9 Best International Calling Apps for iPhone (2025)
From eSIM plans with local numbers to completely free apps - discover the best iPhone solutions for calling India and staying connected abroad
📖 18 min read · Updated October 25, 2025
Looking for the best way to make international calls from your iPhone? Whether you're calling India, traveling abroad, or need to stay connected with family overseas, your iPhone has more calling options than ever in 2025.
Gone are the days of expensive international roaming charges and complicated calling cards. Today's iPhone users can choose from eSIM plans that give you local numbers anywhere in the world, free calling apps with crystal-clear quality, or low-cost services that charge pennies per minute.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the 9 best international calling apps and solutions specifically optimized for iPhone users. Whether you're an Indian expat in the USA, a frequent traveler, or someone who regularly calls India, you'll find the perfect solution here.
🍎 Why This Guide is iPhone-Specific
iPhone users have unique advantages when it comes to international calling: FaceTime Audio built-in, eSIM support on newer models (iPhone XS and later), seamless integration with iMessage, and access to premium apps optimized for iOS. This guide focuses specifically on solutions that work best with your iPhone.
📑 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Here are all 9 international calling solutions for iPhone, ranked from best overall to most specialized:
| App/Service | Best For | Cost | Call Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | Travelers needing local numbers | $4.50+ (includes calls) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FaceTime Audio | iPhone-to-iPhone calls (free) | Completely Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free calls to WhatsApp users | Completely Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Saily eSIM | Premium travelers with support | $3.99+ (includes calls) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google Voice | Low-cost calls to any number | $0.01/min to India | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yesim eSIM | Budget-conscious travelers | $3.80+ (includes calls) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Telegram | Privacy-focused free calls | Completely Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skype | International calling classic | $0.014/min to India | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Viber | Viber-to-Viber free calls | Free or $0.02/min | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Premium eSIM Solutions: Best for iPhone Travelers
If you have a newer iPhone (XS or later), eSIM technology is the ultimate international calling solution. You'll get a real local phone number in India or any country you visit - no app needed, just use your iPhone's native Phone app. Perfect for travelers who want the simplest, most integrated experience.
📱 Check Your iPhone's eSIM Compatibility
eSIM works on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series. To check if your iPhone supports eSIM: Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. If you see this option, you're good to go! Note: US iPhones 14 and later are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).
1. Airalo eSIM
Best Overall for iPhoneBest for: iPhone users traveling to India who want a local Indian number with calls, SMS, and data
How it works: Download the Airalo app on your iPhone, purchase an India eSIM plan, and install it instantly. You'll get a real Indian phone number that works with your iPhone's regular Phone app. Make calls just like you would at home - no special app needed for calling. Your primary SIM stays active, so you can use both numbers simultaneously.
💡 Why Airalo is Perfect for iPhone Users
Airalo takes full advantage of iPhone's dual-SIM capabilities. You keep your US number active on your physical SIM for important calls, while using the Airalo eSIM for local India calls and data. Switch between numbers instantly in your iPhone's Phone app. No need to download separate calling apps - everything works through your native iOS phone interface. Plus, you'll receive calls and texts on your Indian number, which is essential for hotel bookings, local services, and banking verification codes.
Pros
- Real Indian phone number (not VoIP)
- Works with native iPhone Phone app
- Instant activation (ready in 5 minutes)
- Keep your US number active simultaneously
- Receive calls and SMS on Indian number
- Excellent network coverage (Vodafone/Airtel)
- Perfect for banking and service verification
- No roaming charges
Cons
- Requires iPhone XS or newer
- Small cost (but very affordable)
- Best when physically in India
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $4.50 for 1GB/7 days with voice and SMS included. Popular plans: $18 for 3GB/30 days, $37.50 for 20GB/30 days. All include unlimited local calls within India and SMS.
iPhone setup: Download Airalo from App Store → Purchase India plan → Scan QR code or use activation code → eSIM installs automatically. Takes 5 minutes total.
Get Airalo eSIM for iPhone →2. FaceTime Audio
Built-In & FreeBest for: iPhone users calling other iPhone, iPad, or Mac users for free with perfect quality
How it works: FaceTime Audio is built right into your iPhone - no download needed. Open Contacts, select someone, tap the FaceTime Audio button. That's it. If both people have Apple devices, calls are completely free over WiFi or cellular data with exceptional quality.
💡 Why FaceTime Audio is Exceptional for iPhone Users
FaceTime Audio offers the best call quality of any service on this list because it's optimized specifically for Apple devices. It automatically adjusts to network conditions, sounds crystal-clear even on slower connections, and integrates seamlessly with your iPhone's contacts. No separate app, no account creation, no learning curve - if you can make a regular phone call, you can use FaceTime Audio.
Pros
- Completely free forever
- Best-in-class call quality
- Built into iPhone (no download)
- Works on iPad and Mac too
- End-to-end encrypted
- Integrates with Contacts app
- Group FaceTime Audio for up to 32 people
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Can't call regular phone numbers
- Requires internet (WiFi or cellular data)
- Both parties need Apple device
Our take: If everyone in your family uses iPhone, FaceTime Audio is unbeatable. Zero setup, perfect quality, and completely free. It's especially popular among Indian expats because many families in India now use iPhones or iPads.
iPhone tip: You can start with video FaceTime and tap the camera-off button to switch to audio-only, saving data while maintaining quality.
3. WhatsApp
Most PopularBest for: Free calls to anyone who has WhatsApp (2.7 billion users worldwide, including most of India)
How it works: Download WhatsApp from the App Store, verify your phone number, and you're ready to call. Open a chat with anyone in your contacts who has WhatsApp, tap the phone icon, and call for free over WiFi or cellular data.
Pros
- Completely free (just needs internet)
- 2.7 billion users (almost everyone has it)
- Excellent call quality
- Video calls included
- Group calls up to 32 people
- End-to-end encryption
- Works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and web
- Very popular in India
Cons
- Both parties need WhatsApp
- Can't call regular phone numbers
- Requires internet connection
- Blocked in some countries (UAE, China)
Our take: WhatsApp is the most popular way to call India from abroad. Nearly everyone in India uses WhatsApp, making it incredibly practical. The call quality is excellent, and it's completely free. If your family in India has smartphones, they almost certainly have WhatsApp.
iPhone integration: WhatsApp integrates with iPhone's notification system, Siri (say "Call Mom on WhatsApp"), and even shows recent WhatsApp calls in your iPhone's recent calls list.
4. Saily eSIM
Premium OptionBest for: iPhone users who value premium support and reliability when traveling
How it works: Saily (by Nord Security) offers premium eSIM service for iPhone with excellent 24/7 customer support. Download the app, purchase an India eSIM, install instantly, and get a local Indian number that works with your iPhone's Phone app.
💡 Why Choose Saily for Your iPhone?
Saily stands out with its responsive customer support - available 24/7 via live chat in the app. If you're not tech-savvy or want peace of mind knowing help is always available, Saily is worth the slight premium. The app is beautifully designed for iOS and the setup process is incredibly smooth on iPhone.
Pros
- 24/7 customer support (live chat)
- Backed by trusted Nord Security
- Beautiful iOS app interface
- Real local phone number
- Works with native iPhone Phone app
- Excellent network quality
- Instant activation
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing than competitors
- Requires iPhone XS or newer
- Best when traveling to destination
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $3.99 for 1GB/7 days. Premium support and quality make it worth considering for travelers who want reliability.
Try Saily eSIM on iPhone →5. Google Voice
Best ValueBest for: iPhone users in the USA who need to call regular Indian phone numbers cheaply
How it works: Download Google Voice from the App Store, sign up with your Google account, and get a free US phone number. Call any phone number in India for just $0.01 per minute - no subscription needed, just pay as you go.
Pros
- Only $0.01/minute to India (extremely cheap)
- Call any phone number (not just app users)
- Free US phone number included
- Good call quality
- Works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and web
- Visual voicemail with transcription
- Free calls within USA/Canada
Cons
- Only available in USA
- Requires Google account
- Not free (but very cheap)
- Needs internet or WiFi
- Call quality can vary
Our take: Google Voice offers the best combination of affordability and flexibility for iPhone users in the USA. At $0.01 per minute, a 30-minute call to India costs just $0.30. You can call any phone number in India, not just people who have the app.
iPhone integration: Google Voice works well on iPhone with good notification support and integration with your contacts. You can even use Siri to make calls through Google Voice.
6. Yesim eSIM
Budget eSIMBest for: Budget-conscious iPhone travelers who want eSIM benefits at lowest cost
How it works: Yesim offers affordable eSIM plans for iPhone users traveling to India. Download the app, purchase a plan, install the eSIM, and get a local Indian number for calling.
Pros
- Most affordable eSIM option
- Works with iPhone's Phone app
- Real local phone number
- Quick activation
- Good for short trips
Cons
- Basic app interface
- Limited customer support
- Fewer plan options
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $3.80 for 1GB/7 days - the most budget-friendly eSIM option for iPhone users.
Get Yesim eSIM for iPhone →7. Telegram
Privacy-FocusedBest for: iPhone users who value privacy and want free calls with encryption
How it works: Download Telegram from the App Store, verify your number, and you can make free voice calls to other Telegram users with strong encryption.
Pros
- Completely free
- Strong privacy and encryption
- Good call quality
- Works on iPhone, iPad, Mac
- No ads ever
- Growing popularity in India
Cons
- Smaller user base than WhatsApp
- Can't call regular phone numbers
- Requires internet
- Both parties need Telegram
Our take: Telegram is a great WhatsApp alternative for iPhone users who prioritize privacy. Call quality is excellent and it's gaining popularity in India among tech-savvy users.
8. Skype
Classic OptionBest for: Calling regular phone numbers internationally with video option
How it works: Download Skype from the App Store, create an account, and make calls. Free Skype-to-Skype calls, or call any phone number in India for $0.014 per minute.
Pros
- Call any phone number worldwide
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Video calls available
- Works on all platforms
- Established and reliable
Cons
- Call quality can be inconsistent
- Calls to phones cost money
- Interface feels dated on iPhone
- Less popular than WhatsApp
Our take: Skype is reliable but not the best iPhone experience. Good backup option if other services don't work.
9. Viber
Alternative AppBest for: Users in regions where Viber is popular
How it works: Download Viber, verify your number, make free Viber-to-Viber calls or pay for calls to phone numbers.
Pros
- Free Viber-to-Viber calls
- Can call phone numbers
- Video calls available
- End-to-end encryption
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp
- Higher rates for phone calls ($0.02/min)
- Fewer iPhone users have it
Our take: Viber works fine but isn't as popular as WhatsApp among Indian users. Better options exist for iPhone users.
Which App Should You Choose for Your iPhone?
With 9 great options, choosing the right one depends on your specific situation. Here's your decision guide:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide for iPhone Users
Traveling to India with iPhone XS or newer? → Get Airalo eSIM for local Indian number that works with your Phone app ($4.50+)
Everyone has iPhone and just chatting with family? → Use FaceTime Audio (built-in, free, perfect quality)
Calling family who uses WhatsApp? → Use WhatsApp (free, 2.7 billion users, excellent for India)
Want premium support while traveling? → Try Saily eSIM with 24/7 help ($3.99+)
In USA and need to call regular Indian phone numbers? → Use Google Voice ($0.01/minute, incredible value)
On a tight budget but want eSIM? → Get Yesim eSIM for most affordable option ($3.80+)
Privacy is your top priority? → Try Telegram (free with strong encryption)
⚠️ iPhone Users: Take Advantage of eSIM Technology
If you have iPhone XS or newer and travel internationally, eSIM technology is a game-changer. You get a real local phone number that works with your iPhone's native Phone app - no separate calling app needed. Your US number stays active on your physical SIM, and you can switch between numbers instantly. It's the most seamless experience available for iPhone users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best international calling app for iPhone?
For iPhone users traveling to India, Airalo eSIM is the best overall solution. You get a real Indian phone number that works with your iPhone's native Phone app - no separate calling app needed. For free calling from USA, FaceTime Audio (if both users have iPhones) or WhatsApp (if they have smartphones) are the best options with excellent quality.
Can I make international calls on iPhone for free?
Yes! FaceTime Audio is completely free between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. WhatsApp and Telegram offer free calls to other app users over WiFi or cellular data. These work great for calling India as long as both people have the same app and internet connection. You can't call regular phone numbers for free, but apps like Google Voice charge only $0.01 per minute to India.
Does iPhone have a built-in international calling app?
Yes! FaceTime Audio is built into every iPhone and offers free international calls to other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. The quality is exceptional and no download is required. However, it only works between Apple devices. For calling regular phone numbers internationally, you'll need to use a third-party app or eSIM service.
What is eSIM and should I use it on my iPhone?
eSIM is a digital SIM card built into iPhone XS and newer models. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, you download a plan digitally and get a local phone number instantly. For international travelers, eSIM is perfect - you get a local number in India that works with your iPhone's Phone app, while keeping your US number active. It's the most seamless way to call internationally from iPhone.
Can I use WhatsApp on iPhone to call India?
Yes! WhatsApp works excellently on iPhone for calling India. Download the app from the App Store, verify your phone number, and you can make free calls to anyone in India who has WhatsApp. The call quality is excellent and WhatsApp is extremely popular in India, so most people you want to call will have it. You'll need WiFi or cellular data to make calls.
Which iPhones support eSIM for international calling?
eSIM is supported on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and all newer models (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series). US iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot. To check if your iPhone supports eSIM, go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. If you see this option, you can use eSIM services like Airalo, Saily, or Yesim for international calling.
Is Google Voice available on iPhone?
Yes, Google Voice has an excellent iPhone app available in the App Store. It's only available to users in the USA, but offers great value at $0.01 per minute to India. You can call any phone number in India (not just app users), and the app integrates well with iPhone's notification system and Siri. It's one of the best options for cheap calls to regular Indian phone numbers.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works Best for Your iPhone
iPhone users have never had better options for international calling. Whether you choose the seamless integration of eSIM technology, the crystal-clear quality of FaceTime Audio, or the universal accessibility of WhatsApp, you'll stay connected without breaking the bank.
For travelers with iPhone XS or newer, Airalo eSIM offers the ultimate experience - a real local phone number that works with your iPhone's native Phone app. No separate calling app, no special steps, just natural calling exactly as you're used to.
If everyone in your circle uses iPhones, FaceTime Audio provides unbeatable quality for free. For calling anyone with a smartphone in India, WhatsApp is the most practical solution with its massive user base and excellent reliability.
For premium support and reliability, Saily eSIM offers 24/7 customer service backed by Nord Security. And for the most budget-friendly eSIM option, Yesim gets you started for just $3.80.
The key is choosing what fits your situation - and with these 9 options, there's a perfect solution for every iPhone user calling India. Happy calling!
