Country Guides

Q: How do I know if I need a VPN in my country?

Check the Quick Reference table to see if your country shows any blocked or limited status. Countries that definitely need VPN include UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), China (all cities), and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). Countries where VPN is optional include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait where apps mostly work but VPN provides reliability.

Q: Can I use the same solution in multiple countries?

VPN works in all countries worldwide. Free apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype work the same way in every country though they may be blocked without VPN in restricted countries. Each eSIM plan is country-specific and you need different plans for India, UAE, Singapore, etc. Google Voice only works from US and Canada phone numbers.

Q: What if I'm only visiting a restricted country for a few days?

Get NordVPN's 1-month plan for $12.99 or use the 30-day money-back guarantee. Sign up for NordVPN before your trip, install the app, use it during your trip, and after returning request a refund if your trip was under 30 days. The cost is potentially $0 if you use the money-back guarantee, otherwise $12.99 for a month of access.

Q: Are VPNs legal in restricted countries?

In UAE, VPNs are legal for personal use and millions of expats use VPNs daily for calling. In China, only government-approved VPNs are technically legal but personal use for calling is common among expats and rarely enforced. In Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, VPN use for personal purposes is generally permitted. Use VPNs responsibly and in accordance with local laws.

Q: I'm moving to a new country. What should I set up?

If moving to a restricted country like UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia, get NordVPN 2-year plan for $3.39 per month BEFORE you move. Install and test VPN while still in your current country, download WhatsApp and other apps you will need, and upon arrival connect to VPN first then use apps normally. If moving to an unrestricted country like USA, UK, or Singapore, just install WhatsApp or FaceTime. If moving to USA or Canada, set up Google Voice for free landline calls.

🌍 Find Your Country Guide

Select your country below to find specific calling solutions, restrictions, and recommendations

All Countries

Restricted (Need VPN)

GCC Countries

Asia Pacific

Americas

Europe

📊 Quick Reference: What's Blocked Where

Quick overview of calling app availability by country:

Country	WhatsApp	FaceTime Audio	Skype	Google Voice	Solution
🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai)	❌ Blocked	❌ Blocked	❌ Blocked	✓ Works	VPN Required
🇨🇳 China	❌ Blocked	❌ Blocked	✓ Works	❌ Blocked	VPN Required
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia	⚠️ Limited	❌ Blocked	⚠️ Limited	✓ Works	VPN Recommended
🇶🇦 Qatar	⚠️ Limited	✓ Works	⚠️ Limited	✓ Works	VPN Optional
🇰🇼 Kuwait	⚠️ Limited	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	Free Apps OK
🇺🇸 USA	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	All Apps Work
🇨🇦 Canada	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	All Apps Work
🇸🇬 Singapore	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	All Apps Work
🇬🇧 UK	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	All Apps Work
🇦🇺 Australia	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	✓ Works	All Apps Work

🔑 Legend

✓ Works: App works normally with no restrictions
❌ Blocked: App is completely blocked and requires VPN to access
⚠️ Limited: App works intermittently or with reduced functionality

🇦🇪

United Arab Emirates

Heavy Restrictions

❌ Blocked Apps:

WhatsApp calling (messaging works)
FaceTime audio
Skype calling
Most VoIP services

✓ Solution:

Get NordVPN to bypass restrictions and access all calling apps. Connects instantly to nearby servers.

Get NordVPN for UAE →

🇨🇳

China

Great Firewall

❌ Blocked Apps:

WhatsApp (all features)
FaceTime (all features)
Google Voice
Most Western apps

✓ Solution:

Get NordVPN with obfuscated servers designed specifically for China. Bypasses Great Firewall reliably.

Get NordVPN for China →

🇸🇦

Saudi Arabia

Partial Restrictions

⚠️ Restricted Apps:

WhatsApp calling (intermittent)
FaceTime audio (blocked)
Skype calling (limited)
VoIP services monitored

✓ Solution:

Get NordVPN for reliable access during restriction periods. Ensures privacy and consistent connectivity.

Get NordVPN for Saudi Arabia →

🇶🇦

Qatar

Limited Restrictions

⚠️ Sometimes Blocked:

WhatsApp calling (peak times)
Skype calling (occasional)
VoIP during events

✓ Solution:

Optional VPN for guaranteed access. Most users manage without, but VPN provides peace of mind.

Get NordVPN for Qatar →

🇴🇲

Oman

Limited Restrictions

⚠️ Occasionally Restricted:

WhatsApp calling (rare)
Skype calling (occasional)
Most apps work normally

✓ Solution:

Free apps usually work fine. VPN optional for guaranteed reliability and privacy.

Get NordVPN for Oman →

🇰🇼

Kuwait

Mostly Unrestricted

⚠️ Minor Limitations:

WhatsApp mostly works
FaceTime works
Skype works
Occasional slowdowns

WhatsApp: Universally used in Malaysia. Free calls to India work perfectly.

See Free Apps Guide →

🇯🇵

Japan

All Apps Work

✓ Best Solution:

WhatsApp/FaceTime: Both work excellently over Japan's high-speed networks.

For travelers: eSIM provides affordable data.

See Free Apps Guide →

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

All Apps Work

✓ Best Solution:

WhatsApp: Extremely popular in UK. Free calls to India's 500M+ WhatsApp users.

WhatsApp: Universally used. Free calls over excellent Dutch internet infrastructure.

See Free Apps Guide →

🎯 Choosing the Right Solution for Your Country

📍 Decision Guide by Country Type

If you're in a RESTRICTED country (UAE, China, Saudi Arabia):

✓ Get NordVPN ($3.39-13/month) to bypass blocks
✓ Then use free apps (WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime)
✓ Total cost: ~$3.39/month for unlimited calling

If you're in an UNRESTRICTED country (USA, UK, Singapore, etc.):

✓ Use free apps directly (WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime)
✓ No VPN needed
✓ Total cost: $0/month

If you're TRAVELING to India:

✓ Get Airalo eSIM ($5-30 for 1-30 days)
✓ Use eSIM data + free apps
✓ No restrictions in India

⚠️ Important: Traveling Between Countries

If your trip includes both restricted and unrestricted countries:

Get NordVPN before traveling to restricted countries (UAE, China)
Install and test VPN BEFORE you arrive in the restricted country
Keep free apps as your primary calling method
VPN ensures you can access apps everywhere

Example: Dubai → India → USA trip:

Dubai: Use NordVPN + WhatsApp
India: Use Airalo eSIM + WhatsApp
USA: Use WhatsApp or Google Voice (no VPN needed)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a VPN in my country?

Check the Quick Reference table above. If your country shows any "❌ Blocked" or "⚠️ Limited" status, you'll benefit from a VPN.

Countries that definitely need VPN:

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)
China (all cities)
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam)

Countries where VPN is optional: Qatar, Oman, Kuwait (apps mostly work, VPN provides reliability)

Can I use the same solution in multiple countries?

VPN: Yes! NordVPN works in all countries worldwide. Once you have it, you can use it anywhere.

Free apps: Yes! WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype work the same way in every country (though they may be blocked without VPN in restricted countries).

eSIM: Each eSIM plan is country-specific. You need different eSIM plans for India, UAE, Singapore, etc.

Google Voice: No. Only works from US/Canada phone numbers.

What if I'm only visiting a restricted country for a few days?

Best approach: Get NordVPN's 1-month plan ($12.99) or use the 30-day money-back guarantee.

How it works:

Sign up for NordVPN before your trip
Install the app on your phone/laptop
Use it during your trip (works immediately)
After returning, request a refund if your trip was under 30 days

Cost: Potentially $0 if you use the money-back guarantee. Otherwise $12.99 for a month of access.

Are VPNs legal in restricted countries?

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 and rarely enforced.

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 you're unsure.

Which countries have the best free calling options?

#1: USA & Canada

Google Voice: FREE to India landlines, $0.01/min to mobiles
WhatsApp: Free unlimited calls
No restrictions on any app

#2: European countries (UK, Germany, France, Netherlands)

WhatsApp: Free unlimited calls
FaceTime: Excellent quality
No restrictions

#3: Asia Pacific (Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Japan)

WhatsApp: Free unlimited calls
Fast internet infrastructure
No restrictions

Worst: GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia) due to app restrictions requiring VPN

I'm moving to a new country. What should I set up?

Moving to restricted country (UAE, China, Saudi):

Get NordVPN 2-year plan ($3.39/month) BEFORE you move
Install and test VPN while still in your current country
Download WhatsApp and other apps you'll need
Upon arrival, connect to VPN first, then use apps normally

Moving to unrestricted country (USA, UK, Singapore, etc.):

Just install WhatsApp (or FaceTime for Apple users)
No VPN needed
If moving to USA/Canada, set up Google Voice for free landline calls

Pro tip: Set up calling solutions BEFORE you move. It's much harder to research and set things up after arriving in a new country!

🌟 Need Help Choosing Your Solution?

Still not sure which solution is right for your country?

Compare all calling options side-by-side

Compare All Options → Get NordVPN (Restricted Countries) → See Free Apps Guide →

📚 More Resources

Explore our complete guides:

🔒 VPN Services Guide – Detailed VPN setup for restricted countries
💚 Free Calling Apps Guide – WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice setup
✈️ eSIM for Travelers – Get local data in 200+ countries
📊 Compare All Options – Side-by-side comparison
📝 Best Ways to Call India (Blog) – Comprehensive guide

🌍 Find Your Country Guide

📊 Quick Reference: What's Blocked Where

🔑 Legend

🚫 Restricted Countries (VPN Required)

United Arab Emirates

❌ Blocked Apps:

✓ Solution:

China

❌ Blocked Apps:

✓ Solution:

Saudi Arabia

⚠️ Restricted Apps:

✓ Solution:

Qatar

⚠️ Sometimes Blocked:

✓ Solution:

Oman

⚠️ Occasionally Restricted:

✓ Solution:

Kuwait

⚠️ Minor Limitations:

✓ Solution:

🌎 Americas (No Restrictions)

United States

✓ Best Solution:

Canada

✓ Best Solution:

🌏 Asia Pacific (Mostly Unrestricted)

Singapore

✓ Best Solution:

Australia

✓ Best Solution:

Malaysia

✓ Best Solution:

Japan

✓ Best Solution:

🇪🇺 Europe (No Restrictions)

United Kingdom

✓ Best Solution:

Germany

✓ Best Solution:

France

✓ Best Solution:

Netherlands

✓ Best Solution:

🎯 Choosing the Right Solution for Your Country

📍 Decision Guide by Country Type

⚠️ Important: Traveling Between Countries

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a VPN in my country?

Can I use the same solution in multiple countries?

What if I'm only visiting a restricted country for a few days?

Are VPNs legal in restricted countries?

Which countries have the best free calling options?

I'm moving to a new country. What should I set up?

🌟 Need Help Choosing Your Solution?

📚 More Resources