How to Make Local Phone Calls Abroad: 2026 Guide

The short answer: use data for most calls, voice for formal calls

If you want to make local phone calls while abroad, start by separating two needs. First, you need mobile data for maps, messaging, booking apps, ride-hailing and app-to-app calls. Second, you may need traditional voice calling for landlines, clinics, banks, airlines, delivery drivers or public offices.

For many trips, a travel eSIM plus calling apps is enough. It lets you call through WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Telegram, Signal, Skype or another internet calling service. You can also keep your home number available for verification codes, provided your roaming settings are controlled.

However, many travel eSIMs are data-only. That usually means the plan gives you internet access, but not a normal local phone number, mobile voice minutes or SMS. So the best setup depends on who you need to call, not only on where you are going.

How calls abroad actually travel from your phone

A “local call” can take several routes. Your phone may use your home carrier, a local voice plan, a Wi-Fi calling feature, or an internet app over mobile data. The person receiving the call may not notice the difference, but the cost and reliability can change completely.

The FCC international roaming guide warns that roaming can apply to voice calls, voicemail, texts and data, and that some charges may appear after you return home. So the safest travel setup is the one where you know which line carries the call before you tap the button.

Option 1: call with a travel eSIM and internet apps

A travel eSIM gives your phone mobile data abroad. Once you have data, you can make voice and video calls through internet apps without using traditional roaming voice minutes. For short trips, this is often the cleanest setup because you can arrive connected and avoid searching for a mobile shop.

The important point is this: data-only does not mean call-impossible. It means the eSIM itself may not provide a normal phone number. You can still call through apps that use the internet.

Set up those apps before you travel. Some apps require SMS verification, account recovery or two-factor confirmation. If your home line is already unreachable, setup becomes harder.

• WhatsApp is widely used by hotels, drivers, guides, restaurants and travel services in many countries.
• FaceTime Audio is convenient between Apple users and works over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Telegram and Signal are useful for private app-to-app calls.
• Skype or similar VoIP services can help when you need to reach some standard mobile or landline numbers.

Compare eSIM providers if data is your main need

If your priority is reliable data for app calls, maps and travel services, compare eSIM providers before you leave. Look at coverage, validity, activation steps, hotspot support and customer support, not only the provider name.

Our current partner set includes names such as Yesim, Jetpac, eSIM-On Shop, Ohayu, depending on availability and route. Use the selection below as a practical starting point, then confirm the exact plan details before buying.

For this keyword, a country-specific comparison is not enough because the reader may be travelling anywhere. A broad provider shortlist is more useful than pretending one destination plan solves every calling scenario.

Option 2: choose a local SIM or eSIM with voice

If you need to call normal local numbers often, choose a plan that clearly includes voice. This option is best for longer stays, administration, health appointments, deliveries, work calls and places where businesses still rely on regular phone calls.

Before buying, read the plan type carefully. It should include data, voice and text, not only data. Also check whether voice calls are local-only. Some plans allow calls inside the destination country but do not support international calls.

Option 3: keep your home number, but prevent accidental roaming

Keeping your home number active can be useful. Banks, airlines, relatives, schools, employers and verification systems may still contact your usual number. On many dual-SIM phones, you can keep that line available while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.

Apple’s Dual SIM guidance explains that supported iPhones can use two lines, but only one cellular data network at a time. Android menus vary, but the same logic applies: choose which line handles data, calls and messages.

The safer setup is usually: use the travel eSIM for mobile data, keep the home line available only when needed, and disable data roaming on the home line unless your carrier explicitly includes it. Before placing an important call, check which line the phone is about to use.

Phone settings to check before making a call abroad

Most travel calling problems come from one small setting. Your phone may call through the wrong line, keep the travel eSIM inactive, or use roaming data on your home plan. Check the setup before your first important call.

• Set your travel eSIM as the mobile data line.
• Turn off data roaming on your home line, unless your plan includes it.
• Choose which line is used for default voice calls.
• Enable Wi-Fi calling only if your carrier supports it abroad.
• Save important numbers with the international country code.
• Test one low-risk call before contacting a clinic, bank, airline or host.

How to dial local and international numbers correctly

Dialling rules can feel confusing abroad. The safest habit is to save important numbers in international format: plus sign, country code, then the local number. This format usually works better across apps, eSIMs, dual-SIM setups and roaming.

If a local number starts with a domestic trunk prefix, you may need to remove that prefix when adding the country code. The exact rule depends on the country, so check the format shown by the business, hotel, booking platform or official website.

This matters even when you are physically in the destination country. Your phone or calling app may still interpret the number based on the selected line, account country or saved contact format.

Which option should you choose?

There is no single perfect solution. The best setup depends on who you need to call, how urgent the call is, and whether the other person accepts internet calls.

A practical setup for most travellers

For a short trip, the cleanest setup is usually a travel eSIM for data plus app-based calls. It covers maps, messaging, ride-hailing, translation, restaurant bookings and most voice calls. It also reduces the risk of accidental roaming.

Before departure, verify that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, install your calling apps, save key numbers and check your home carrier’s roaming rules. After arrival, activate the travel eSIM, set it as the data line and test a call over mobile data.

If the trip involves formal calls, medical appointments, local administration or frequent work calls, add a voice-capable local plan or a calling app that can reach standard numbers. This gives you a backup when app-to-app calling is not accepted.

Compare your eSIM options before you leave so you land with data ready on your phone. Start from the MyBestSim eSIM comparison, then check the provider’s plan details before buying.

Mistakes to avoid

Small mistakes can turn a simple call into an expensive or stressful one. Avoid these common traps.

• Assuming every eSIM includes calls. Many travel eSIMs are data-only.
• Leaving home-line data roaming on. This can trigger unwanted charges.
• Installing calling apps too late. Verification may require your usual number.
• Saving numbers only in local format. International format is more reliable.
• Relying on app calls for official services. Some offices still require standard calls.
• Assuming Wi-Fi calling is free abroad. Carrier rules vary, and charges may apply.

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