Traveling abroad is exciting, but making phone calls from a foreign country isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Whether you’re calling home to check in with family or calling a local restaurant to make a reservation, there are several things to consider—like costs, time zones, and language barriers. From dealing with international fees to overcoming language barriers, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of making phone calls while traveling abroad.
What to Consider
Making phone calls from abroad isn’t as simple as dialing a number. Several factors come into play, including roaming charges, international fees, time zone differences, and language barriers. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Roaming Charges and International Fees
When you use your regular mobile number abroad, you’ll likely pay roaming charges, which can add up quickly. Even simple calls can cost more than you expect. So, before you leave, check with your mobile provider. Ask about their international plans, daily rates, and roaming fees. Some providers offer affordable international packages that might save you a lot of money.
Time Zone Differences
Time zones can be tricky when you’re trying to call home. You don’t want to wake someone up in the middle of the night because you forgot the time difference. Use a time zone converter app or check the local time before you call. This simple step can help you avoid a lot of confusion.
Language Barriers
If you’ve ever tried calling a local restaurant, hotel, or service while traveling, you know how tricky it can be when you don’t speak the language. Unfortunately, most translation apps often don’t work well in these situations. They’re great for written text or simple phrases, but when you’re trying to have a real-time conversation over the phone, things get a lot more complicated.
Options for Making Phone Calls While Abroad
So, how can you make phone calls abroad without breaking the bank or running into problems? Here are a few options to consider:
Activate International Call Add-ons
Many mobile operators offer international call add-ons, which provide a bundle of minutes, texts, and data for a fixed price. These add-ons can be activated before you leave or while you’re abroad, often through your mobile operator’s app or customer service. This can significantly reduce your costs compared to standard roaming rates.
Use Free Calling Apps
Wi-Fi calling is one of the easiest ways to avoid roaming charges. If you have access to Wi-Fi, you can make calls for free or at a very low cost. Apps like WhatsApp and Google Voice let you make both local and international calls without using your mobile network. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can make calls without worrying about fees.
Opt for Local SIM Cards
For longer trips, buying a local SIM card can be a great way to save on phone calls. A local SIM card gives you a local number and offers more affordable rates for local and international calls. Some local SIM cards also offer packages that include data, so you won’t have to worry about high mobile costs.
Check for International SIM Cards or eSIMs
If you travel a lot, consider getting an international SIM card or eSIM. These cards let you make calls in multiple countries without switching SIM cards every time you cross a border. You can often find prepaid plans that offer competitive rates for international calls.
Install VoIP Apps
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to make calls over Wi-Fi or data. If you have a data plan or access to Wi-Fi, you can use these apps to make international calls without paying traditional phone fees. Just remember to make sure you have enough data so you don’t get hit with unexpected charges. Some of these apps like Dingtone also provide local phone numbers from multiple countries.
How to Deal with Language Barriers While Making Calls
Language differences are one of the most frustrating challenges when traveling. You might need to make a quick phone call to a restaurant, hotel, or local business, but understanding each other can be tough. Fortunately, technology can help bridge the gap.
Learning Basic Phrases
Learning a few key phrases in the local language can be really helpful. Phrases like “Can you speak English?”, “I need help”, and “Thank you” can make a big difference. Apps like Duolingo or phrasebooks can help you learn these basics before your trip.
Translation Apps for Phone Calls
Translation apps like AI Phone Translator can work wonders during phone calls. With this app, you can speak in your native language, and it will instantly translate your words into the language of the person on the other end of the call. The person will hear the translation in their own language. Plus, both sides of the conversation are transcribed and translated in real time, displayed on your screen for easy reference. It’s a simple and effective solution for overcoming language barriers while abroad.
Additionally, AI Phone Translator also offers additional features that are incredibly useful for travelers. It supports WiFi Calling, so you can make phone calls over WiFi instead of using expensive international roaming services. It also provides cheaper international calling rates, giving you another way to stay connected without breaking the bank.
Additional Tips
- Download Offline Resources: Before your trip, download essential apps like maps and translation tools that can function offline. This is helpful when you don’t have a data connection.
- Unlock Your Phone: If you’re planning to buy a local SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked. Most carriers lock their phones to their networks, so you’ll need to contact your carrier before you travel to get your phone unlocked.
- Be Mindful of Data Usage: If you’re using a roaming plan or limited data SIM card, be cautious about activities that consume a lot of data, such as streaming videos or music.
- Monitor Roaming Charges: Before you leave, get familiar with your mobile carrier’s international roaming fees. Some carriers offer affordable international packages that include data, texting, and calls. Others may have high pay-as-you-go rates that can quickly add up. If you don’t have a plan, try to avoid using your phone for data-heavy activities unless you’re on Wi-Fi.
- Enable Airplane Mode Strategically: Turn on Airplane Mode when you’re not using your phone to avoid accidental background data usage and roaming charges. You can still connect to Wi-Fi with Airplane Mode on.
- Communicate Through Wi-Fi: Whenever possible, use Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps to make calls and send texts. This avoids roaming charges completely, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
- Invest in a Mobile Hotspot: Consider renting a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device. This creates a personal Wi-Fi network for your phone and other devices, allowing you to connect to the internet and use apps without roaming charges.
- Accept Incoming Calls: If your mobile carrier offers free incoming calls internationally, encourage your friends or family to call you directly while you’re abroad. By having someone call you, you can avoid the high costs of making outgoing calls.
- Consider Using Messaging Apps: Instead of relying on traditional phone calls, consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp. They can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re staying in a place with reliable Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts
Making phone calls while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re calling home or reaching out to local businesses, there are plenty of ways to stay connected. Just remember to be mindful of your options—like using Wi-Fi for free calls, buying a local SIM card, or relying on messaging apps. And don’t forget about language barriers—apps like AI Phone Translator can make communication smoother, ensuring you never miss a beat. Safe travels and happy calling!