Moving countries doesn’t mean losing touch. For expats, to make cheap International calls online with the right calling app keeps family, banks, schools and work reachable without breaking the bank. Below are seven apps that consistently deliver—mixing free app-to-app calling, cheap PSTN (landline/mobile) rates, and features that matter to people living abroad. (I’ve cited up-to-date sources so you can check rates and features for your destination.)
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| Top 7 International Call Apps for Expats in 2026 |
1) WhatsApp — the universal, no-friction option
WhatsApp remains the default choice for millions of expats because almost everyone already has it. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, work across mobile and desktop, and perform well on low bandwidth — ideal for patchy Wi-Fi while traveling between apartments or cafés. Meta keeps adding features (missed-call voice messages, improved group calling and AI extras) that make it more convenient than a plain phone call. For quick friend-and-family catchups, it’s still the easiest way to call for free between apps. WhatsApp.com+1
Pros
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Ubiquitous — many contacts already use it.
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End-to-end encryption for privacy.
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Works on mobile + desktop with low data usage.
Cons
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App-to-app only — can’t call a landline without extra services.
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Some countries have restricted voice services at times.
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Quality depends on internet connection.
2) Google Voice — low-cost PSTN calling for a stable number
Google Voice is attractive for expats who want a single, low-cost US (or supported-country) number that forwards calls and can place affordable international calls. It’s easy to manage from the web or app, has voicemail transcriptions, and is often recommended for business and personal use because of predictable rates and Google integration. If you need a stable virtual number that rings multiple devices, it’s hard to beat. Google Workspace+1
Pros
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Virtual number and call forwarding.
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Competitive international rates for PSTN calls.
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Web + mobile access with voicemail features.
Cons
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Not available for all countries as a local number provider.
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Some features tied to Google ecosystem.
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Data privacy concerns for some users.
3) Rebtel — tailored for expats with local-access calling
Rebtel focuses on international callers who need PSTN reach with consistent quality. It can route calls via local access numbers or over data, which helps when international data is flaky. Rebtel also sells simple unlimited plans to specific countries and has strong reputation for customer support aimed at migrant communities. For calling family on landlines or mobiles in countries with poor internet, Rebtel is a top pick. Rebtel+1
Pros
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Works without internet via local access numbers.
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Competitive country-specific unlimited plans.
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Simple top-ups and fee-free recharges.
Cons
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App interface can feel promotional with offers.
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Quality varies by region and route.
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Not as ubiquitous as WhatsApp for app-to-app chats.
4) ZippCall — cheap browser calls and pay-as-you-go PSTN rates
ZippCall positions itself as a browser-first cheap calling service: no app install required — just call from your browser to landlines and mobiles worldwide. Their public rate tables show single-digit cent starting rates to many destinations and a pay-as-you-go model that suits occasional callers who still need real-phone reach. For expats who want to call home from internet cafes, shared computers, or laptops without installing apps, ZippCall’s web calling is extremely convenient. ZippCall+1
Pros
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No downloads — call directly from the browser.
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Transparent, low per-minute rates to many countries.
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Pay-as-you-go — good for irregular callers.
Cons
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Browser calling depends on stable internet and browser permissions.
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Fewer social features (no built-in chat ecosystem).
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Not as widely known — check rates per country before relying on it.
5) Viber (Viber Out) — strong messaging + paid PSTN calls
Viber mixes free app-to-app calling with Viber Out, a paid service for calls to phones. Many expats like Viber because it combines messaging, stickers, and affordable PSTN calling in one app. Viber constantly updates its rates pages and promotions, and it’s often preinstalled or encouraged in certain regions — handy when several of your contacts already use it. Note: some governments have occasionally restricted Viber, so check local availability. Viber+1
Pros
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App-to-app free calling + paid calls to landlines via Viber Out.
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Rich messaging features and group calling.
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Regular promotions and country bundles.
Cons
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Sometimes blocked or restricted in certain countries.
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Quality and rates vary by route.
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Requires contacts to adopt app for free calling.
6) Vonage (mobile + extensions) — business-grade with consumer plans
Vonage’s mobile apps and Extensions let you use your home VoIP plan on smartphones, with robust call quality and features like voicemail, call transfer and multi-device support. It’s a strong choice for expats who need a business-capable line or want to keep a home number with advanced call handling. Vonage also offers straightforward international calling instructions and support for residential customers. Vonage for Home+1
Pros
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Professional features: voicemail, extensions, multi-device.
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Good call quality on VoIP plans.
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Easy integration with home VoIP plans.
Cons
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More expensive than simple pay-as-you-go services.
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Best value if you already have a Vonage plan.
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Setup can be heavier than pure app solutions.
7) Telegram — privacy-focused free calls (app-to-app)
Telegram’s voice and video calls are robust, cloud-based and valued for privacy and speed. Like WhatsApp, they’re free app-to-app, but Telegram also excels at large groups, channels, and using virtual numbers for registration. For expats who value privacy, fast syncing across devices, and high-quality voice chats, Telegram is a solid alternative — though it won’t call regular phone numbers without third-party gateways. Telegram+1
Pros
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Strong privacy and fast syncing across devices.
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High-quality app-to-app voice and video calls.
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Great for large group chats and broadcasting.
Cons
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Cannot dial landlines/mobiles directly without third-party services.
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Some regional restrictions and registration quirks.
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Not everyone uses it as their primary messenger.
Final pick: choose by use case
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Want free calls to friends? WhatsApp or Telegram.
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Need to call landlines cheaply? ZippCall, Rebtel or Viber Out.
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Want a stable virtual number? Google Voice or Vonage.
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Need a business-grade setup? Vonage.
Check the current per-minute rates and local availability (especially for Russia, some services have been restricted at times) before you commit — rates and regulations change.
