We will be traveling to South Africa in a few weeks and trying to determine if there is a way to make wifi calls or texts from SA to the US (primarily for confirmation of arrival and check-ins with family) through wifi on applications such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, FB Messenger, etc. and if there is a cost.
Also, does the carrier have to be notified or any other services have to be added?
Thank you - appreciate any help you can give.
iPhone 11, iOS 14
I travel overseas from US often. I have used several apps in the past to make Wi-Fi / Data based calls back to the US and vice versa. WhatsApp is my app of choice to make and receive calls while overseas. I use FaceTime audio as well. There is no cost for those calls for making or receiving them.
The only cost that you will have to be careful about is the cost of data usage. If you are using a Wi-Fi Network connection to make those calls then there is nothing to worry about since you will have free and unlimited Wi-Fi in most cases. If you are making call using WhatsApp, for example, and using cellular data, then that data will be counted against your data allotment overseas.
Axel F.
I travel overseas from US often. I have used several apps in the past to make Wi-Fi / Data based calls back to the US and vice versa. WhatsApp is my app of choice to make and receive calls while overseas. I use FaceTime audio as well. There is no cost for those calls for making or receiving them.
The only cost that you will have to be careful about is the cost of data usage. If you are using a Wi-Fi Network connection to make those calls then there is nothing to worry about since you will have free and unlimited Wi-Fi in most cases. If you are making call using WhatsApp, for example, and using cellular data, then that data will be counted against your data allotment overseas.
Axel F.
Hello livinginsd,
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
We understand that you are wanting to know about making Wi-Fi calls from South Africa to the U.S. You can take a look at the following support article on how to make a Wi-Fi call from your iPhone.
Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling
There should be no difference in making a Wi-Fi call from South Africa, than it would be from the U.S. as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. You should contact your carrier to make sure that they support Wi-Fi calling. They could answer any questions about charges as well, although typically there are no charges for Wi-Fi calling while traveling abroad and calling U.S. numbers. Calls to international numbers are billed based on your wireless carrier plan.
We also have some helpful articles to share with you, that address using your applications while traveling, and avoiding any additional charges while traveling and using your device.
Choose iPhone settings for travel
View or change cellular data settings on iPhone
About mobile data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad
Best regards.
Thank you. We will look at these links. Appreciate your help.
Thank you so much. I thought this was the case but wanted to make sure. So appreciate your response.
You are welcome.
Axel F.
Wait, just realized. Is that your real name or just your moniker?? Good one.
It is a screen name. Have had it for decades on various platforms.
Axel F.
Wifi calling and texting from overseas
