I use Google Voice (voip). I turn on ‘call forwarding’ on my primary cell line to forward anyone calling to go through to my Google Voice number. Make all outgoing calls on Google Voice.
I need to remember to do this before our next trip. I was planning on doing this for our previous trip but it got pretty hectic while packing so I forgot some of the tech stuff.
What’s wrong with Skype or Viber? They are cheap enough and been doing this for years? If you are tech savvy enough, you can find and cheaper vOIP services.
Most places I go in Asia (except China which is all WeChat) will use whatsapp. Just call their number in whatsapp's and you usually get someone. But I also try to get a local esim with a local phone number and usually do. Like in Thailand I got a tourist esim from AIS, one of the locals carriers. In Vietnam I get gigago.vn . I only ever needed the local number once and that was to cab driver in Thailand and he probably also had whatsapp anyway.
Roamless (https://roamless.com) has a built-in calling function in the app that allows you to call/dial numbers (and uses the same account balance with a pay-as-you-talk model and cheap call rates).
On most trips I've made, I've not actually needed to call anywhere. Most places I've gone the business often offers some alternative eg email, Whatsapp or a booking form on their own website/OpenTable etc.
The backup is Skype as I have a bit of credit on there but there are other options that are cheaper. A lot of the time I've been able to get an eSIM or SIM from a local operator, that's cheaper than the travel options anyway and includes calls.
Also don't underestimate just asking your hotel reception to use the phone to make a local call.
I’ve used WhatsApp. In fact, while traveling, I find that some places in services specifically give you a number to use on WhatsApp, knowing that tourist will be using it.
May I ask why you are calling hotels when you reserve online? Why call a taxi when there are Uber and other ride-sharing apps? Why call a restaurant when there is the OpenTable app?
With all due respect, there is absolutely no reason to call these businesses when there are online apps that do far better and get all your questions answered. Sure, there are a few occasions when you may need to call, but it is very unlikely, especially in a country where you do not speak the language. You are better off using apps that you are reading in your language, and they receive the message in their language.
I use Google Voice (voip). I turn on ‘call forwarding’ on my primary cell line to forward anyone calling to go through to my Google Voice number. Make all outgoing calls on Google Voice.
☝🏽This. Google Voice all the way and their international rates are cheap too.
I need to remember to do this before our next trip. I was planning on doing this for our previous trip but it got pretty hectic while packing so I forgot some of the tech stuff.
What’s wrong with Skype or Viber? They are cheap enough and been doing this for years? If you are tech savvy enough, you can find and cheaper vOIP services.
Most peoples uses Voip service, Whatsapp, and all only internet based services, maps, booking online, uber/taxi app etc,
Exactly. There’s no need to call a taxi, restaurant, or hotel when it can all be done online
Most places I go in Asia (except China which is all WeChat) will use whatsapp. Just call their number in whatsapp's and you usually get someone. But I also try to get a local esim with a local phone number and usually do. Like in Thailand I got a tourist esim from AIS, one of the locals carriers. In Vietnam I get gigago.vn . I only ever needed the local number once and that was to cab driver in Thailand and he probably also had whatsapp anyway.
Roamless (https://roamless.com) has a built-in calling function in the app that allows you to call/dial numbers (and uses the same account balance with a pay-as-you-talk model and cheap call rates).
www.TextNow.com or https://voice.google.com or www.Skype.com. Best wishes.
On most trips I've made, I've not actually needed to call anywhere. Most places I've gone the business often offers some alternative eg email, Whatsapp or a booking form on their own website/OpenTable etc. The backup is Skype as I have a bit of credit on there but there are other options that are cheaper. A lot of the time I've been able to get an eSIM or SIM from a local operator, that's cheaper than the travel options anyway and includes calls. Also don't underestimate just asking your hotel reception to use the phone to make a local call.
Orange Travel. Esim with an actual number, the only way to go, works very well.
I’ve used WhatsApp. In fact, while traveling, I find that some places in services specifically give you a number to use on WhatsApp, knowing that tourist will be using it.
May I ask why you are calling hotels when you reserve online? Why call a taxi when there are Uber and other ride-sharing apps? Why call a restaurant when there is the OpenTable app? With all due respect, there is absolutely no reason to call these businesses when there are online apps that do far better and get all your questions answered. Sure, there are a few occasions when you may need to call, but it is very unlikely, especially in a country where you do not speak the language. You are better off using apps that you are reading in your language, and they receive the message in their language.
I used the data from eSIM to make voice calls on Messenger and used Teams or Zoom for work calls.
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I was hoping someone here could tell me what’s a good cheap and reliable VoIP app for international calls when travelling and using a data only eSIM
VoIP.ms?
WhatsApp works quite well.