🎯 Quick Navigation: Choose Your Category
eSIM Plans
Best for: Travelers visiting India who want local phone numbers and data
- Get Indian phone number
- Use any calling app
- No physical SIM needed
- Instant activation
VPN Services
Best for: Expats in restricted countries (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia)
- Bypass WhatsApp blocks
- Access all calling apps
- Military-grade encryption
- Works worldwide
Free Apps
Best for: Budget-conscious users in unrestricted countries
- Completely free calls
- HD voice & video
- Works on WiFi/data
- No subscriptions
Traditional Methods
Best for: Calling landlines or users without smartphones
- Call any phone number
- No app required
- Works everywhere
- Pay per minute
📊 Master Comparison Table: All Options at a Glance
Compare all calling methods side-by-side to find your perfect solution:
| Service | Type | Cost | Quality | Best For | Works In | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM Top Pick | eSIM Plan | $5-30/trip | ★★★★★ | Travelers to India | Worldwide | Get Airalo → |
| Saily eSIM Premium | eSIM Plan | $7-35/trip | ★★★★★ | Premium travelers | Worldwide | Get Saily → |
| Yesim eSIM | eSIM Plan | $4-25/trip | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers | Worldwide | Get Yesim → |
| NordVPN Best VPN | VPN Service | $3.39-13/mo | ★★★★★ | UAE, China residents | All countries | Get NordVPN → |
| WhatsApp Free | Free App | $0 | ★★★★★ | Everyone with WiFi | Blocked: UAE, China | Learn More → |
| FaceTime Free | Free App | $0 | ★★★★★ | iPhone/iPad users | Audio blocked: UAE | Learn More → |
| Google Voice Free/Cheap | Free App | $0-0.01/min | ★★★★☆ | US-based callers | US/Canada only | Learn More → |
| Skype Free | Free App | $0 | ★★★★☆ | Computer users | Most countries | Learn More → |
| Rebtel | Calling Service | $0.02-0.05/min | ★★★☆☆ | Budget landline calls | Worldwide | Get Rebtel → |
| Traditional Phone | Carrier Service | $0.50-2/min | ★★★★☆ | Emergency/occasional | Worldwide | — |
| Calling Cards | Prepaid Card | $0.01-0.10/min | ★★☆☆☆ | No smartphone users | Worldwide | — |
💡 How to Use This Comparison
Step 1: Identify your situation (traveler, expat in restricted country, US resident, etc.)
Step 2: Look at the "Best For" column to find options matching your needs
Step 3: Compare cost, quality, and availability for your top choices
Step 4: Read detailed reviews below or click "Get [Service]" to sign up
🎯 Decision Guide: Find Your Perfect Solution
Not sure which option is right for you? Answer these questions to find your best match:
✈️ Are you traveling to India?
YES → You need data in India
Get an eSIM Plan
✓ Airalo eSIM (most popular)
✓ Saily eSIM (premium option)
✓ Yesim eSIM (budget-friendly)
NO → Continue to next question →
🌍 Are you in a restricted country?
YES (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia)
Get a VPN First
✓ NordVPN to unblock WhatsApp
Then use free apps (WhatsApp, Skype)
NO → Continue to next question →
💰 What's your budget?
$0/month → Free Apps
Use WhatsApp or FaceTime
Completely free with WiFi/data
$3-13/month → VPN Service
Unlock all apps + privacy benefits
$5-30/trip → eSIM Plan
Local data + phone number in India
📱 Does family have smartphones?
YES → Use Free Apps
WhatsApp (Best Choice)
500M+ users in India already have it
NO (landlines only)
Google Voice or Rebtel
Call regular phone numbers
✈️ eSIM Plans: Detailed Comparison
eSIM plans give you a local Indian phone number and data connection without needing a physical SIM card. Perfect for travelers visiting India for 1-30 days.
Airalo eSIM
1GB to 20GB plans
Pros
- Most affordable
- Instant activation
- Great customer support
- Wide plan selection
- Works in 200+ countries
Cons
- No phone calls included
- Data-only plans
- Requires eSIM phone
Popular plans:
- 1GB / 7 days: $5
- 3GB / 30 days: $11
- 10GB / 30 days: $26
Saily eSIM
1GB to 20GB plans
Pros
- Nord Security brand
- Premium support
- High-speed data
- User-friendly app
- Reliable connections
Cons
- Slightly more expensive
- Data-only plans
- Requires eSIM phone
Popular plans:
- 1GB / 7 days: $7
- 3GB / 30 days: $14
- 10GB / 30 days: $31
Yesim eSIM
500MB to 15GB plans
Pros
- Lowest prices
- Good for short trips
- Easy setup
- Small plan options
Cons
- Smaller data caps
- Variable speeds
- Limited support
- Fewer plan options
Popular plans:
- 500MB / 7 days: $4
- 2GB / 30 days: $9
- 7GB / 30 days: $20
📱 eSIM Quick Facts
- What is eSIM? Digital SIM card built into your phone – no physical card needed
- Compatible phones: iPhone XS/XR and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and most 2019+ flagships
- How to install: Scan QR code → Install eSIM profile → Activate (takes 2 minutes)
- Keep your home SIM: eSIM lets you keep your regular SIM active for calls/texts
- Use for calling: Use the data to make free WhatsApp/FaceTime/Skype calls
🔒 VPN Services: Detailed Comparison
VPN services encrypt your connection and bypass restrictions, allowing you to access WhatsApp, Skype, and other calling apps from countries where they're blocked (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia).
NordVPN
Based on plan length
Pros
- 6,000+ servers worldwide
- Obfuscated servers for China
- Fast speeds (NordLynx)
- 6 simultaneous devices
- 30-day money-back
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Monthly plan expensive
- Best deals require 1-2yr
- Setup learning curve
Pricing:
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 1 Year: $4.99/month
- 2 Years: $3.39/month (+ 3 months free)
Free Calling Apps + VPN
VPN + unlimited free calls
How it works:
- Get NordVPN ($3.39/month on 2-year plan)
- Connect to VPN to bypass restrictions
- Use WhatsApp/Skype/FaceTime for free calls
- Total cost: $3.39/month for unlimited calling!
💰 The Math
Traditional calls: $0.50-2/minute = $300-1,200/month (10 hours)
VPN + Free apps: $3.39/month = unlimited calls
Savings: Up to $1,197/month! 🎉
⚠️ Important: VPN Legal Considerations
UAE: VPNs are legal for personal use. Millions of expats use VPNs daily for calling.
China: Only government-approved VPNs are technically legal, but personal use for calling is common among expats.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman: VPN use for personal purposes is generally permitted.
Recommendation: Use VPNs responsibly and in accordance with local laws. Consult local regulations if unsure.
💚 Free Calling Apps: Detailed Comparison
Free apps offer the best value – completely free calls over WiFi or mobile data. Perfect for users in unrestricted countries or those with VPN access.
| App | Call Quality | Data Usage (Voice) | Best Feature | Main Limitation | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | ~0.5MB/min | 500M+ users in India | Blocked in UAE, China | Setup Guide → | |
| FaceTime | ★★★★★ | ~3MB/min | Best quality | Apple devices only | Setup Guide → |
| Google Voice | ★★★★☆ | Varies | Call landlines FREE | US/Canada only | Setup Guide → |
| Skype | ★★★★☆ | ~0.5MB/min | 100-person group calls | Less popular in India | Setup Guide → |
📊 Free Apps: Quick Recommendation
Primary: WhatsApp – Most popular in India (500M+ users), excellent quality, works on all devices
Backup: Google Voice – Only free option that calls regular phone numbers (landlines free, mobiles $0.01/min)
For iPhone users: FaceTime – Best quality if both parties have Apple devices
If blocked: Get NordVPN to unblock all apps instantly
📞 Traditional Methods: When to Use Them
Traditional calling methods (phone carrier, calling cards, VoIP services like Rebtel) are best for:
- Calling landlines or feature phones (no smartphone access)
- Emergency calls when internet isn't available
- Occasional calls (not worth setting up apps)
- Business calls requiring phone numbers
| Method | Cost per Minute | Call Quality | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rebtel | $0.02-0.05 | ★★★☆☆ | Cheap landline/mobile calls |
| Traditional Carrier | $0.50-2.00 | ★★★★☆ | Emergencies only |
| Calling Cards | $0.01-0.10 | ★★☆☆☆ | No smartphone users |
💡 Why Traditional Methods Are Expensive
30 hours of calling per month:
- Traditional carrier ($1/min): $1,800/month
- Rebtel ($0.03/min): $54/month
- Free apps + VPN: $3.39/month
- Free apps (no VPN needed): $0/month
Our recommendation: Use traditional methods only as backup. Free apps or eSIM plans offer vastly better value.
💰 Total Cost Comparison: Monthly Expense
Compare what you'd pay per month for different calling volumes:
| Solution | 5 hours/month | 10 hours/month | 30 hours/month | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp (Free) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Everyone with WiFi |
| VPN + Free Apps | $3.39 | $3.39 | $3.39 | UAE/China residents |
| Google Voice | $3 | $6 | $18 | US callers to mobiles |
| eSIM (per trip) | $11-14 | $11-14 | $11-14 | Short India trips |
| Rebtel | $9-15 | $18-30 | $54-90 | Landline-only calls |
| Traditional Phone | $150-600 | $300-1,200 | $900-3,600 | Emergencies only |
🎉 The Winner: Free Apps (with or without VPN)
Best overall value: Free apps like WhatsApp offer unlimited calling for $0/month (or $3.39/month with VPN in restricted countries).
Annual savings vs traditional calls: Up to $43,200/year! (at 30 hours/month × $2/min)
Bottom line: Unless you need to call landlines regularly, free apps are the clear winner.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which calling method offers the best quality?
Tied for #1: WhatsApp and FaceTime both offer excellent HD voice and video quality with minimal lag.
Why they're best: Both use advanced audio codecs (Opus, AAC) and handle network fluctuations intelligently.
Runner-up: eSIM plans (when using WhatsApp/FaceTime over the eSIM data) offer the same quality as free apps but with dedicated data connection.
Pro tip: For best quality with any method, use WiFi instead of cellular data and ensure both callers have strong internet connections.
Can I switch between different calling methods?
Yes, absolutely! Most people use multiple methods depending on their situation:
- At home (US): WhatsApp over home WiFi (free)
- Traveling to India: Airalo eSIM + WhatsApp ($11-30/trip)
- Living in UAE: NordVPN + WhatsApp ($3.39/month)
- Calling landlines: Google Voice (free to landlines)
Our recommendation: Set up WhatsApp as your primary method, then add VPN or eSIM based on your travel/location needs.
What if I'm calling someone who doesn't have a smartphone?
Best options for calling regular phone numbers:
1. Google Voice (Best)
- FREE to India landlines
- $0.01/minute to India mobile numbers
- Requires US phone number to set up
2. Rebtel (Alternative)
- $0.02-0.05/minute to all numbers
- Works from anywhere in the world
- Easy setup, no US number required
3. Buy them a smartphone
- Basic Android phones in India cost $50-100
- One-time cost = free calls forever with WhatsApp
- Often the most economical long-term solution
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
eSIM-compatible phones include:
- iPhone: XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (all models)
- Google Pixel: 3, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (all models)
- Samsung Galaxy: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 (most models), Fold, Flip
- Other: Most flagship phones from 2019 onward
How to check:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (if option exists, you have eSIM)
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add a SIM (if option exists, you have eSIM)
- Or dial: *#06# – If you see an EID number, your phone has eSIM
What's the most cost-effective solution for long-term expats?
For long-term expats (1+ years abroad):
Living in unrestricted country (US, Canada, Europe, etc.):
- Best solution: WhatsApp over home WiFi
- Cost: $0/month for unlimited calls
- Setup: 2 minutes
Living in restricted country (UAE, China, Saudi):
- Best solution: NordVPN 2-year plan + WhatsApp
- Cost: $3.39/month (for unlimited calls)
- Annual savings vs traditional calls: $3,600-14,400/year
Math for UAE expat (10 hours/month calling):
- Traditional calls: $300-1,200/month = $3,600-14,400/year
- NordVPN + WhatsApp: $3.39/month = $41/year
- Savings: $3,559-14,359/year! 🎉
Can I use the same eSIM on multiple trips to India?
It depends on the eSIM provider and plan type:
Airalo, Saily, Yesim:
- Plans are single-use with set validity periods (7, 15, or 30 days)
- Once the days expire or data runs out, the plan ends
- You need to buy a new plan for each trip
- The eSIM profile stays on your phone but you install new plans as needed
Cost example (multiple trips):
- Trip 1 (2 weeks): Airalo 3GB/30 days = $11
- Trip 2 (1 week): Airalo 1GB/7 days = $5
- Trip 3 (3 weeks): Airalo 5GB/30 days = $17
- Total for 3 trips: $33
Pro tip: Buy eSIM plans with longer validity (30 days) if you're making multiple short trips within a month – you can use the same plan across trips.
What happens if I have both eSIM and physical SIM?
Good news: You can use both simultaneously! This is called "dual SIM" functionality.
How it works:
- Physical SIM (your home carrier): Stays active for calls/texts from your home number
- eSIM (India plan): Provides data connection in India
- You choose: Which SIM to use for calls, texts, and data in phone settings
Recommended setup for India travel:
- Primary: eSIM for data (so you can use WhatsApp, Google Maps, etc.)
- Secondary: Physical SIM on "airplane mode" but WiFi calling enabled (receive important calls from home)
- Result: Cheap data in India + ability to receive emergency calls from home
Pro tip: Turn off data for your physical SIM to avoid expensive roaming charges. Only use the eSIM data.
🎯 Final Recommendation: Our Honest Take
🏆 The Best Calling Solution (For Most People)
Winner: WhatsApp (Free App)
Why: It's free, has 500M+ users in India (everyone has it), offers excellent quality, and works on all devices.
Setup: 2 minutes
Cost: $0/month (with home WiFi)
When it doesn't work: If you're in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where WhatsApp is blocked
🌟 Complete Solution by Situation
1. Living in USA/Canada/Europe (unrestricted):
- Primary: WhatsApp over WiFi ($0/month)
- Backup: Google Voice for landlines (free)
- See free apps guide →
2. Living in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia:
- Get NordVPN ($3.39/month on 2-year plan)
- Use VPN + WhatsApp for unlimited free calls
- See VPN guide →
3. Traveling to India (1-30 days):
- Get Airalo eSIM ($5-30 depending on data needs)
- Use eSIM data + WhatsApp for calls
- Keep your home SIM for emergency calls
4. Calling landlines in India:
- Use Google Voice (free to landlines, $0.01/min to mobiles)
- Or Rebtel ($0.02-0.05/min)
Ready to start saving on calls to India?
Choose your best solution and get started in minutes
Get Airalo eSIM (Travelers) → Get NordVPN (Restricted Countries) → Use Free Apps (Everyone Else) →📚 More Resources
Want to dive deeper into specific solutions?
- 📱 Complete Free Calling Apps Guide – WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice, Skype setup
- 🔒 VPN Services for Calling – Bypass restrictions in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia
- 📊 9 Best Ways to Call India (2025) – Our comprehensive blog post
- 💬 Questions? Reach out to us at support@dial91.com