TL:DR Summary
Use the your Always Mobile eSIM data plan AND WiFi calling feature on your mobile device to make/receive telephone calls and connect to the internet while traveling internationally without incurring mobile roaming fees. Here's how it works:
- Enable WiFi Calling: On your device, go to "Settings" > "Phone" > "WiFi Calling" and toggling the switch to enable it.
- Connect to WiFi.
- Make and Receive Calls: With WiFi calling enabled and connected to a WiFi network, you can make and receive calls using your regular phone number. The calls will be routed over the internet instead of the cellular network, allowing you to bypass roaming fees.
- Keep Data Roaming Off: To avoid incurring mobile data roaming charges, ensure that your data roaming is turned off on your “Primary line” in the device settings.
- Check Carrier Support: Before traveling, it's a good idea to check with your mobile carrier to confirm that WiFi calling is supported for international use and that there are no additional charges associated with it.
- Emergency Calls: Keep in mind that emergency calls (such as 911 in the United States) may not be available through WiFi calling in all countries.
In an age where staying connected is essential, traveling internationally can often lead to concerns about exorbitant mobile roaming fees. Whether you're making important business calls or keeping in touch with loved ones, the last thing you want is to be hit with hefty charges for using your phone abroad. Fortunately, with the WiFi calling feature available on many mobile devices, you can make and receive telephone calls using your regular phone number without incurring roaming fees, as long as you have access to a WiFi network. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how you can leverage WiFi calling to stay connected while traveling internationally, all while keeping your data roaming off.
Understanding WiFi Calling
WiFi calling is a feature that allows you to make and receive calls using a WiFi network instead of the cellular network. It's particularly useful when you're in areas with poor cellular coverage or when traveling internationally to avoid roaming fees. When you enable WiFi calling on your device, your calls are routed over the internet, ensuring seamless communication without relying on expensive roaming networks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using WiFi Calling While Traveling Internationally
- Enable WiFi Calling:
The first step is to ensure that WiFi calling is enabled on your device. Here's how to do it:
- Open the "Settings".
- Scroll down and tap on "Cellular"
- Select “Primary” line then select "WiFi Calling" and toggle the switch to enable it.
- Connect to WiFi:
Once WiFi calling is enabled, the next step is to connect your device to a WiFi network. This can be a public WiFi network, such as those available in airports, hotels, cafes, or any other location with WiFi access.
- Go to the "Settings" app on your mobile device.
- Tap on "WiFi" and select the WiFi network you want to connect to.
- Enter the password if prompted, and wait for your device to connect to the WiFi network.
- Make and Receive Calls:
With WiFi calling enabled and connected to a WiFi network, you can now make and receive calls using your regular phone number. Here's how to do it:
- Open the "Phone" app on your device.
- Dial the phone number you want to call, or select a contact from your address book.
- Tap the call button, and your call will be initiated using WiFi calling.
When someone calls your regular phone number while you're traveling internationally and connected to WiFi, the call will be routed through WiFi calling, allowing you to answer it without incurring roaming charges.
- Keep Data Roaming Off:
To avoid incurring mobile data roaming charges, it's essential to keep your data roaming off on your “Primary” line while traveling internationally. Here's how to do it:
- Go to the "Settings" app on your device.
- Tap on "Cellular" then tap “Primary” line and scroll down to find "Data Roaming."
- Toggle the switch to turn off data roaming.
By keeping data roaming off, your phone will only use the WiFi connection for internet access and calls, ensuring that you don't incur any unexpected charges.
Additional Tips for Using WiFi Calling While Traveling Internationally
- Check Carrier Support: Before traveling, it's a good idea to check with your mobile carrier to confirm that WiFi calling is supported for international use and that there are no additional charges associated with it. Some carriers may have restrictions or fees for using WiFi calling abroad.
- Emergency Calls: While WiFi calling is a convenient way to stay connected while traveling internationally, it's essential to be aware that emergency calls (such as 911 in the United States) may not be available through WiFi calling in all countries. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the emergency services numbers in the country you're visiting and keep alternative means of communication handy in case of emergencies.
To Wrap It Up
WiFi calling offers a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling internationally, allowing you to make and receive calls using your regular phone number. Combined with an Always Mobile eSIM data plan, international travelers can stay connected without incurring expensive roaming fees. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping your “Primary Line” data roaming off, you can enjoy seamless communication with friends, family, and colleagues wherever your travels take you. So, the next time you embark on an international journey, rest assured that staying connected is as easy as connecting to a WiFi network with WiFi calling enabled on your mobile device. Safe travels and happy calling!