Some cellular providers offer international calling. Others do not or limit international calling to specific countries and/or plans. Historically, RW included calls to Canada but not international numbers in other countries across all its plans. With the exception of its “Everywhere You Go” plan, RW no longer does so.
If one’s service provider doesn’t offer international calling, one has the option of switching providers or augmenting their current provider’s cellular service with a third party option.
Third Party Options for International Communication
Fortunately, there are multiple third party options for communicating internationally at reasonable and, in some cases, no cost.
If those one wishes to communicate with are also using a smartphone, the most cost-effective (often free) option is use of an over the top (OTT) app. Google Meet, Signal, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and, if other parties to the conversation are using Apple devices, FaceTime are all examples of over the top (OTT) apps that may be used for communication with anyone anywhere - so long as both parties to the conversation have smartphones, an Internet connection and are willing to use the same app. OTT apps bypass traditional telephone systems using Internet data (WiFi or cell). In the case of FaceTime, at least, one party to the conversation must be using an Apple device and must initiate the conversation, however, FaceTime conversations may include Android users via a mobile web browser.
Third Party Options for Calling International Numbers
If one needs to call actual international numbers, then a third party app capable of directly calling those numbers would be an appropriate choice. Google Voice is probably the best known choice. Skype and Viber, which unlike Google Voice can be used over the top as described in the previous paragraph, may also be used to directly call international numbers. None are free for calling international numbers but all are reasonably priced.
There are also a couple of lesser known services I like, Rebtel and Localphone. Why lesser known services? Unlike Google Voice, which requires one to use a separate phone number, Rebtel and Localphone allow for one’s cell phone number to be sent as Caller ID. To those you’re calling internationally, the call will appear to be coming from your cell phone. Rebtel and Localphone are generally price competitive with Google Voice, Skype and Viber. Like Rebtel and Localphone, Skype and Viber allow for use of one’s cell phone number as Caller ID.
Rebtel offers unlimited calling to Canada for $2/month and roughly 50 international destinations Including Canada for $10/month.
If one’s international calling habits are intermittent, using Localphone on a pay as you go basis might be a better choice.
Additional Notes
International calls placed through third party services will not be logged in your service provider’s online call history. They will be logged on your phone.