The 12 Best Apps for International Calls in 2025

Staying in touch with family, friends, or colleagues while traveling is essential, but traditional roaming charges for international calls can be shockingly expensive. Thankfully, a new generation of apps has made calling home from abroad much simpler and significantly more affordable. Whether you’re a digital nomad setting up in Lisbon, a tourist exploring Thailand, or a business traveler in New York, the right app can save you a fortune. This guide is organized to help you find the best apps for international calls based on your specific needs, so you can connect without the stress of a massive bill.

We’ll explore the top options available, breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. You will find a detailed analysis for each app, including:

• Pros and Cons: A quick, honest assessment of what each service does well and where it falls short.
• Pricing: Clear breakdowns of free calling features, pay-as-you-go rates, and subscription plans.
• Best For: Specific scenarios, like calling landlines, ensuring maximum privacy, or finding the cheapest rates for a particular country.

This comprehensive resource cuts through the marketing noise to give you practical advice. When paired with a reliable travel data plan, such as a travel eSIM, these applications ensure you are always just a call away. We’ve included direct links and screenshots for each platform to make your choice even easier. Let’s dive in and find the perfect solution to keep you connected.

1. Rebtel

Rebtel stands out in the crowded market of the best apps for international calls by offering a unique hybrid approach. It bridges the gap between traditional phone calls and modern VoIP technology. Its core innovation is the ability to connect international calls using local phone lines, meaning the person you are calling doesn’t need an internet connection or the app installed. This makes it an incredibly reliable option for contacting friends and family on landlines or basic mobile phones anywhere in the world.

The platform offers excellent flexibility, catering to different calling habits. You can opt for pay-as-you-go credits for occasional calls, with transparent per-minute rates displayed clearly for each destination. For frequent callers, Rebtel provides unlimited monthly plans for specific countries or a Global Unlimited package, often with free trials available. This system is perfect for travelers using an eSIM for data, as it provides a solid backup for calling numbers that aren’t on VoIP services. This flexibility is key when looking for ways to avoid roaming charges when travelling abroad while still keeping in touch with everyone back home.

Key Features and Considerations

• Local Line Calling: Exceptional call quality and reliability as it can route calls through local phone networks instead of relying solely on internet data.
• Flexible Pricing: Choose between monthly unlimited subscriptions (country-specific or global) and pay-as-you-go credits.
• No Receiver Requirements: The person you call does not need to have the Rebtel app or an internet connection, making it universally accessible.
• Fair Use Policies: Be aware that “unlimited” plans are typically subject to fair usage policies to prevent misuse.

Website: https://www.rebtel.com

2. Viber (Viber Out)

Viber is a well-established name in the VoIP space, offering a robust platform that excels at blending free, app-based communication with an affordable paid service for calling any phone number in the world. Its “Viber Out” feature makes it one of the best apps for international calls by providing a flexible way to connect with friends and family who may not have the app installed. This dual functionality is perfect for travelers who need to make a mix of calls: free ones to fellow Viber users over their eSIM data, and cheap ones to landlines or mobiles back home.

The platform is designed for ease of use. You can purchase calling credits on a pay-as-you-go basis or opt for monthly subscription plans tailored to specific countries or global regions. The in-app rate checker is a standout feature, allowing you to see the exact per-minute cost before you dial, ensuring there are no surprises. This transparency helps you manage your budget effectively while traveling. With multi-platform support, you can seamlessly switch between making calls on your mobile and your desktop, adding a layer of convenience for any type of traveler.

Key Features and Considerations

• Flexible Calling Options: Use free Viber-to-Viber calls over data, or use Viber Out credits and subscription plans to call any landline or mobile.
• Transparent Pricing: Easily look up per-minute rates for any destination directly within the app or on the website before making a call.
• Billing Practices: Be aware that calls are typically rounded up to the next full minute, which can affect the total cost of very short calls.
• Regional Pricing: The currency and cost of credits or plans may be fixed based on the region associated with your phone number and account.

Website: https://www.viber.com

3. Localphone

Localphone is a popular service that positions itself as one of the best apps for international calls by focusing on one key area: extremely low per-minute rates. Instead of bundling calling with messaging and video, its core offering is simple, pay-as-you-go international voice calls to both mobiles and landlines at highly competitive prices. This straightforward approach is perfect for travelers who need a reliable, no-frills way to ring a landline abroad or call someone who isn’t using a data-based app.

The service works over your internet connection, making it an excellent companion for an eSIM data plan. Once you have mobile data from TapSim, you can use the Localphone app to make cheap calls without worrying about roaming charges from your primary network provider. Its transparent pricing is a major advantage; you can look up the exact per-minute rate for any country before you dial, ensuring there are no surprises. This clear and honest approach gives travelers confidence when making calls abroad.

Key Features and Considerations

• Transparent Pricing: Localphone publishes clear, per-minute call rates for every country, so you always know what you’re paying.
• SIP and Local Numbers: It offers advanced features like SIP support for use with other VoIP devices and local access numbers in select countries.
• Simple Functionality: The app is focused purely on calling, which can be a pro for users who want a simple tool without the complexity of larger social apps.
• Billing and Usage: Be aware that calls are typically billed in whole-minute increments, and the service is not intended for making emergency calls.

Website: https://www.localphone.com

4. Talk360

Talk360 carves out its niche as one of the best apps for international calls by focusing on a simple yet crucial scenario: calling someone who doesn’t have a smartphone or internet access. It operates as a bridge, using your Wi-Fi or mobile data to connect you to any traditional landline or mobile number anywhere in the world. This makes it an ideal solution for travelers wanting to stay in touch with older relatives or contacts in regions with limited internet penetration, ensuring your call always gets through. The platform is built around a straightforward pay-as-you-go credit system, eliminating contracts or subscriptions.

The user experience is designed for simplicity. You can easily look up the per-minute rate for any country before purchasing credits, offering total transparency. New users are often greeted with a free test call, allowing you to trial the service quality without any commitment. For travelers using an eSIM data plan from TapSim, Talk360 becomes a powerful tool. You can use your affordable local data to make high-quality calls back home to any number, combining the cost-effectiveness of an eSIM with the universal reach of traditional phone networks.

Key Features and Considerations

• Universal Reach: The recipient does not need the app, a smartphone, or an internet connection to receive your call.
• Transparent Pricing: Check per-minute rates for landlines and mobiles for any destination before you buy credits.
• Data Dependent: You must have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to place calls through the app.
• Pay-As-You-Go: No contracts or subscriptions; simply top up your account with credits as needed, with support for multiple currencies.

Website: https://www.talk360.com

5. Dingtone

Dingtone offers a unique hybrid approach, positioning itself as one of the best apps for international calls by combining free app-to-app communication with a flexible, credit-based system for calling traditional landlines and mobiles. This model is particularly appealing for travelers who need to make a mix of calls, some to other app users and others to businesses or family members who don’t have the app. The core idea is to either purchase calling credits or earn them through in-app activities, giving you a budget-friendly way to stay connected.

The platform stands out by allowing users to check per-minute rates for any destination directly within the app, so you know exactly what a call will cost before you dial. This level of transparency is invaluable when you’re managing a travel budget. For a traveler using an eSIM data plan from TapSim, Dingtone provides a reliable way to make those essential calls to landlines, like booking a hotel or confirming a tour, without paying exorbitant roaming fees. The ability to acquire an optional local phone number in certain countries also adds a layer of convenience for longer stays or for those needing a local contact point.

Key Features and Considerations

• Credit-Based Calling: Users can buy or earn credits for making low-cost calls to any phone number worldwide.
• Transparent Pricing: The in-app rate checker lets you see the cost per minute for any country and line type before making a call.
• Hybrid Functionality: Combines free, unlimited app-to-app calls and messages with paid Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) access.
• Credit Model Complexity: The system of earning and spending credits can be confusing for new users compared to a straightforward subscription.

Website: https://www.dingtone.me/rates-plans.html

6. BOSS Revolution

BOSS Revolution offers a specialized service that combines the flexibility of an app with the reliability of traditional calling cards. It stands out by providing both pay-as-you-go credit and unlimited monthly plans for specific countries, making it one of the more versatile options among the best apps for international calls. The service is organized with clear support and transparent pricing per destination, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective option for your needs, whether that’s a one-off call or regular communication.

The platform’s hybrid approach is its key strength. You can use the app over Wi-Fi or your eSIM data plan for high-quality calls, but it also provides local and toll-free access numbers in many countries. This feature allows you to make international calls directly from your phone’s dialer without using data, which can be a lifesaver in areas with poor internet connectivity. Additionally, the service integrates app-to-app messaging and a mobile top-up feature, allowing you to send credit to friends and family in over 90 countries. This combination of app-based and traditional calling methods provides a robust solution for staying connected.

Key Features and Considerations

• Flexible Payment Options: Choose between topping up with pay-as-you-go credit for occasional calls or subscribing to an unlimited monthly plan for frequent use.
• Access Number Calling: Place calls using local access numbers without relying on an internet connection, though some numbers may have surcharges.
• Verify Rates First: While pricing is transparent, the value can vary significantly depending on the destination country. Always check the per-minute rate or plan details before committing.

Website: https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-gb

7. Lebara

For travelers or residents who frequently call abroad, Lebara offers a different approach compared to purely app-based services. Instead of relying on VoIP, Lebara provides SIM-only mobile plans on reliable networks that come with a bundle of international minutes included. This model integrates international calling directly into your standard phone plan, making it a seamless option for those who prefer dialing numbers directly without needing an app or a constant data connection. The service is managed through the MyLebara app, where you can monitor your usage, manage your account, and top up if needed.

This solution is particularly well-suited for users who want the predictability of a monthly plan that covers both domestic and international needs. By bundling a set number of international minutes to dozens of countries, Lebara often proves more cost-effective than pay-as-you-go credits for regular callers. For anyone who values the simplicity of using their phone’s native dialer, Lebara removes the extra step of opening an app, making it one of the best integrated options for international calls.

Key Features and Considerations

• Inclusive International Minutes: Plans often include a generous allowance of minutes to many international destinations, which can be cheaper than app-based credits for high-volume users.
• Traditional Calling: No app is required to make calls; you can use your phone’s standard dialer, which is convenient and reliable.
• Flexible SIM-Only Plans: Offers 30-day rolling contracts, providing flexibility without long-term commitments, and ordering a SIM is typically free.
• Global Service: While prominent in the UK, Lebara operates in several countries, so check for local availability and plans.

Website: https://www.lebara.co.uk

8. Vonage for Home

For frequent international callers, Vonage for Home offers a different approach compared to pay-as-you-go apps. It’s a home VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that provides monthly plans with generous international calling allowances. This model is ideal for users who make a high volume of calls to specific countries and prefer a predictable, fixed monthly bill over topping up credits. It turns your home broadband into a powerful, cost-effective international phone line.

The key benefit for travelers is the Vonage Extensions app. This feature links your mobile to your home plan, allowing you to make and receive calls using your Vonage number and inclusive minutes directly from your smartphone. When you’re abroad with an eSIM data plan, you can open the app and call home or other included destinations as if you were in your living room, completely bypassing expensive roaming charges. It’s one of the best apps for international calls if you already need a robust home phone service.

Key Features and Considerations

• Predictable Costs: Fixed monthly fees provide a clear budget for heavy international callers, removing the guesswork of per-minute rates.
• Mobile App Integration: The Extensions app lets you use your home plan’s allowances on your mobile anywhere with a data connection.
• Contract Commitment: Plans may require a contract, making it less suitable for short-term needs.
• Hardware Dependant: The service is tied to your home broadband and requires initial hardware setup, so it’s not an instant-start solution.

Website: https://www.vonageforhome.co.uk

Top 8 International Calling Apps Comparison

Stay Connected, Wherever Your Travels Take You

Navigating the world of international communication has been transformed. Gone are the days of fumbling with physical calling cards or returning home to shocking mobile phone bills bloated with roaming charges. As we have explored, the digital age offers a powerful and diverse toolkit for staying in touch across borders, making the challenge less about if you can call home and more about how you choose to do it.

This guide has detailed a spectrum of solutions, from ubiquitous, data-driven platforms to specialized services such as Rebtel and Talk360 that bridge the gap between app-based calling and traditional phone networks. We’ve also seen how providers like Lebara offer integrated plans for those who prefer a single-provider solution. The key takeaway is that there is no single “best” app for everyone; the ideal choice is deeply personal and situational.

Making the Right Choice for Your Journey

Your decision should be guided by a few core considerations. First, analyze your calling habits. Are you primarily contacting other smartphone users who also have these apps installed? If so, free, data-based options are fantastic. Do you frequently need to call landlines or mobile numbers directly? This is where services with “Out” features or dedicated credit-based systems demonstrate their true value.

Next, consider your destination and the quality of internet you anticipate. Most of these applications rely heavily on a stable data connection. This is where modern connectivity solutions become crucial. Relying on patchy hotel Wi-Fi can lead to dropped calls and frustration, especially when you need to make an important business call or have a heartfelt chat with family. The reliability of your data underpins the performance of every app on this list.

Your Action Plan for Seamless International Calls

To ensure you’re prepared for your next trip, follow these simple steps:

1. Assess Your Needs: Review the pros and cons we’ve discussed. Pinpoint which apps align with your likely calling patterns—app-to-app, app-to-phone, or a mix of both.
2. Download and Set Up Before You Go: Install your chosen apps while you’re on your home Wi-Fi. Create accounts, add contacts, and familiarize yourself with the interface.
3. Secure Your Data Connection: The most critical step is ensuring you have affordable, high-speed data from the moment you land. A travel eSIM provides this foundation, freeing you from Wi-Fi hunting and allowing you to use your preferred calling apps anywhere, anytime.

By strategically selecting from the best apps for international calls and pairing them with a robust data plan, you empower yourself with clear, affordable, and stress-free communication. You can share your adventures in real-time, handle professional responsibilities with confidence, and maintain those vital connections to the people who matter most. The world feels much smaller when a clear voice is just a tap away.

Ready to unlock seamless global communication? The first step is securing a reliable data connection. Get your travel eSIM from TapSim and use any of these calling apps with confidence the moment you arrive. Explore data plans for over 200 destinations on TapSim.net and make your next trip the most connected one yet.