How to Make International Calls: Complete Guide 2025
Learn how to make international calls with 10 proven methods. Step-by-step instructions for free and paid options, dialing format guide, and money-saving tips.
Making international calls has become incredibly easy and affordable in 2025. Whether you're calling family abroad, conducting business internationally, or staying connected with friends overseas, there are multiple methods to make international calls—many of them completely free.
Understanding International Dialing Format
The most common reason international calls fail is using the wrong dialing format. Here's the universal format that works everywhere:
Key Components:
- + Symbol: Universal exit code (replaces 011 for US, 00 for UK, 0011 for Australia)
- Country Code: 1-3 digits (USA/Canada: +1, India: +91, UK: +44, Mexico: +52)
- Area Code: Drop the leading zero if present (London's 020 becomes 20)
- Local Number: Remaining digits (length varies by country)
10 Methods to Make International Calls
1. Browser-Based Calling (BubblyPhone) 🌐
Cost: From $0.01/min | Best For: Calling phones without apps
- ✓ No app installation required
- ✓ Recipient doesn't need internet
- ✓ Crystal clear call quality
- ✓ Works on any device with browser
How to use: Visit BubblyPhone.com → Add credits → Enter +country code + number → Click Call
2. WhatsApp Calling 💬
Cost: FREE | Best For: WhatsApp users with internet
- ✓ Completely free
- ✓ Voice and video calling
- ✓ Over 2 billion users worldwide
- ✗ Both parties need WhatsApp
- ✗ Can't call landlines
3. Skype 💻
Cost: Free (Skype-to-Skype) or $0.02-0.30/min | Best For: Desktop users
How to use: Download Skype → For Skype-to-Skype: Add contact and call (free) → For phones: Buy credit → Click "Call phones" → Enter +country code + number
4. Google Voice 📱
Cost: $0.01-0.20/min (US residents only) | Best For: US-based users
Note: Only available for US residents with a US phone number.
5. FaceTime Audio 🍎
Cost: FREE | Best For: iPhone, iPad, Mac users
Limitation: Both parties must have Apple devices with FaceTime enabled.
6. Facebook Messenger 📘
Cost: FREE | Best For: Facebook users
7. International Calling Cards 💳
Cost: $0.02-0.30/min | Best For: No internet access, travelers
Warning: Watch out for hidden fees (connection fees, maintenance fees, expiration dates).
8. Mobile Carrier Plans 📞
Cost: $1-5/min (or monthly plan $15-30) | Best For: Frequent callers with carrier plans
Warning: Carrier plans are convenient but 100-500x more expensive than alternatives.
9. Viber 📞
Cost: Free (Viber-to-Viber) or $0.02-0.25/min | Best For: Eastern Europe, Middle East users
10. Rebtel 🌍
Cost: $0.01-0.30/min or monthly plans from $10 | Best For: Calling specific countries frequently
Cost Comparison Table
| Method | To India | To Philippines | To Mexico | To UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.01/min | $0.01/min | $0.01/min | $0.02/min |
| WhatsApp/Skype | FREE* | FREE* | FREE* | FREE* |
| Skype (to phones) | $0.02/min | $0.05/min | $0.04/min | $0.02/min |
| Google Voice | $0.01/min | $0.02/min | $0.02/min | $0.02/min |
| Mobile Carrier | $2-5/min | $2-5/min | $1-3/min | $1-3/min |
*Free only when both parties have the app and internet connection
How to Choose the Best Method
Choose WhatsApp/Skype/FaceTime if:
- Both you and recipient have the same app
- Both have reliable internet connections
- You want 100% free calls
Choose BubblyPhone if:
- You need to call landlines or mobiles without apps
- Recipient doesn't have internet or specific apps
- You want excellent call quality at low cost
- You prefer browser-based calling (no app installation)
10 Money-Saving Tips
1. Use WiFi Calling Apps First
If both parties have internet, use WhatsApp or Skype for free calls.
2. Use Browser-Based Services
BubblyPhone at $0.01/min vs carrier rates at $2-5/min.
3. Buy Credits in Bulk
Many services offer discounts for larger credit packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Facebook Messenger—but both parties must have the same app and internet. For calling phones without apps, use BubblyPhone at $0.01/min.
Free WiFi calling apps when both parties have internet, or BubblyPhone/Google Voice at $0.01-0.02/min for calling regular phones.
No, if you use the + symbol. Long-press 0 on mobile phones to insert +. This works everywhere.
Yes, but calling through your carrier costs $2-5/min. Use apps like BubblyPhone instead for $0.01-0.02/min.
Common reasons: wrong dialing format (forgot + or country code), insufficient credits, inactive number, or carrier blocking. Use +country code + full number format.
Ready to Start Calling?
Make international calls from your browser with BubblyPhone. No app needed, instant setup.
Get Started Free →