Studying abroad is an exciting experience, but being connected to loved ones in the home country is equally important. Sometimes, staying connected on a budget becomes a crucial task as it may emerge as a costly affair. If you are searching for a way out to make cost-effective calls to your home country, this blog is just for you! In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best options for making the cheapest international calls to make you feel connected while being in a foreign land.
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Cost-Effective Calls with VoIP Services
VoIP expands to Voice over Internet Protocol, is one of the most cost-effective ways to make international calls. There are various applications with the help of which the users are allowed to make either free or low-cost calls on the internet. If you are living somewhere in a foreign land, don’t miss the chance to stay connected with your loved ones. Some of the cheapest ways to make international calls are under
Skype
Skype is an amazing video calling application that allows users to make international calls for free. Skype is essential for international Students while studying abroad, which should be installed on the phone before flying to another country. It offers international calls as well as domestic calls with the help of the Internet. The best part is that this application can be downloaded on either a phone or in the system, irrespective of the country you are in.
WhatsApp is another Voice over Internet Protocol that you must have on your phone. The application is accessible for Apple as well as for Android users. Generally speaking, this is the application everyone usually uses and has on their phones. It is amazing in its features, whether you talk about video calling, voice calling, or conference calls. This is a free application that can be used across the globe. WhatsApp is a preferred application all over the world due to its unmatchable features and free service.
Also Read: If you are studying somewhere in the UK and looking for an escape from the busy academic schedule, check out the weekend getaways from Birmingham for students!
Cheapest International Calls with Calling Apps
What if, you come to know that you can make some of the cheapest international calls with the most amazing calling apps? Indeed, you heard that right! There are several applications specialised and aim to provide affordable international calling rates. There are apps like Rebtel, Dingtone, and TextNow that offer competitive rates and are considered the cheapest international calling apps. It is advised to cross-check the prices for at least 2-3 calling apps to stay connected in a cost-effective manner.
Some of the Apps for the cheapest international calls are:
| App Name | Key Features | Approx. Rates | Platforms |
| Rebtel | No internet needed, direct local calls | From INR 0.80/min (varies by country) | Android, iOS |
| TextNow | Free US/Canada number, low-cost international | Free to US/Canada, INR 1–2/min abroad | Android, iOS |
| Skype | Widely used, Skype-to-phone call option | INR 1.50–INR 3/min depending on location | Android, iOS, Web |
| Google Voice | Good for US calls, voicemail, text features | INR 1/min (India), low US rates | Android, iOS, Web |
| Boss Revolution | Great for South Asia, secure payments | INR 1/min to India, low fees | Android, iOS |
| Viber Out | Pay-as-you-go or credit packs | INR 1.20–INR 2/min depending on country | Android, iOS |
| Libon | High-quality international calling | Varies, often INR 0.90–INR 1.50/min | Android, iOS |
| Nanu | Works on slow networks, free app-to-app calls | Low-cost global calls | Android only |
Messaging Apps with International Call Features
There are messaging applications that are available with international call features. These messaging apps now come with calling features, with the help of which you can make voice calls over the internet. Telegram is one such application that comes with the feature of international calling. It plays an important role in making free Internet voice calls. It is considered one of the cheapest ways for international calls. Be mindful of the app’s encryption because it plays a pivotal role in making your calls secure and safe.
Here are some of the other messaging apps that have international call features and are budget-friendly:
| App Name | Key Features | Platforms | Free International Calls? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice/video calls, end-to-end encryption | iOS, Android, Web | Yes, app-to-app only | |
| Telegram | Secure calls, large group messaging | iOS, Android, Web | Yes, app-to-app only |
| Skype | High-quality video calls, landline calling | iOS, Android, Desktop | Yes (Skype-to-Skype), paid for landlines |
| Viber | Voice/video calls, stickers, Viber Out (to mobiles) | iOS, Android | Yes, paid option for landlines |
| Google Meet / Duo | HD video calls, integrates with Google account | iOS, Android, Web | Yes, app-to-app only |
| Messenger (Facebook) | Video/voice calls via Facebook contacts | iOS, Android, Web | Yes, app-to-app only |
| Signal | Encrypted messaging and calls | iOS, Android | Yes, app-to-app only |
| Messaging, calls, social media features | iOS, Android | Yes, app-to-app only (popular in China) | |
| Line | Stickers, group calls, games | iOS, Android | Yes, app-to-app only |
| IMO | Lightweight app, good for low-bandwidth | iOS, Android | Yes, app-to-app only |
Cheap International Calls with Google Voice
Google Voice is another great way to make your calls cheaper. Google Voice is not so popular and famous, but emerging as one of the preferred choices. It provides cost-effective international calling across the globe. If you are making calls within the USA, but it’s an international number, international rates would apply. On international calls from the USA to any other country, extra roaming charges may apply.
Wi-Fi Calling from a Smartphone
With the enabling of just one feature in Android mobile phones, Wi-Fi calls can be placed anywhere across the globe. Now, this is something that will significantly reduce the international calling expenses. It is advisable to have a Wi-Fi connection with good internet speed if you totally depend on calls through Wi-Fi. Be mindful that you can not use mobile data to make international calls through Wi-Fi calling. Also, this is one of the cheapest international calling options available, as you just need to have Wi-Fi and an Android mobile phone.
Also Read: Don’t miss to check out our blog on How to Spend Free Time As an International Student.
Best SIM Cards with Cheap International Calling Rates
If you’re a student or traveler trying to stay in touch with family, choosing the right SIM card can make all the difference. Let’s break down some of the best options that offer cheap international calling rates and work well for people living or studying abroad.
1. Lycamobile: Lycamobile is a favorite among international students. It offers affordable international calling plans, especially to countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. You can choose pay-as-you-go or bundle packs depending on your needs.
- Best For: Europe, USA, Australia
- Why It’s Great: Unlimited international minutes in many plans
- Student Tip: Get their student offer with discounted rates
2. Lebara Mobile
Another budget-friendly SIM, Lebara operates in several countries and offers cheap IDD calling and free SIMs with no contracts. You’ll find it handy if you need flexibility.
- Best For: UK, Germany, Netherlands
- Why It’s Great: No credit checks, easy activation
- Student Tip: Use referral codes for extra calling credit
3. Airtel International Roaming Pack: If you’re from India and studying abroad, consider Airtel’s international packs. They offer roaming + calling bundled together, especially useful in the US, UK, and Canada.
- Best For: Indian students abroad
- Why It’s Great: Combines data + international minutes
- Student Tip: Activate before you travel for better rates
4. GiffGaff (UK): This sim is popular among UK students. GiffGaff offers great value “goodybags” that include cheap international calls along with UK data and minutes.
- Best For: Students in the UK
- Why It’s Great: Flexible monthly plans, no contract
- Student Tip: You can order a free SIM online before arrival
5. Airalo (eSIM): If you don’t want to carry multiple SIMs, Airalo gives you a digital SIM (eSIM) with international calling options in 190+ countries. It’s super handy for frequent travelers.
- Student Tip: Check if your phone supports eSIM before buying
- Best For: Digital nomads, frequent flyers
- Why It’s Great: No physical SIM needed, works instantly
With the above-mentioned cost-effective and cheap international calling options, try to identify the most suitable option for yourself and bridge the distance without breaking the bank. Stay connected, stay informed, and make the most of your international experience!
FAQs
Some of the most reliable VoIP services available for cheap international calls include Skype, Whatsapp, and Viber. However, the quality of the call may depend on the stability of your internet connection.
You can explore various apps like Rebtel, Dingtone, and TextNow for the best rates of international calls.
No, All mobile networks don’t offer international calling options in their international calling plans. Generally, the international calling plan is not included in the standardised plan.
Indeed, Google Voice offers free international calling within the USA or Canada. However, international calls are not entirely free. Google Voice provides competitive rates for international calls, and the actual cost may vary depending on the country you are calling.
You can enable Wi-Fi calling on any smartphone from the phone’s settings. The availability of Wi-Fi calling may vary depending on the carrier, location, and network.
Yes, you can use services like Rebtel, Talk360, or traditional SIM cards with international minutes. These work even without internet and are useful when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Students can use apps like Google Voice, WhatsApp, or Skype, or get SIM cards like Lebara and Lycamobile that offer student discounts or international calling plans tailored for frequent use.
No, Wi-Fi calls through apps like WhatsApp or Messenger don’t use your international calling minutes. They use your internet connection and are usually free, unless you’re calling a landline or mobile directly.
Yes, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet is reliable with a stable internet connection. They are cost-effective and widely used for personal and business communication.
Yes, but it can be expensive. Instead, activate international roaming packs or buy a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting with cheaper rates for calling India or other countries.
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