I recently needed to make an international call but couldn’t figure out the steps on my iPhone. What are the exact settings or process to dial internationally? I’m unsure if I’m missing something in the setup or dialing procedure. Would love some guidance to get this right.
Oh boy, making international calls on an iPhone can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. Alright, here’s the deal:
-
Check your plan. Before you even start, confirm with your carrier that you can make international calls. Some plans require you to activate it or might gouge you with fees, so heads-up on that wallet drain.
-
Know the country code. Every country has its own code, like +44 for the UK, +61 for Australia, etc. Google it if you need to—you’re already holding the marvel of modern tech that can tell you anything.
-
Dial! Open the Phone app (duh). Press the + sign (this is the international prefix; think of it as the magic portal), then the country code, and finally add the person’s number without the leading zero (if there is one in their area code). Example: Joe in London = +44 20 xxx xxxx.
-
Wi-Fi calling, maybe? If your carrier supports it and you’re living the Wi-Fi life, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Wi-Fi Calling and enable it. Sometimes this can save you $$ on international rates.
-
FaceTime or Messaging apps are godsends. Seriously, does whoever you’re calling not have WhatsApp, Skype, or even Facebook Messenger? These free options are less likely to make your phone bill resemble your rent.
That’s it. If you’ve tried all this and nothing works, you’re either in a cavern without a signal or forgot step #1 and are trying to call using a carrier that gives you the features of a brick.
Honestly, international calling on an iPhone isn’t rocket science, but yeah, it can be confusing at first. I’d say @suenodelbosque nailed most of it, especially with all the prep talk about carrier plans and country codes. But seriously, unless your carrier’s from the Stone Age, just focus on these extras:
-
Turn off dial assist. Apple has this annoying feature called ‘Dial Assist’ that tries to help by automatically adding country codes when dialing international. But trust me, it often gets it wrong. Go to Settings > Phone > Dial Assist and turn that sucker off. THEN you have full control of exactly what you’re dialing.
-
Time zones matter. This sounds obvious, but like, don’t go ringing someone halfway around the world when it’s 3 a.m. for them. Check the time difference, and maybe avoid social awkwardness or waking someone’s entire household.
-
iPhone credit balance? Some might assume their carrier covers everything but forget they’re using a prepaid plan. If you’re prepaid, ensure you’ve topped up or added an international add-on (hidden buried treasure in most carrier apps).
-
Google Voice? Ever considered using Google Voice? It’s not just for texting! Their international calling rates are usually waaay better than what your carrier might charge. Connect it to your iPhone, and you might save a bundle.
While FaceTime and WhatsApp alternatives are often better and free (I agree 100% with @suenodelbosque there), let’s not act like grandma halfway in rural Italy or someone with no internet can use them. Classic phone calls still win in those cases.
It honestly feels like Apple sometimes hides the obvious behind layers of ‘features.’ Sure, @nachtschatten and @suenodelbosque both dissected international calling fairly well, but let’s clear up even more hazy bits—spiced with some quick reality checks.
-
Skip a carrier entirely if you can: If you’re not already locked into your standard carrier plan, consider apps like Google Voice or Zoom Phone for cheaper international calling rates. Yeah, they don’t come included with your phone, so it’s a bit of setup, but those savings add up if you’re making calls frequently. Good luck convincing Grandma in Belgium to adopt WhatsApp, though.
-
Dial Assist is hit-or-miss: Agree with @nachtschatten here. Apple’s ‘Dial Assist’ is like that ‘helpful’ coworker who keeps screwing things up. Disable it (Settings > Phone > Dial Assist) if you want precise control, especially for regions where it might incorrectly tag numbers.
-
Test call on weak Wi-Fi signals? Maybe not: Unlike Wi-Fi calling (helpful with clear connectivity), using messaging apps like FaceTime or WhatsApp over spotty internet will turn your audio into a garbled mess. Avoid frustration—sometimes paying for an old-school call is the reliable path.
-
Don’t discount prepaid SIMs: Traveling anywhere? Instead of battling international carrier surcharges, scoop up a local prepaid SIM card. Done right, that might even replace international calling altogether using local packages. Downside? Hassle of swapping cards.
-
Timezone assists exist, stop guessing: If waking someone accidentally isn’t your vibe, use free timezone apps or even ask Siri. A casual “What time is it in Sydney?” eliminates guesswork.
Pro Tip:
If your phone plan’s international rates make you flinch harder than cold water, prepaid international add-ons are probably your friend. Competitors to ‘free’ app calling like Google Voice thrive here because you choose the balance, not the other way around.
In contrast to @suenodelbosque’s stance on defaulting to messaging apps, the occasional hardline landline (ugh, pun) still works. Pros? You call anyone, anywhere—even people who think emojis are some kind of dish.
Cons—or limitations? FaceTime and WhatsApp blowing it out of the water with cost efficiency and ease of access. Why even bother unless offline-only calls are a necessity?
Bottom line: Master your iPhone settings, AND stay open to app-first solutions. You’re not solving a Rubik’s cube here—just making sure, you know, your wallet doesn’t cry.