Best International Calling Apps for Indian Expats in USA (2025)
Compare eSIM Plans, VPN Solutions & Free Apps to Save Up to 95% on India Calls
📖 18 min read · Updated October 27, 2025
Missing your family back in India? You're not alone. As an Indian expat in the USA, staying connected with loved ones is important, but international calling charges can quickly add up. The good news? There are now several smart apps and services that let you call India for much less money—or even free.
Whether you're planning a trip to India, calling home every week, or just need to check in occasionally, choosing the right calling app can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Some apps work great on WiFi, others give you a local Indian number when traveling, and a few help you bypass calling restrictions if you're in countries like UAE or China.
In this guide, we'll compare the 8 best calling apps for Indian expats. You'll learn which ones are truly free, which offer the best call quality, and which are worth paying for. Let's find your perfect calling solution.
📑 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: All Apps at a Glance
Here's how the top 8 calling apps compare for Indian expats. This table shows you the key facts at a glance, so you can quickly spot which apps match your needs.
| App/Service | Best For | Cost | Call Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | Travelers to India | From $4.50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Saily eSIM | Premium travelers | From $5.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yesim eSIM | Budget travelers | From $3.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| NordVPN | Restricted countries | From $3.39/mo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WiFi calling | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Google Voice | US residents | Free to low-cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FaceTime Audio | iPhone users | Free | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skype | Video & audio calls | Free to low-cost | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Premium Apps: Best for Travelers & Quality
If you travel to India regularly or need the best call quality, these premium options are worth considering. They offer features like local Indian phone numbers, reliable connections, and no dependence on WiFi.
1. Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersBest for: Indian expats who travel to India and want a local phone number plus data
How it works: Airalo provides digital SIM cards (eSIMs) that give you a local Indian phone number when you're in India. This means you can make calls at local rates instead of paying expensive international roaming charges. You get both calling minutes and mobile data, all through one easy app.
💡 Why Airalo is Our Top Pick
Airalo gives you the best of both worlds: affordable local calling in India and reliable mobile data. You don't need to swap physical SIM cards or worry about finding WiFi. Just download the app, buy a plan, and you're ready to call India as soon as you land. It's perfect for visits lasting a few days to several weeks.
Pros
- Get a real Indian phone number instantly
- Works on any network, no WiFi needed
- Plans include both data and calling minutes
- Much cheaper than your carrier's roaming fees
- Easy to set up in minutes through the app
Cons
- Only works when you're physically in India
- Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XS or newer, recent Android)
- Not useful if you're staying in USA
Pricing: India plans start at $4.50 for 1GB data + calling minutes (7 days), with options up to 20GB for longer trips. You only pay when traveling—no monthly fees.
Our take: If you visit India even once a year, Airalo saves you money compared to your carrier's roaming charges. It's our top recommendation for travelers who want hassle-free calling and internet access in India.
Get Airalo eSIM for India →2. Saily eSIM
Premium AlternativeBest for: Travelers who want premium support and are willing to pay a bit more
How it works: Saily is an eSIM provider backed by Nord Security (the company behind NordVPN). Like Airalo, it gives you a local Indian number and data, but focuses on premium service with 24/7 customer support and slightly faster speeds.
Pros
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
- Trusted company (backed by Nord Security)
- Clean, user-friendly app design
- Reliable network connections in India
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than Airalo
- Fewer plan options compared to competitors
- Only useful when traveling to India
Pricing: India plans start at $5.99 for 1GB data (7 days). Premium support comes standard with all plans.
Our take: Saily costs a bit more than Airalo but offers better customer support. Choose this if you value having help available 24/7 during your India trip.
Try Saily eSIM →3. Yesim eSIM
Budget eSIMBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who want the cheapest eSIM option
How it works: Yesim offers the same basic service as Airalo and Saily—giving you a local Indian number and data—but at lower prices. It's a good choice if you're on a tight budget and don't need premium support.
Pros
- Cheapest eSIM option for India
- Simple app interface
- Works well for short trips
- No hidden fees or charges
Cons
- Customer support is slower than competitors
- App has occasional bugs
- Network coverage slightly less reliable
Pricing: India plans start at $3.99 for 1GB data (7 days), making it the most affordable eSIM choice.
Our take: If you want to save money and don't mind basic support, Yesim gets the job done. It's perfect for short trips when you just need basic calling and data.
Get Yesim eSIM →4. NordVPN
Best for Restricted CountriesBest for: Indian expats living in or traveling to countries where WhatsApp is blocked (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia)
How it works: NordVPN isn't a calling app itself, but it lets you access blocked calling apps like WhatsApp in countries that restrict them. If you're in the UAE or China where WhatsApp calling is blocked, NordVPN routes your internet connection through another country so you can use WhatsApp normally.
💡 Why You Need NordVPN in Some Countries
Countries like UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia block WhatsApp voice and video calls. If you live in or visit these places, you won't be able to call India using WhatsApp without a VPN. NordVPN is the most reliable solution that works consistently in these restricted regions. Learn more in our guide to calling India from UAE.
Pros
- Lets you access WhatsApp in blocked countries
- Works reliably in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia
- Also protects your online privacy
- Fast connection speeds for calling
- Works on all your devices at once
Cons
- Requires monthly subscription
- Not needed if you're only in USA
- Adds extra step before calling
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month with a 2-year plan. All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our take: If you live in the UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia, NordVPN is essential for staying connected through WhatsApp. It's also useful for travelers who visit these countries. For detailed setup instructions, check our NordVPN setup guide.
Get NordVPN Now →Free Calling Apps: Best for Budget-Conscious Users
These apps let you call India completely free or at very low cost. They're perfect if you're on a budget and have access to WiFi. While they may not offer the same features as premium options, they work great for regular calls home.
5. WhatsApp
FreeBest for: Everyone with WiFi or mobile data who wants free voice and video calls
How it works: WhatsApp uses your internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) to make free calls anywhere in the world. Almost everyone in India uses WhatsApp, so your family probably already has it installed. Just open the app and tap the phone icon next to any contact to start calling—no special setup needed.
💡 WhatsApp Tips for Best Call Quality
For the clearest calls on WhatsApp, use WiFi when possible. If you're using mobile data, make sure you have a good signal (at least 3 bars). Close other apps running in the background to give WhatsApp more of your phone's power. You can also learn about WhatsApp data usage to manage your plan better.
Pros
- Completely free on WiFi
- Everyone in India already uses it
- Includes video calling and messaging
- Works on both smartphones and computers
- Very reliable call quality on good connections
Cons
- Uses mobile data if not on WiFi (can add up)
- Blocked in UAE, China, and some other countries
- Call quality drops on slow internet
- Both people need WhatsApp installed
Our take: WhatsApp is the easiest way to call India for free. It's already installed on most phones, and call quality is excellent on WiFi. Just remember it won't work in countries that block it—that's when you need a VPN solution.
6. Google Voice
Free to Low-CostBest for: US residents who want a permanent US number that can call India cheaply
How it works: Google Voice gives you a free US phone number that can make calls over the internet. Calls to US and Canada are free, and calls to Indian mobile numbers cost just $0.01 per minute (1 cent). It works on any device with internet access.
Pros
- Only 1 cent per minute to India
- Get a free permanent US number
- Works on phone, tablet, and computer
- Good call quality on WiFi
- Can receive calls from India too
Cons
- Only available for US residents
- Not truly free—you pay per minute to India
- Call quality varies on slow connections
- Person in India needs regular phone, not just internet
Pricing: Free to set up. Calls to India cost $0.01/minute to mobile or landline numbers. You can add credit starting from $10.
Our take: Google Voice is great for calling Indian family members who don't use smartphones or apps. At 1 cent per minute, a one-hour call costs just 60 cents. Compare that to other calling methods to see the savings. For more details, see our Google Voice vs WhatsApp comparison.
7. FaceTime Audio
FreeBest for: iPhone users calling other iPhone users in India
How it works: FaceTime Audio is Apple's calling feature built into every iPhone. It uses your internet connection to make free audio calls to anyone else with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The audio quality is excellent—often better than WhatsApp on the same connection.
Pros
- Completely free between Apple devices
- Excellent audio quality
- Built-in, no extra app needed
- Very reliable connections
- Easy to use—just like regular calling
Cons
- Only works Apple device to Apple device
- Person in India must have iPhone/iPad/Mac
- Uses mobile data if not on WiFi
- No Android version available
Our take: If both you and your family in India have iPhones, FaceTime Audio is the best free option. Call quality beats WhatsApp, and it's already installed on your phone. The only catch is everyone needs an Apple device.
8. Skype
Free to Low-CostBest for: Video calls and calling to landline phones in India
How it works: Skype lets you make free video and voice calls to other Skype users anywhere. You can also call regular phone numbers in India at low rates. It works on all devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls and video
- Can call regular phone numbers cheaply
- Works on all devices
- Good for business or group calls
Cons
- Call quality not as good as newer apps
- Both people need Skype accounts for free calls
- Uses more data than WhatsApp
- Interface feels outdated
Pricing: Free for Skype-to-Skype calls. Calling Indian mobile numbers costs about $0.023/minute with a subscription plan.
Our take: Skype is still useful for calling landlines in India or for business video conferences. But for regular calls to family, WhatsApp or FaceTime Audio offer better quality and ease of use. Compare all these options in our cheapest ways to call India guide.
Which App Should You Choose?
Still not sure which calling app is right for you? Use this simple decision guide based on your situation.
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Traveling to India soon? → Get Airalo eSIM for local rates and mobile data. You'll save money compared to your carrier's roaming fees.
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? → Get NordVPN to access WhatsApp in blocked countries. It's essential for staying connected.
Calling from home on WiFi? → Use WhatsApp (completely free). Almost everyone in India already has it, and call quality is excellent on good WiFi.
Family in India doesn't use smartphones? → Use Google Voice at just 1 cent per minute. It calls regular phone numbers, not just app users.
Both have iPhones? → Use FaceTime Audio for the best free call quality between Apple devices.
Need to call occasionally? → Stick with free options like WhatsApp or FaceTime Audio. No point paying for services you rarely use.
Want a backup option? → Download Google Voice and add $10 credit. It's reliable when other apps have connection issues.
⚠️ Important Note About eSIM Compatibility
Before buying Airalo, Saily, or Yesim, make sure your phone supports eSIM. Generally, you need iPhone XS or newer, or a recent Android phone (Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer). Check your phone's settings or our eSIM installation guides for details.
📊 Comparing Costs: What You'll Actually Pay
Let's look at real costs for different calling patterns. This helps you understand which app makes sense for your usage.
Light User (2 hours per month)
- WhatsApp: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Google Voice: $1.20 ($0.01/min × 120 minutes)
- FaceTime Audio: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Airalo eSIM: $0 (only pay when traveling)
Moderate User (10 hours per month)
- WhatsApp: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Google Voice: $6 ($0.01/min × 600 minutes)
- FaceTime Audio: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Skype: $13.80 with subscription plan
Heavy User (30 hours per month)
- WhatsApp: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Google Voice: $18 ($0.01/min × 1,800 minutes)
- FaceTime Audio: $0 (free on WiFi)
- Traditional carrier: $90-270 (typical international rates)
Traveler (One Week in India)
- Airalo eSIM: $4.50-15 (one-time, includes calling + data)
- Your carrier's roaming: $80-200+ (typical roaming fees)
- Savings with Airalo: $65-185 per trip
As you can see, free WiFi-based apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime Audio are unbeatable for cost. But when traveling to India, an eSIM like Airalo saves you hundreds compared to your carrier's roaming fees.
📱 How to Set Up Each App
Here's a quick overview of setting up the most popular options. We've kept it simple so you can get started quickly.
Setting Up WhatsApp
- Download WhatsApp from App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Open the app and verify your phone number
- Grant permissions for contacts and phone access
- Your contacts who use WhatsApp will appear automatically
- Tap the phone icon next to any contact to start a voice call
Setting Up Airalo eSIM
- Download the Airalo app before your trip
- Create an account and browse India plans
- Buy a plan (they start at $4.50)
- Follow the app's instructions to install the eSIM
- When you land in India, turn on the eSIM in your phone settings
- You now have a local Indian number plus mobile data
For step-by-step installation help, check our guides: How to install eSIM on iPhone and How to install eSIM on Android.
Setting Up Google Voice
- Go to voice.google.com on your computer or download the Google Voice app
- Sign in with your Google account
- Choose a free US phone number (you can pick from several options)
- Verify with your existing phone number
- Add calling credit (minimum $10)
- Start calling—just dial the number like a regular phone
Setting Up NordVPN
- Visit NordVPN's website and choose a plan
- Download the NordVPN app on your phone
- Sign in with your account
- Connect to a server (usually automatic)
- Once connected, open WhatsApp and call normally
For detailed NordVPN setup with screenshots, see our complete NordVPN guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free app to call India from USA?
WhatsApp is the best free app for calling India from USA. It offers excellent call quality on WiFi or mobile data, includes video calling, and almost everyone in India already uses it. FaceTime Audio is also great if both you and your family have iPhones. Both apps are completely free when using WiFi.
Can I use WhatsApp to call India for free?
Yes, WhatsApp is completely free to call India when you're on WiFi. If you're using mobile data instead of WiFi, it will use a small amount of your data plan (about 0.5MB per minute), but there are no additional calling charges. Just make sure the person you're calling in India also has WhatsApp installed.
Which app gives you a local Indian phone number?
eSIM apps like Airalo, Saily, and Yesim give you a real local Indian phone number when you're traveling in India. These work like regular SIM cards but are digital, so you don't need to swap physical cards. They're perfect for trips to India because you can make local calls at local rates and get mobile data too.
Do I need a VPN to call India?
You only need a VPN if you're in countries that block calling apps like WhatsApp, such as UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia. If you're in the USA, you don't need a VPN—WhatsApp works normally. But if you live in or visit restricted countries, NordVPN lets you bypass the blocks and use WhatsApp as usual.
How much does it cost to call India with Google Voice?
Google Voice charges just $0.01 per minute (1 cent per minute) to call mobile or landline numbers in India. This means a one-hour call costs only 60 cents. You need to add calling credit to your account (minimum $10), which lasts a long time for most users. It's much cheaper than traditional international calling plans.
Is eSIM better than using WiFi calling apps?
eSIM and WiFi calling apps serve different purposes. WiFi apps like WhatsApp are best for calling from home in USA. eSIMs like Airalo are best when traveling to India because they give you a local number and work anywhere without WiFi. If you travel to India regularly, get an eSIM. If you only call from home, stick with WiFi apps.
Which app has the best call quality?
FaceTime Audio generally has the best call quality, but only works between Apple devices. Among apps that work on any phone, WhatsApp and NordVPN-enabled calling offer excellent quality on good internet connections. Call quality depends more on your internet speed than the app itself—make sure you have at least 1 Mbps for clear calls.
Final Thoughts
Staying connected with family in India doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right calling app, you can talk for hours every month without worrying about expensive charges.
For most Indian expats living in USA, WhatsApp is the perfect solution—it's free, easy to use, and everyone in India already has it. If you travel to India even once a year, Airalo eSIM saves you money by giving you local rates instead of paying your carrier's expensive roaming fees.
Living in countries where WhatsApp is blocked? NordVPN is essential for accessing WhatsApp in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia.
The best part? You can use multiple apps. Keep WhatsApp for daily calls on WiFi, add Google Voice as a backup for calling regular phones, and grab an eSIM before your next India trip. This combination covers all your calling needs while keeping costs low.
Start with the free options today and see which works best for your situation. Your family in India is just a call away—and now you know exactly how to reach them without breaking the bank.
