connect to Wi-Fi

Using free Wi-Fi while abroad is the most common way to stay connected with family and friends. However, make sure to disable data roaming in your settings to avoid unexpected charges. This prevents your phone from connecting to a local network when you’re not on Wi-Fi. Additionally, be aware that WhatsApp may automatically switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data if the Wi-Fi signal is weak, which could also lead to roaming charges.

To turn off roaming data on iPhone (iOS):

1. Open the Settings.
2. Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Service).
   1. If you have a single SIM card or eSIM, go to Cellular Data Options (or Mobile Data Options).
   2. If you have multiple SIM cards or eSIMs, select the line in SIMs section that you want to modify.
3. Turn data roaming OFF.

To turn off roaming data on an Android device:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Tap on Connections (or Network & Internet).
3. Depending on the phone manufacturer, select Mobile Networks, or tap SIMs > select the SIM you want to modify.
4. Turn data roaming OFF.

Tip: If you have multiple SIM cards or eSIMs, ensure you are adjusting the setting for the correct SIM card.

Be careful when using public Wi-Fi, as it may not be secure. To protect your data, choose networks with a password and consider using a VPN.

Buy an international plan from your carrier

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer daily, country, or regional passes for a flat fee. These passes provide you with a set allowance for calls, texts, and data while traveling abroad. Although day passes are practical, their prices range from $10 to $15 each. If your trip lasts more than five days, the total cost can add up quickly.

Make sure your data roaming is turned on to keep using mobile internet with your international plan.

Get a local SIM card at the destination

Purchasing a SIM card at your destination is often the most affordable choice, depending on the destination. However, there are some challenges to consider.

First, you need to find a kiosk where staff can communicate in a language you understand. You may be required to show your passport to complete the purchase. In certain countries, adding credit to your balance can be confusing. And finally, if you don’t have a dual SIM phone, you will have to swap your current SIM card for the local one, which can be a hassle.

Consider a travel eSIM

If your phone is compatible with eSIM technology, using a travel eSIM can be the most convenient and cost-efficient option.

Planning a trip to Italy? Orange Travel eSIM Italy will keep you connected on WhatsApp, no roaming surprises. With prepaid plans starting from $5.99, you get a reliable network as soon as you land, no need to search for SIM cards.

Orange Travel eSIMs are available in over 200 countries and let you keep your existing SIM card active for calls or texts from home. You can choose data-only or data+calls+SMS plans, all with full-speed data and no daily caps. Simply purchase and activate your eSIM online or through the Orange Travel app in a few easy steps.

Bonus tip: Disable media auto-download on cellular data to reduce consumption

To save data, set WhatsApp to only download photos, videos, and other files when you’re on Wi-Fi.

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Storage and Data.
4. Under Media Auto-Download, choose Wi-Fi for photos, audio, videos, and documents.

This setting prevents WhatsApp from using mobile internet to download media. And for a more detailed explanation, we recommend reading our article that explains how much data does WhatsApp use.

FAQ

Does WhatsApp charge for texts or images internationally?

WhatsApp does not charge for sending texts or images internationally. However, if you use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi while traveling abroad, your carrier may apply roaming charges.

Can you use WhatsApp without a phone number?

You need a valid phone number to create and verify a WhatsApp account. After your WhatsApp account is created, you keep your profile and contacts even if you use mobile internet from a different local SIM card or a travel eSIM while abroad.

What to do if call quality is poor?

If call quality is poor, try switching to a stronger Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection, close other apps using data, or restart the app and your device.

How much data does WhatsApp use?

WhatsApp data usage varies depending on the type of activity, such as messaging, calls, or sending media. For example, a WhatsApp voice call uses about 0.3MB of data per minute, while a video call can use up to 5MB per minute. Sending a simple text or image uses much less. For a detailed breakdown, see how much data does WhatsApp uses.

Conclusion