Best Tools to Make Phone Calls Worldwide While Traveling in 2025

Traveling the world is an adventure, but staying in touch with loved ones, work colleagues, or local services can be challenging without the right tools. Whether you’re on a backpacking trip across Europe, a business trip in Asia, or island hopping in the Caribbean, reliable communication is essential. The good news? There are several powerful tools available today that make international phone calls easy, affordable, and seamless.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best tools to make phone calls worldwide while traveling, including apps, services, and smart technologies like eSIMs that ensure you’re always connected, no matter where your travels take you.

Why You Need the Right Calling Tool While Traveling

Making calls while abroad isn’t as simple as it is at home. Without the right tools, you may face:

• Expensive roaming charges
• Poor call quality
• Inability to receive calls
• Limited or no access to local numbers
• Incompatibility with your home carrier

Choosing the right tool can help you:

• Save money
• Ensure clearer audio quality
• Get a local number if needed
• Stay connected without switching SIM cards
• Avoid relying only on Wi-Fi

Voye Global eSIM – Seamless Global Connectivity

One of the best innovations for international travelers is the eSIM, and Voye Global offers some of the best eSIM plans for over 130+ countries. While eSIMs are generally used for data, many travelers use VoIP apps over their eSIM connection to make high-quality calls.

Key Features:

• High-speed 4G/5G data plans across multiple countries
• No physical SIM needed — install the eSIM remotely
• Affordable data packages
• Compatible with apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime Audio, and more
• Excellent for both short trips and long-term digital nomads

Pro Tip:

Use your Voye Global eSIM data connection to make VoIP calls using tools like WhatsApp or Skype. This gives you calling freedom without traditional roaming charges.

WhatsApp – The Go-To for Free International Voice Calls

With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app — and for good reason. It allows you to make free voice and video calls over the internet, as long as you and the recipient both have the app.

Key Features:

• Free calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data
• End-to-end encryption
• Group calls (up to 32 people)
• Works on both Android and iOS

Best For:

• Staying in touch with friends and family worldwide
• Group calls while traveling

Limitations:

• Both parties need WhatsApp installed
• No ability to call landlines or non-users

Skype – Reliable and Flexible for Global Calling

A veteran in the VoIP space, Skype still offers one of the most robust platforms for making international phone calls.

Key Features:

• Call landlines and mobile numbers worldwide
• Free Skype-to-Skype calls
• Skype credit or subscription for global calling
• Video conferencing and screen sharing

Best For:

• Calling people who don’t use internet apps
• Business travelers needing to call office lines or clients

Pricing:

• Competitive rates (e.g., US to India calls start at ~$0.015 per minute)

Google Voice – Free U.S. Number While Abroad

Google Voice is an excellent tool for U.S. travelers who want to retain a U.S. number while overseas. It allows you to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Key Features:

• Free U.S. number
• Call forwarding and voicemail
• Affordable international calling rates
• Text messaging and voicemail transcription

Best For:

• U.S. travelers needing to stay connected with American contacts
• Freelancers and remote workers

Limitations:

• Only available in select countries for setup
• Needs a U.S. Google account to activate

Viber – Encrypted Calling with Landline Support

Like WhatsApp, Viber lets you make voice and video calls using the internet. But it also offers a paid service called Viber Out, which allows you to call mobile and landline numbers globally.

Key Features:

• Free app-to-app calling
• Call landlines and mobiles via Viber Out
• Group calls and messages
• Strong encryption

Best For:

• Travelers who need to call non-app users
• Those who want both free and paid calling options

Local SIM Cards – Traditional But Effective

In many countries, you can purchase a prepaid local SIM card at the airport or a mobile store. While not as seamless as eSIMs, they still offer good call rates for local and international numbers.

Pros:

• Local number for in-country use
• Cheaper local and international rates than roaming
• Easy to top up

Cons:

• You need to physically switch SIM cards
• May require passport verification
• Incompatible with eSIM if your phone has only one SIM slot

FaceTime Audio – Great for iPhone Users

Apple’s FaceTime Audio is a great option for iPhone users looking to make high-quality calls over the internet.

Key Features:

• Free and secure calls between Apple devices
• Excellent audio quality
• Works over Wi-Fi or mobile data

Best For:

• Travelers within the Apple ecosystem

Limitations:

• Only available for Apple users

Facebook Messenger – Underrated Yet Powerful

Don’t overlook Facebook Messenger for making voice calls while abroad. With a stable internet connection, you can make free calls to anyone on your friend list.

Key Features:

• Free voice and video calls
• Group call support
• Cross-platform compatibility

Best For:

• Staying connected with family and friends on Facebook

Telegram – Lightweight and Secure

Known for its speed and privacy, Telegram also offers encrypted voice calling over the internet.

Key Features:

• Free voice calls
• High-speed performance even on weak networks
• Focused on privacy

Best For:

• Privacy-conscious travelers
• Users in countries with internet restrictions

Zoom or Microsoft Teams – For Business Calls Abroad

Though not traditional calling apps, Zoom and Microsoft Teams are essential tools for business travelers needing to make international voice or video calls.

Key Features:

• High-quality audio and video
• Easy screen sharing
• Integration with business tools

Best For:

• Remote work meetings and webinars

Key Considerations When Choosing an International Calling Tool

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Call Internationally?

The best tool for making phone calls worldwide while traveling depends on your needs:

• For app-to-app calls: WhatsApp, Viber, and FaceTime Audio are excellent.
• To call landlines or non-users: Skype, Google Voice, and Rebtel shine.
• For business communication: Zoom and Microsoft Teams are must-haves.
• For the ultimate flexibility: Pairing Voye Global eSIM with calling apps gives you cost-effective, high-quality voice communication without worrying about roaming or SIM swaps.

Stay Connected with Voye Global

With Voye Global’s eSIM, you can enjoy high-speed data connectivity in over 130+ countries — perfect for travelers who rely on calling apps. No physical SIM card, no roaming shocks, and full control over your data usage.