How to Use WhatsApp with Your Lyca Mobile SIM for Free International Calls

Gone are the days when people visited the US purely for work or education. 

I mean, they still do, but the reasons are more than just career or higher studies. 

People visit the US to experience the culture, to make memories, and to kick things off their bucket list. 

Whatever the reason may be, the USA is a pretty welcoming country. 

But that doesn’t mean you don’t get homesick. 

Like, come on, everyone gets homesick once in a while. 

And, at that moment, rather than relying on traditional methods of calling, you could try an international calling app. 

There are many apps that fit into this category, but the one I’m specifically going to talk about is WhatsApp. 

So, is it possible to make free international calls using WhatsApp? 

If the answer is yes, then what’s the catch? Like, surely, international calling can’t be truly free, or is it? 

Read on to have all your questions answered. 

Is WhatsApp Considered an International Calling App? 

To answer the question, you can consider WhatsApp as an international calling app, but I wouldn’t put it in that category. 

WhatsApp is more of a messenger. It helps connect two individuals, either through voice, text, or video, provided they have WhatsApp. 

But one area where WhatsApp shines is in its ability to make international calls. 

Now this is where things get interesting. International calling is rather expensive. Telecom operators have dedicated plans for their customers to make international calls. They are usually in the form of discounted rates per minute. 

WhatsApp stepping into the picture is pretty game-changing. 

But can you really make international calls using WhatsApp? 

Is there a catch? 

Turns out, you can use WhatsApp as an international calling app. 

And there is only one catch, which I’ll talk about in a bit. 

Why Should You Make International Calls with WhatsApp? 

One thing is clear. International calling with WhatsApp is a possibility. 

But why should you go for it? 

I have listed two reasons below on why you should use WhatsApp to make international calls. 

• It is Cost-Effective: WhatsApp uses your data allowance for connectivity. This means that you can make free calls across the globe as long as the recipient has WhatsApp and a stable internet connection. You aren’t charged a penny for making these calls. 
• It is Convenient: The international calling plans you will come across have a specific number of minutes. The moment you run out of them, you will be charged standard rates, which are usually on the higher side. You don’t have to worry about this when you use WhatsApp as an international calling app. 

How to Use WhatsApp for International Calls 

You now know that it’s possible to make international calls using WhatsApp. 

With that out of the way, let me guide you through the steps involved in making an international call. 

First, the prerequisites. 

What You’ll Need 

• A data plan 
• The latest version of WhatsApp 

As said before, you will need a stable internet connection to use WhatsApp as an international calling app. 

You can use Wi-Fi, but that’s not a possibility in all situations. Especially if your visit is relatively short. 

So make sure you have sufficient data before making an international call through WhatsApp. Here is a rough estimate of how much data WhatsApp consumes. 

Data consumption is the only challenge when making international calls using WhatsApp. But this challenge can be easily tackled with the right prepaid plan. 

Next, and the most important part, is to have the latest version of WhatsApp. You can download the latest versions of WhatsApp from the links below. 

• Download WhatsApp for iOS 
• Download WhatsApp for Android 

You now have everything to start making international calls using WhatsApp. The next section has detailed steps you can follow. 

Making an International Call 

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how you can make an international call using WhatsApp. 

1. Connect to a reliable source of internet. Wi-Fi is preferable but may not be a practical option for those who’re on the move. If you’re looking for high data plans, here is a high-data deal from Lyca Mobile you can consider. 
2. If you’ve texted the person before, open the chat. 
3. Tap on the call button at the top right corner of the screen to make a voice call. 

Notice that video camera symbol next to the call symbol? 

Tapping on that makes a video call. But, as said before, a video call consumes comparatively more data than a voice call. Consider this when making a video call using WhatsApp. 

Things to Remember When Using WhatsApp for International Calls 

Like just about everything, there are some pointers you should consider when calling someone using WhatsApp. These pointers will assist you through different aspects of international calling with WhatsApp. 

• Voice/video calling consumes a lot of data. Make sure you have sufficient data allowance before making one. 
• WhatsApp calls can only be made if both parties have WhatsApp installed on their phones and have functional accounts. 
• Head to Calls and tap on a specific call to know the amount of data consumed. 
• If a contact doesn’t show up on the contacts list, tap on the Chats option, then the 3 dots at the top right, and choose Refresh. This updates your contact list. 
• Roaming charges are applicable if you’re making WhatsApp calls without a valid data plan in a foreign country. 
• You can only call people in your WhatsApp contact list. 
• Downloading WhatsApp alone won’t make international calling free. You’ll have to access the app using a stable internet connection to make an international WhatsApp call. 

Conclusion 

WhatsApp has truly revolutionized how people communicate. People can text and make voice/video calls with anyone across the globe, provided they have a stable internet connection. 

Slow internet and insufficient data are often the main villains when using WhatsApp as an international calling app. 

Fortunately, these are issues that can be resolved with the right data plan from the right operator. Lyca Mobile has some exciting plans that offer super-fast 5G data at affordable rates. 

Here are some recommended Lyca Mobile plans that allow you to make international calls using WhatsApp without worries. 

Hope this article has cleared all your doubts regarding international calling with WhatsApp. 

Travelers and students can stay connected instantly with the Lyca Mobile USA eSIM solution.

Don’t forget to check your data allowance before making an international call. 

Happy calling!!