Is Wi-Fi Calling free abroad?

Wi-Fi Calling Abroad: Not Necessarily Free

The allure of Wi-Fi calling is strong, promising a way to make calls and send texts without incurring high roaming charges. However, the promise of free calls and texts abroad via Wi-Fi is often misleading. While Wi-Fi calling eliminates the need for a cellular connection in a foreign country, it doesn’t automatically eliminate all charges.

Crucially, international Wi-Fi calls are typically subject to standard roaming charges. This means that while you might be using a Wi-Fi network, your carrier may still apply the same international rates as if you were using your cellular data. These charges can vary significantly depending on your carrier and the destination country. It’s essential to check with your provider directly to understand the specific roaming rates applicable to your plan.

Furthermore, texting abroad via Wi-Fi calling also often incurs long-distance fees. These fees are connected to your plan’s text messaging rates for international calls, and while using Wi-Fi for the connection, the long-distance fees remain. You should be mindful of these additional charges, as they can quickly add up when communicating extensively with contacts abroad.

In summary, while Wi-Fi calling offers a convenient alternative to traditional cellular connections for voice calls, it does not inherently eliminate international charges. Consumers should always confirm the specific roaming and international charges with their mobile providers before relying on Wi-Fi calling for calls and texts while abroad.