User beware: one might think that using wifi calling (a feature of my iphone) is free. With my carrier (Verizon), only wifi calls to the US are free.
From the Verizon website:
Wi-Fi Calling when abroad: Wi-Fi calling can be used to call the US at no additional charge. Wi-Fi calling to a country other than the US will be charged International Long Distance rates, regardless of your International Travel plan.
Let me clarify the Skype answer as I use it.
If you "call" someone who also has the Skype app, then it is free. But if you call a regular phone number via wifi, it is not free. I think I pay about 2 cents/minute from Europe back to the USA. Cheaper than the 25 cents/minute with T-Mobile.
We have T-Mobile. I can be in Europe and if I call home (to the US) outside on the street, there’s a charge. But, if I’m in my hotel connected to wifi (& disconnected from cellular data) there is no charge. FaceTime is also free, using wifi. T-Mobile texting is free, also.
I remember attending one of the Rick Steve’s free classes in Edmonds that covered technology while traveling. When the person started to cover the topic of phones, he asked which of us had T-Mobile. Then he said that ours was easy, but others would need to listen closely to how they could minimize some of their phone charges with WhatsApp, etc.
It's a good reminder of Verizon's TravelPass policies, thank you.
And that is why I had to help my Mom install WhatsApp and teach her to use it while I'm traveling. Even at home (in the US,) Verizon video calls use mobile data, and since I don't have an unlimited plan (yes, I know, how archaic!) I use WhatsApp to video call her. Obviously, that doesn't help if you want to call someone who doesn't have WhatsApp.
The OP note is false, if using WIFI to call (say iPhone to iPhone) or an app like WhatsApp or Facetime, there is no way Verizon can know that. Turn off cellular service before calling on WIFI just to be sure.
I have no vested interest in promoting Google Fi -- other than a desire that multiple options for low cost phone connectivity outside the U.S. survive -- but I wanted to add to Jean's comment above that if you use Google Fi, it should be as easy as T-Mobile. It may be even better in some respects, such as faster default data speed. You are charged for the data you use, so it may cost a bit more if you use a lot, though.
Personally, I have T-Mobile so I am not speaking from experience with Google Fi, but instead what I have read about it.
I can only go by what Verizon has on their website. Certainly there is no additional fee when using apps to make calls (Skype, etc) when on wifi but if I use wifi calling on my iphone, with a US number, and call another US number, that seems to bear "no additional charge". But if I use my US number and wifi calling to call a non-US number, Verizon indicates there will be a charge. I'm not sure that I would risk making such calls thinking they are free
I am a little confused by Tom_MN's comment. If you call from an app, such as WhatsApp to someone else with that app, yes, I think you will not have to pay for an international connection. (This is true with Skype to Skype, Google Duo to Duo, or other similar apps.) A wifi call to a non-US number is treated by your phone carrier the same way as if you dialed it using a telephone-type connection (i.e., not a data connection). The fact that you make the call using wifi does not save you from the cost.
And, if you are looking to use wifi to make calls to another country (even if you are physically located in that country), there are less expensive ways to make a call. Skype allows you to call foreign landlines and mobile numbers at rates much lower than Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Pennies a minute versus anywhere from $0.25 (T-Mobile) to $1.00 to $3.00 (AT&T) (Pay-per-use rates). I have a Google Voice number, so I make wifi calls to international numbers using the Google Voice app at pennies per minute.
I should clarify: There are a lot of calls that are WIFI to WIFI even while not using an app. iMessage (or something) for iPhones at least will not use cellular service if WIFI is available on both ends. As long as both phones have cellular service turned off you will be fine.
The Verizon note should say "WIFI to cellular on the receiving end will be charged at international long distance rates."
YIkes! I appreciate the discussion! Thanks for the input.
This link from Apple Support may give the reason why the carrier could know where you are calling from. When choosing to use wifi calling in settings it also asks your location before proceeding further.
Ah, how very clever of Apple. And if you put in a fake location, they would likely detect that!
I know some don’t like all the “big brother” oversight but it is what it is in today’s world. We are all easily found/tracked through our phone use, credit card use, etc,
