âš ï¸ Common Calling Restrictions Faced by Indian Expats
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): WhatsApp calling, Skype, and FaceTime audio are blocked
- China: WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime, and most calling apps are blocked
- Saudi Arabia: VoIP services like WhatsApp calling are restricted
- Qatar: WhatsApp calling and Skype face intermittent blocks
- Kuwait & Oman: VoIP services are restricted or monitored
🔓 How a VPN Solves Your Calling Problems
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This allows you to:
Bypass Restrictions
Access WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and any calling app from anywhere in the world by connecting through servers in unrestricted countries.
Protect Your Privacy
Encrypt your internet connection to prevent ISPs, governments, or hackers from monitoring your calls and online activity.
Connect Anywhere
Use the same VPN whether you're in Dubai, Beijing, Riyadh, or anywhere else in the world.
Fast & Reliable
Premium VPN services offer high-speed servers optimized for streaming and calling, with minimal latency.
🌍 Country-Specific VPN Solutions
🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
What's blocked: WhatsApp calling, Skype, FaceTime audio
VPN solution:
- Connect to servers in India, US, or UK
- Use obfuscated servers to bypass deep packet inspection
- Access WhatsApp calling instantly
- Make free video calls to India
🇨🇳 China
What's blocked: WhatsApp, Google Voice, FaceTime, most VoIP apps
VPN solution:
- Use VPNs with obfuscated servers (designed for China)
- Connect to Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore servers
- Access all blocked calling apps
- Bypass the Great Firewall reliably
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
What's restricted: WhatsApp calling, Skype, other VoIP services
VPN solution:
- Connect to nearby servers (UAE, Egypt, or Europe)
- Use stealth mode for extra security
- Access all restricted calling apps
- Maintain privacy from monitoring
🇶🇦 Qatar, Kuwait & Oman
What's restricted: VoIP services with intermittent blocks
VPN solution:
- Bypass blocks during peak restriction times
- Connect to regional servers for low latency
- Access all international calling apps
- Secure connection from monitoring
🏆 Our Recommended VPN: NordVPN
Why NordVPN is the #1 Choice for Calling India
After testing dozens of VPN services, NordVPN consistently delivers the best performance for Indian expats who need reliable calling access from restricted countries.
🌐 6,000+ Servers Worldwide
Connect to servers in 111 countries, including India, for optimal performance and access to all calling apps.
🛡ï¸ Obfuscated Servers
Specialized servers designed to bypass deep packet inspection in restrictive countries like China and UAE.
⚡ Lightning-Fast Speeds
NordLynx protocol ensures minimal speed loss, perfect for HD video calls to India without lag.
📱 6 Simultaneous Devices
Protect your phone, tablet, laptop, and more with a single subscription. Share with family members.
🔒 Military-Grade Encryption
AES-256 encryption keeps your calls private and secure from monitoring or surveillance.
✅ No-Logs Policy
Independently audited no-logs policy means your online activity remains completely private.
💾 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days. Full refund if you're not satisfied – no questions asked.
🆘 24/7 Customer Support
Get help anytime via live chat or email from knowledgeable support staff.
💰 NordVPN Pricing Plans
1-Month Plan
- 6,000+ servers in 111 countries
- 6 simultaneous connections
- Obfuscated servers
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan
Save 62%
- Everything in 1-Month Plan
- Best value for long-term expats
- Billed $59.88 annually
- 30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan
Save 74% + 3 months FREE
- Everything in 1-Year Plan
- Maximum savings for expats
- Billed $89.01 every 2 years
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Extra 3 months free
💡 Which Plan Should You Choose?
Living abroad long-term? The 2-Year Plan offers the best value at just $3.39/month with 3 extra months free. Perfect for expats with multi-year contracts.
On a shorter assignment? The 1-Year Plan at $4.99/month provides excellent value without the long commitment.
Just testing? Start with the 1-Month Plan at $12.99/month, and remember – all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try risk-free!
🚀 How to Get Started (3 Simple Steps)
Step 1: Sign Up for NordVPN
Click the button below to visit NordVPN's website. Choose your plan (we recommend the 2-Year Plan for maximum savings). Sign up takes just 2 minutes.
Step 2: Download & Install the App
After signing up, download the NordVPN app for your device (available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and more). Installation takes less than 1 minute.
Step 3: Connect & Start Calling
Open the NordVPN app, choose a server location (we recommend India, US, or UK for best calling performance), click "Connect," and you're done! Open WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime and start calling India.
🎯 VPN vs Other Calling Solutions
| Solution | Works in Restricted Countries | Cost | Call Quality | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN (NordVPN) | âœ" Yes | $3.39-12.99/month | âââââ Excellent | 5 minutes |
| WhatsApp (without VPN) | ✗ Blocked in UAE, China | Free | âââââ Excellent | Instant |
| Traditional Phone Calls | âœ" Yes | $0.50-2.00/minute | ââââ Good | Instant |
| eSIM Plans | âœ" Yes (for travelers) | $5-30/trip | âââââ Excellent | 10 minutes |
| Google Voice (without VPN) | ✗ Blocked in China | Free-$0.01/minute | ââââ Good | 15 minutes |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine VPN with Free Calling Apps
The best strategy? Use NordVPN to unblock WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Voice, then make FREE calls to India using these apps.
This gives you:
- âœ" Access from anywhere in the world (VPN bypasses blocks)
- âœ" FREE unlimited calls to India (using WiFi or data)
- âœ" HD video calling capability
- âœ" Privacy and security (encrypted VPN connection)
Total cost: Just $3.39-12.99/month for NordVPN = unlimited free calls to India! 🎉
👥 What Other Expats Are Saying
"I moved to Dubai for work and couldn't believe WhatsApp calling was blocked. NordVPN solved this instantly. Now I video call my parents in Mumbai every day for free!"
"Living in China, I was completely cut off from WhatsApp, Google Voice, everything. NordVPN's obfuscated servers work perfectly. I can finally stay connected with my family in Bangalore."
"I was spending $50-100/month on international calls from Saudi Arabia. NordVPN costs $3.39/month and I now make unlimited FREE WhatsApp calls. Best investment ever!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a VPN legal in UAE, China, and other restricted countries?
VPN legality varies by country:
UAE: VPNs are legal for personal use. Using a VPN to access blocked services for personal calling is generally tolerated, though technically the law is ambiguous. Millions of expats use VPNs daily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
China: Only government-approved VPNs are technically legal, but personal VPN use for accessing blocked services is common among expats and rarely enforced. NordVPN's obfuscated servers are designed specifically for this environment.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman: VPN use for personal purposes is generally permitted.
Important: We recommend using VPNs responsibly and in accordance with local laws. Consult local regulations if you're unsure.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speed and affect call quality?
Premium VPN services like NordVPN cause minimal speed loss (typically 10-20%), which is negligible for calling. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol is optimized for speed and maintains HD video call quality.
In fact, many users report improved call quality because the VPN prevents ISP throttling of VoIP services.
Pro tip: Connect to nearby servers (India, Singapore, or Europe from the Middle East) for the fastest speeds.
Can I use one VPN subscription on multiple devices?
Yes! NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect your:
- Smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- Tablet (iPad or Android tablet)
- Laptop (Windows or Mac)
- Desktop computer
- Smart TV or streaming device
- And still have one connection to spare!
You can even share your subscription with family members.
What happens if the VPN doesn't work for me?
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked. If you're not satisfied for any reason:
- Contact their 24/7 customer support via live chat or email
- Request a refund
- Get your money back within 3-5 business days
This makes trying NordVPN completely risk-free. You have a full month to test it in your country and ensure it works for your calling needs.
Which server location should I connect to for calling India?
Best server locations for calling India:
- India: Lowest latency, best for HD video calls
- Singapore: Fast speeds, geographically close
- UAE (if in a nearby country): Low latency
- UK/US: Reliable and widely available
NordVPN's "Quick Connect" feature automatically selects the fastest server for you, or you can manually choose from their server list.
Do I need a VPN if I'm just visiting UAE or China for a short trip?
Yes! Even for short trips, a VPN is essential if you want to stay connected:
For travelers: Get NordVPN's 1-month plan ($12.99) or use the 30-day money-back guarantee if your trip is shorter than a month.
For residents: The 2-year plan at $3.39/month is the most economical, saving you hundreds compared to traditional calling costs.
Alternative for travelers: Consider an eSIM plan which gives you a local Indian number that works anywhere without restrictions.
Can I use a free VPN instead of paying for NordVPN?
We strongly advise against free VPNs for calling, and here's why:
- ❌ Slow speeds: Free VPNs have limited bandwidth, causing poor call quality or dropped calls
- ❌ Data limits: Most free VPNs cap data at 500MB-2GB/month – barely enough for a few calls
- ❌ Privacy risks: Free VPNs often log your data and sell it to advertisers
- ❌ Blocked in restrictive countries: Free VPNs don't have obfuscated servers and get detected/blocked easily
- ❌ Security concerns: Some free VPNs contain malware or trackers
Bottom line: For just $3.39/month, NordVPN provides unlimited data, fast speeds, strong privacy, and reliable access. It's a small investment for staying connected with family in India.
How do I set up NordVPN on my device?
Setup is incredibly simple:
- Sign up: Visit NordVPN and choose your plan
- Download: Download the app for your device (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
- Install: Install the app (takes less than 1 minute)
- Login: Open the app and log in with your credentials
- Connect: Click "Quick Connect" or choose a server, then click "Connect"
- Call: Open WhatsApp/Skype/FaceTime and start calling!
Total time: 5 minutes from sign-up to making your first call. NordVPN also has 24/7 live chat support if you need any help.
🎯 Ready to Stay Connected with Family in India?
Don't let geographic restrictions keep you from talking to your loved ones. With NordVPN, you can:
- âœ" Access WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and all calling apps from anywhere
- âœ" Make unlimited FREE calls to India using WiFi or data
- âœ" Protect your privacy with military-grade encryption
- âœ" Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously
- âœ" Try risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee
⏰ Limited Time Offer
NordVPN currently offers up to 74% off 2-year plans with 3 extra months FREE. This is the best value available for expats looking to save on international calling.
Don't wait – sign up today and start making free calls to India within minutes!
🔗 Need Other Calling Solutions?
Looking for alternatives or want to compare all your options?
- 📱 Travelers to India? Check out our Best eSIM Plans for India
- 💰 Budget-conscious? Read our Cheapest Ways to Call India guide
- 🌐 Want more options? See our comprehensive 9 Best Ways to Call India comparison