Texting and Calling Apps

Calling apps and texting apps are essential for the international traveler. There are many texting and calling apps available. My personal favorite is WhatsApp. It allows you to call or text for free via wifi anyone with the same app. WhatsApp is not unique in this. The reason I like it so much is because many people around the world use it. As a result, I used it a lot on my recent 3.5 month-long trip around the world. I was even able to book hotels and activities via WhatsApp, which was very helpful. Creating groups is a breeze within this app so contacts can be grouped according to common interest. For instance, creating family groups, or bridesmaids groups for weddings, or class reunion groups, is quite common.

Skype is another app that allows calling and texting via wifi. The calls are free provided the other person also has Skype. The advantage of Skype is that for a fee, it can be used to make calls over wifi direct to mobile phones that don’t have the app.

For travelers from the US, Vonage is another useful app for VOIP calling and texting. You don’t need to have Vonage service to get or use the app. The feature that makes it unique is that it can be used to call the US for free from other countries, and the call will appear to be originating from the US. I don’t know why anyone would want that but there it is. The advantage of the Vonage app is that the receiving phone does not need to also have Vonage.

So there you are. There are many more calling and texting apps out there but these 3 are my personal favorites. I keep my phone on airplane mode whenever I am out of the country. Roaming charges are no joke, and even getting an international plan is expensive. All 3 apps are free. As long as I can find wifi, I am able to stay connected to the rest of the world. And if you use them, you will be able to also.

Happy travels, and live life!