Understanding Calling Options for Travelers: Wi-Fi Calling, VoLTE, and VoIP Explained

When traveling abroad, many individuals face the challenge of staying connected without racking up significant roaming charges, especially when it comes to making calls. The introduction of eSIM technology has made it easier to access mobile data while traveling, but what about voice calls? One of the key questions travel eSIM resellers encounter from their customers is: “How do I make calls when I’m abroad? What’s the most cost-effective option?” 

Fortunately, the rise of modern communication technologies, such as Internet or Wi-Fi calling, VoLTE, and VoIP, means that staying connected abroad no longer has to be expensive or complicated. Let’s break down these options to help eSIM resellers answer customer queries with confidence.

Internet or Wi-Fi Calling: Traveler’s Best Friend

One of the most convenient options available to travelers is internet calling which is also sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi calling. Wi-Fi calling allows users to make phone calls using a Wi-Fi network or even a traditional local cellular network. This means that travelers can make and receive calls using their home country’s phone number as long as they’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi or local data network, regardless of their location. On iOS, this feature is referred to as Wi-Fi Calling, while on Android, it may be labeled as WiFi Calling or Internet Calling, depending on the device manufacturer.

Why Internet or Wi-Fi Calling?

1. Seamless Use of Home Country Number: With Internet or Wi-Fi calling, travelers don’t have to get a new SIM card with a local number or worry about missing important calls to their home number.
2. Cost-Effective: Calls made over the Internet or Wi-Fi are typically free or charged at the rate of regular domestic calls, with no international roaming fees. Travelers can avoid costly international calling plans. However, it’s important to note that as long as you have data access, calls are routed through your home country network. This means calls to your home country while roaming will be charged as local, but any calls to numbers outside your home country will still incur international call charges.
3. Carrier Support and Device Compatibility: While the internet or Wi-Fi calling is a great feature, it’s important to know that it’s carrier-dependent. Some carriers may not offer it in all countries, and the feature may not be available on all devices. Therefore, travelers should check with their carriers if this feature is available for both iOS and Android devices and whether it works over both cellular and Wi-Fi data networks.

Global Wi-Fi Calling Support

Not all carriers offer Wi-Fi calling, and some may have restrictions based on the device or the country where the service is being used. However, several major carriers across the globe do support this feature:

In the picture above, we’ve listed only a few of the major providers that offer this service. Travelers should verify whether Wi-Fi calling is supported by their carrier before traveling and inquire about any additional charges for using it abroad.

VoLTE: High-Quality Voice Calls over 4G LTE

Another option for making calls while traveling is VoLTE (Voice over LTE). This technology allows voice calls to be transmitted over the 4G LTE network instead of the older 2G or 3G networks.

What’s the Difference Between VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling?

1. Network Dependence: Unlike Wi-Fi calling, which requires a Wi-Fi network, VoLTE operates on the cellular network. This means travelers can make calls even with no Wi-Fi, but only if 4G, LTE or faster coverage is available.
2. Better Call Quality: VoLTE often provides higher quality, clearer voice calls compared to older cellular networks.
3. Potential Roaming Fees: While the quality of VoLTE calls is excellent, using VoLTE while roaming can be costly. Travelers might face high roaming charges unless their carrier offers a specific international roaming package.

For eSIM resellers, explaining these differences to customers is crucial. Travelers looking for reliable, high-quality calls should consider whether they’ll be in areas with strong LTE coverage. However, they should also weigh the costs, as VoLTE roaming charges can vary from carrier to carrier.

VoIP: A Budget-Friendly Alternative

For more budget-conscious travelers, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a solid option. VoIP allows calls to be made over any internet connection, be it Wi-Fi or cellular data. Popular apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber are widely used for VoIP calls. Providers like Skype have been offering this service since the early 2000s, initially limited to desktop calls. However, with the rise of smartphones, the app became widely available on both iOS and Android, alongside other providers like WhatsApp, Viber, and more.

Additionally, providers such as Skype, Google Voice, Telos, Sonetel, and others offer services like virtual phone numbers, which can be especially useful while roaming. For more information, you can explore a related blog here.

Advantages of VoIP

1. Global Connectivity: Travelers can make international calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional cellular calls, or even for free if they’re using apps like WhatsApp. VoIP apps only require internet access to function, and they work globally.
2. Low-Cost or Free: Most VoIP services offer free calls between users of the same app and international calls to regular phone numbers are significantly cheaper than cellular roaming.
3. Device Independence: VoIP calling works across all kinds of devices, from smartphones to tablets and laptops, making it a versatile option for travelers.

While VoIP is generally more cost-effective, the downside is that both the caller and receiver often need to use the same app, or there may be additional fees for calling landlines and non-app users.

VoLTE vs. VoIP vs. Internet (Wi-Fi) Calling: Cost Implications While Roaming

For travelers, the cost of making calls abroad is a critical concern. Here’s a quick comparison of how each technology stacks up in terms of cost while roaming:

• VoLTE Roaming: Generally, VoLTE incurs regular roaming charges as it operates on the carrier’s network. Depending on the country and carrier, these charges can be steep unless a specific international plan is activated.
• Internet or Wi-Fi Calling: One of the most cost-effective options, Internet or Wi-Fi calling allows travelers to bypass roaming fees altogether. If connected to a free Wi-Fi network or local data, calls are either free or charged as per the home country’s local rates.
• VoIP Calls: VoIP calling is extremely affordable when using apps like WhatsApp or Skype. Calls made app-to-app are usually free, and calls to regular phone numbers are priced much lower than traditional international calls.

Conclusion: Choose the Best Call Option for Your Needs

For travelers looking to stay connected abroad, understanding the different call options—Internet or Wi-Fi calling, VoLTE, and VoIP—can help them make an informed decision. Wi-Fi calling emerges as a top choice, offering seamless access to home country numbers without incurring steep roaming fees, but its availability is dependent on carrier and device support. VoLTE provides superior call quality but may come with hefty roaming charges, while VoIP is an excellent low-cost solution for those willing to rely on apps.

In the end, the decision depends on the traveler’s specific needs and circumstances. For many, a combination of data-only eSIM and Wi-Fi calling or VoIP apps will provide the most flexibility and cost savings. To learn more you can get in touch with our experts at eSIM Access.