Save Your Coins: Wi-Fi Calling Apps That Actually Slap
Let's be real—international roaming fees will drain your travel budget faster than you can say "overpriced airport coffee." ☕💸 But with the right Wi-Fi calling apps, you can stay connected without selling a kidney. Here's the tea on the best options for your next adventure.
Image: Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash
FaceTime: The Apple Stan's BFF
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime is literally built different. The seamless integration across your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook means you'll never miss a call while doom-scrolling on your tablet.
The vibe:
- Clean, high-quality calls ✓
- Already on your Apple devices ✓
- Works everywhere except UAE ✓
- Android users? Sorry, bestie 🙅♀️
Image: Brett Jordan, Unsplash
WhatsApp: The OG Universal Player
WhatsApp remains that girl for cross-platform communication. Linked to your phone number, it's giving reliable vibes for audio calls, video chats, texts, and those voice notes you send at 2 AM that make zero sense.
The vibe:
- iPhone and Android friendly ✓
- Everyone and their grandma has it ✓
- Simple interface even your parents can figure out ✓
- Uses your phone number, so no random usernames ✓
Image: Alexander Shatov , Unsplash
Messenger: For the Facebook Holdouts
If you're still on Facebook (no judgment), Messenger is right there. Instead of phone numbers, it connects through Facebook, so your entire high school class can still find you. Yay?
The vibe:
- Needs a Facebook account (or the ghost of one) ✓
- Similar features to WhatsApp ✓
- Your aunties already know how to use it ✓
- Great for people who enjoy getting random "hey" messages from people they met once ✓
Image: Viber
Viber: The Low-Key Cool Kid
Viber is having its main character moment. It's basically WhatsApp's mysterious cousin with some extra spicy features like self-destructing messages for when you're feeling extra.
The vibe:
- Secret chats for your spicier convos ✓
- Fun customization options ✓
- Not as widely used, so maybe more exclusive? ✓
- Better privacy features if you're into that ✓
Image: Gabriel Benois , Unsplash
Zoom: For the Whole Squad
Need to connect with your entire friend group to plan that summer trip? Zoom's got you. Perfect for those chaotic group calls where everyone talks over each other but somehow decisions still get made.
The vibe:
- Group call champion ✓
- Screen sharing for travel itinerary planning ✓
- "You're on mute" - someone in every call ✓
- Family-friendly for those obligatory check-ins ✓
Beyond the Wi-Fi Zone
These apps are fire when you've got Wi-Fi, but let's be honest—hostel Wi-Fi is about as reliable as weather forecasts. For those moments when you need actual data (like when you're lost in a foreign city at midnight), TravelGator eSIMs are the move.
Unlike traditional roaming plans that cost more than your flight, TravelGator gives you local data rates without the hassle of buying physical SIM cards. Just download, activate, and boom—all these calling apps work seamlessly wherever your wanderlust takes you.
The Bottom Line
Pick the app that matches your vibe, but make sure you've got a solid data backup plan with TravelGator eSIM. Because nothing ruins the travel aesthetic faster than being unable to post your beach pics or call your bestie when you've discovered the perfect local spot.
Stay connected, spend less, travel more. That's the real glow-up. ✌️