Does it cost money to call internationally?

The real cost of international calling

Staying in touch with friends and family across the globe has never been easier, but figuring out how to avoid unexpected phone bills can still be tricky. Whether international calls cost money depends entirely on how you make the connection.

If you are using internet-based messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Viber, calling someone abroad is completely free—provided both you and the person on the other end are using the same app and connected to Wi-Fi. These app-to-app calls bypass traditional phone lines entirely, relying instead on data. However, keep an eye on your connection: if you rely on mobile data instead of Wi-Fi while traveling, your carrier might hit you with data or roaming charges.

The rules change drastically the moment you try to dial a standard phone number. If you use these communication tools to reach out to an actual landline or a traditional mobile number that isn't tied to the app, you will have to pay. Services like Viber Out operate on a paid credit system for external dialing, meaning traditional carrier rates and per-minute fees still apply to outside numbers.

The bottom line? App-to-app calling over Wi-Fi is your best bet for keeping things free, but dialing standard landlines and mobile numbers will always come with a price tag.