Why International Calls Are Still Expensive
Despite the rise of the internet, many people still pay premium rates for international calls — especially when reaching mobile numbers in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, or Brazil. Traditional carriers charge steep per-minute rates, and even some mobile plans that advertise "international coverage" have hidden fees.
The good news: with the right tools, you can dramatically reduce or even eliminate these costs.
Option 1: Use a Free App (When Both Parties Have It)
If the person you're calling also has a smartphone with data or Wi-Fi access, a free calling app is your best option:
- WhatsApp — by far the most popular choice in Latin America. Free voice and video calls between users.
- Facebook Messenger — widely used, especially in Central America and Colombia.
- Telegram — growing in popularity, with high-quality voice calls.
- FaceTime — works well if both parties use Apple devices.
The limitation: the recipient must have the app and an active internet connection. For calling landlines or people without smartphones, you'll need another solution.
Option 2: Google Voice (Free or Low-Cost Calls to Select Countries)
Google Voice allows free calls to Mexico and Canada from the US, and offers very low per-minute rates to many other Latin American countries. If you have a US Google account, this is one of the best free tools available. You can call any landline or mobile number in Mexico at no cost — a huge benefit for families with relatives there.
Option 3: VoIP Calling Apps with Low International Rates
Several VoIP services specialize in affordable international calling to Latin America:
- Rebtel — uses a local number trick to route calls cheaply; good for regular callers to the same number.
- Boss Revolution — popular calling card app with competitive rates to Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Skype — reasonable per-minute rates with calling subscriptions available for specific country pairs.
- Vonage Mobile — free app-to-app, with low international rates for calling non-app users.
Option 4: Add an International Calling Plan to Your Mobile Carrier
If you regularly call the same countries, many US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer international add-ons. These are convenient but often more expensive per minute than dedicated VoIP apps. They're best for occasional callers who want the simplicity of using their regular dial pad.
Tips to Get the Most Out of International Calling
- Call over Wi-Fi whenever possible — avoids mobile data charges and improves quality.
- Use apps during off-peak hours — network congestion affects call quality; early morning or late evening often sounds clearest.
- Check per-minute rates before buying credits — rates vary significantly by country and even by mobile vs. landline within the same country.
- Encourage contacts to install WhatsApp or Telegram — a one-time setup saves money on every future call.
- Look for monthly subscription plans — if you call frequently, a flat monthly rate is almost always cheaper than per-minute billing.
Cost Comparison: Calling a Mobile in Colombia
| Method | Approx. Cost per Minute |
|---|---|
| US Carrier (standard rate) | $1.00–$3.00+ |
| Skype (per minute) | ~$0.10–$0.15 |
| Boss Revolution | ~$0.05–$0.12 |
| WhatsApp (both on app) | Free |
| Google Voice (to Colombia mobile) | ~$0.10 |
Rates are approximate and subject to change. Always check current pricing before committing.
Bottom Line
The cheapest approach is always getting both parties on the same free app. When that's not possible, dedicated VoIP calling apps consistently beat traditional carrier rates by a wide margin. A few minutes of setup can save you significant money every month.