Calling with wifi

I tried T-Mobile wifi calling with my iPhone last fall. I don't think the quality of connection was good enough. I tried it a couple of places and it didn't work. T-Mobile includes roaming calls for 20¢/min, so I just switched to cellular.

I actually only signed up for T-Mobile USA for my trip last year. Along with the voice roaming, T-Mobile also includes unlimited text and unlimited 3G data in Europe. I switched back to Verizon after I got home.

I used to use Skype to call when in Europe. That works really well. It was 8¢/min. last time I used it.

I can also only speak to TMobile wi-fi calling. I use it sometimes - the call quality is okay and I can usually make a go of it. The call quality when I call over TMobile's network is definitely better and sometimes, since it's only 20 cents per minute, I do use it. I mostly make the best of the wi-fi since it's free.

We just always use Skype, and it works really well. Our kids are on Skype, so we can usually get in touch easily and even do video calling. We use Skype's off net calling for other people. The price is reasonable. I put $10 credit in there years ago and we haven't used it up yet.

I don't know about Samsung but on the iPhone, FaceTime voice (over wifi) works better than my regular cell carrier to states.

kar,

The quality of Wi-Fi service in Europe tends to vary from one location to the next. I've found that in some hotels, Wi-Fi only works well from the lobby (or other common areas), but is very dodgy in the rooms. In one hotel that I stayed at last year, I had the impression that the Wi-Fi service was "throttled" when trying to up/download larger files, so I'm not sure how well calling would work in a situation like that.

Does anyone know about text messages? In the times I've traveled, I've only called or messaged to let the home folks know we've arrived at destinations. (That is unless I was travelling with students and had to cover their emergencies- lost cards, frozen bank account) I'm really not interested in long conversations; never used Skype. I need to be able to call home in emergencies. I guess the same principle would apply, though. I've tried to use a previous phone overseas, but even with international calls switched on, I couldn't figure out how to place local calls. ( I had followed Sprint's instructions) I could call the States without a problem. Thanks to everyone. It sounds like I take my chances, or should just sign up for the international option for the two weeks we're gone. I travel with a tablet and a smartphone only. I do everything from those, amd I am fine going to the lobby if the service is better there.

I use T-mobile's wifi calling feature on a daily basis at home or abroad, it works flawlessly for me. Of course the audio quality is only as good as the Wifi connection you have. But for mostly it's been crystal clear for me.

From what I know, being on the receiving end of texts and just having purchased T-mobile, text messages are free on the cellular plan. Just verify with Sprint that text messages are free in a similar fashion.

However, to answer your question, text messages via wifi are naturally free and they work well. Also, my daughter would regularly use her android phone in wifi to call me, rather than the cellular plan, from Europe and Australia. I couldn't tell the difference in the sound quality. And again, free.

Our daughter was doing a study abroad in Norwich and we used wifi calling at least twice a week without any problems.

kar,

For a short two-week trip, signing up with the Sprint international roaming plan is probably the easiest option. Texts are usually fairly cheap so it shouldn't cost much for that. Have a look at this website.....

https://www.sprint.com/landings/international-value-roaming/

There will be a cost for the international roaming plan and you'll have to check with Sprint for the details.

"I've tried to use a previous phone overseas, but even with international calls switched on, I couldn't figure out how to place local calls."

I've found that it's a bit tricky in some cases to get the dialing sequence correct, and that could be the reason you were having trouble with local calls. You may find this helpful.....

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/call-uk-europe

The cheapest way to text is to use something like Viber using only Wi-Fi (text will be free). However I believe the receiving party also has to have Viber. It's also possible to make voice calls with that, but I've never tried it so don't know how well it works.

Just be aware that some/many places that offer free wifi block the ports for wifi calling so it will not work. Have a backup plan.

" I've tried to use a previous phone overseas, but even with international calls switched on, I couldn't figure out how to place local calls."

The easiest way is to enter every number in your phone as though it were international. Enter all numbers as the plus sign, then the country code, then the local number. So, for Rick's office you would enter it as +1-425-771-8303, and for a Glasgow hotel you would enter +44 141 552 5055 (omitting spaces and dashes). This way, you just press "send" and the call or text goes through, no matter where you are. And you never have to modify the number again - you just enter it once (great for family members who you want to be able to reach when abroad, and still be able to reach before and after the trip).

When I started doing this, I was worried I'd be charged international rates. But using this system, the phone networks "know" where you are calling from, and while the call goes through both locally and internationally, you are charged the correct rate.

I used Skype, set up to call landlines, with an Ipod back in 2012. It worked well. One of the pluses is you call home like you're dialing from inside the US (area code and 7 digits, no international codes). I brought a headphone set with microphone and it really helped sound quality - both talking and hearing - in noisy places like Starbuck's or McDonalds. I was there a month and spent a total of about $10, at a couple cents a minute, using Skype.

For local calls, I picked up a cheapie phone and local SIM - local calls were about 8 cents a minute. One of the pluses is you dial local numbers like you would from a local phone. I spent 50 euro for two phones, chargers, SIM cards, and minutes during the trip.

Next trip I'm bringing my unlocked smart phone and will buy a local SIM when I get there. I'm only going two weeks and want to go as light as possible so I don't know If I'll include the Skype option again or not?

Brad - you can set up Skype on your smartphone, so you don't have to bring a laptop or iPod in addition.