Yes, you can use Google Voice to call internationally, but it comes with some important limitations. Calls within the US and to Canada are free, but you must add credit to call other countries. Google Voice is only available to users in the United States, and you need an existing US phone number to sign up. That requirement alone rules it out for anyone living abroad.
The short answer: yes, but with big limitations
Google Voice uses a pay-as-you-go system for international calls. You add credit to your account, and Google deducts the per-minute rate for each call outside North America. It works well for US residents calling family or business contacts abroad without a monthly plan.
However, there are two key limitations:
- US-Only Signup: You must have a valid US phone number to get a Google Voice number. This restriction makes the service inaccessible to users outside the United States.
- No Free International Calls (Mostly): While calls to the US and Canada are free, you must pay for calls to all other countries.
This makes Google Voice a great tool for people in the US to call out, but not a global solution.
Google Voice international rates and features
| Feature | Details & Limitations |
|---|---|
| Availability | Primarily for US-based users; a US phone number is required for signup. |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go. You add calling credit, and charges are deducted per minute. |
| US & Canada Calls | Free, with very few exceptions for high-cost rural areas. |
| International Rates | Highly competitive, often just a few cents per minute to popular countries. |
| Call Quality | Generally good, but depends heavily on your internet connection (Wi-Fi or data). |
| Supported Countries | You can call most countries, but some destinations may be blocked or have high rates. |
| Alternatives | Non-US users need alternatives like CallSky, which offer global sign-up. |
The rates are affordable and the system is simple, but the US-only requirement rules it out for many users.
How billing and credit work
Getting your account ready for international calls is simple. You add funds directly within your Google Voice settings, usually starting with a $10 credit. As you talk, the per-minute cost is automatically deducted from that balance.
Rates start as low as $0.01 per minute to many destinations. Calls to landlines in the United Kingdom and Mexico cost a penny a minute, and calls to India are $0.02 per minute. For small businesses and individuals in the US, that makes it one of the cheapest ways to call abroad.
International calling rates comparison
| Country | Google Voice Rate (per minute) | CallSky Rate (per minute) |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | From $0.01 | From $0.02 |
| India | From $0.02 | From $0.02 |
| Mexico | From $0.01 | From $0.01 |
| Australia | From $0.01 | From $0.02 |
| China | From $0.04 | From $0.03 |
The rates are competitive across the board, but the best option depends on where you call most frequently.
Working out the costs: international rates and adding credit
Now that you know Google Voice can make international calls, the next question is cost. Google Voice uses a pay-as-you-go model with no monthly subscriptions. You just pay for the minutes you use.
Before you dial, check the specific rate for the country you're calling. Prices vary between destinations, and sometimes between landlines and mobile numbers in the same country. The latest rates are listed on the Google Voice pricing page.
Per-minute costs
The low rates are one of the main reasons people use Google Voice for international calls. Most countries in Europe and Asia cost just a few cents per minute, which is much cheaper than what traditional phone companies charge. A call to a UK mobile, for example, costs just $0.01 per minute.
This chart gives you a quick snapshot of what to expect for a few popular calling destinations.
Calling Canada is completely free (same as calling within the U.S.), and rates to India and China are just a few cents per minute.
Topping up your account with calling credit
To start making international calls, you need to add credit through your Google account settings. You can add funds in set amounts, usually starting at $10.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Google Voice website or open the mobile app.
- Navigate to Settings, then click on Payments.
- Click the "Add Credit" button.
- Choose an amount (typically $10, $25, or $50) and complete the payment.
Your balance updates almost instantly, and you're ready to start calling.
Google Voice credit never expires. It stays in your account until you use it. One thing to watch: Google can reclaim your number if your account is inactive for too long, so send a text or make a call occasionally to keep it active.
How Google Voice compares
Google's rates are competitive, but they're not the only option. For people who can't get Google Voice because of the U.S.-only requirement, or for those shopping around, services like CallSky offer a similar pay-as-you-go model.
Let's see how they compare for a few popular countries.
International calling rates comparison (per minute)
| Country | Google Voice Rate (to Landline/Mobile) | CallSky Rate (to Landline/Mobile) |
|---|---|---|
| India | From $0.02/min | From $0.02/min |
| United Kingdom | From $0.01/min | From $0.02/min |
| Nigeria | From $0.11/min | From $0.10/min |
| Philippines | From $0.14/min | From $0.12/min |
The rates are very similar. Google Voice might be a penny cheaper for one country, while CallSky could be cheaper for another. Check the current rates for the specific numbers you call most, since prices do change.
The US-only signup rule
Google Voice's international rates are competitive, but they come with one major restriction that excludes most of the world's population. To sign up, you need a US-only phone number.
To get a Google Voice number, you must have an existing, verifiable US phone number to link to the account during setup. There's no workaround.
This rule excludes anyone living outside the United States, regardless of how good the pricing is. Google built the service around its US market, and there are no signs of that changing.
Real-world scenarios where this rule is a problem
A digital nomad from Spain living in Thailand who needs a US number to call clients in America can't sign up. A small business owner in the UK trying to set up a local US presence can't sign up either.
Google Voice is a virtual number management system for people in the US, not a global calling platform. For more on its design choices and trade-offs, see this overview of Google Voice pros and cons.
Adding credit and making calls from abroad
If you already have a US-based Google Voice account, you can use it while traveling. Connect to Wi-Fi, open the app, and make international calls from anywhere. The cost is deducted from your credit balance.
The catch: you still need to have set up the account in the US with a US number first.
Google Voice is a tool for people in the United States to call out to the world. It is not designed for people outside the United States to sign up.
Alternatives for non-US users
If you don't have a US phone number, you'll need a different service. Several international calling platforms accept signups from any country and don't require a local number.
CallSky, for example, uses a similar pay-as-you-go credit system but accepts users worldwide. There's no country restriction on signup, which makes it a practical option for anyone outside the US.
Making your first international call with Google Voice
Once you've checked the rates and added credit, making the call itself is the easy part.
The process is the same on desktop and mobile. The one thing you need to get right is the international dialing format: a plus sign (+), followed by the country code, then the local number. To call someone in London, you'd dial +44 followed by their number.
Calling from your web browser
The Google Voice web interface works well for calling from a laptop. Head to the site, click the dial pad icon on the right, and type in the number. As you enter digits, Google Voice recognizes the country and shows the per-minute rate before you connect.
Using the Google Voice mobile app
The mobile app works the same way. Open the app, tap the dial pad icon, and enter the full number starting with +. The app displays the rate before you connect.
Save your international contacts with the full
+country code format in your phone's address book. That way you can call them directly from Google Voice contacts without manually entering the number each time.
Before you dial: a quick checklist
A few things worth checking before each call:
- Credit balance: Check your balance in the Payments section. If you run out mid-call, you'll get disconnected.
- Internet connection: Google Voice is a VoIP service, so call quality depends on your connection. Use Wi-Fi or strong 4G/5G.
- Number format: Make sure the number starts with
+and includes the correct country code. A wrong digit is the most common reason international calls fail.
Finding an alternative for global calling
If you can't sign up for Google Voice because you're outside the US, you need a service that accepts users from any country.
Non-US residents, freelancers abroad, and international businesses all need a calling platform that doesn't require a US phone number. For a broader look at available options, especially for business use, see this guide to global phone services.
Free app-to-app vs. paid VoIP
There are two main options: free app-to-app calling or paid VoIP services that can dial any phone number.
Free apps like WhatsApp (with nearly 2 billion users) offer free calls, but only when both people have the same app installed. That doesn't work when you need to reach a landline or someone without a smartphone.
Paid VoIP services can connect to any phone number, which makes them more practical for most international calling needs.
CallSky as an alternative
CallSky is a pay-as-you-go calling service that accepts users from any country. It works similarly to Google Voice's credit system but without the US signup requirement.
The main differences from Google Voice: no subscriptions or monthly fees, credit that never expires, signup from any country, and a dialer that shows the per-minute rate before you connect.
Google Voice works well for its intended audience (US-based users), but if you're outside the US or want to compare options, it's worth looking at alternatives like CallSky or checking our guide to the best apps for Wi-Fi calling.
Common questions about Google Voice
Here are the questions that come up most often about using Google Voice for international calls.
Can people from other countries call my Google Voice number?
Yes. Anyone in the world can dial your US-based Google Voice number. For the caller, it's a standard international call to the United States, and their local carrier charges them for it.
Receiving the call is free for you if you're in the US. If you're traveling, watch for roaming charges from your main cell provider if you have calls forwarded to that number.
How is the call quality for international calls?
Call quality depends on your internet connection. A stable Wi-Fi signal or strong mobile data typically produces clear calls with minimal lag.
The free consumer version of Google Voice doesn't include the quality guarantees of a paid business phone system. You may get occasional choppiness or dropped calls, especially on congested networks.
Does my Google Voice calling credit expire?
No. Google Voice calling credit does not expire. It stays in your account until you use it.
However, Google can reclaim your Google Voice phone number if your account is inactive for an extended period. Make a call or send a text every few months to keep your number active. Your credit balance is safe either way.
Can I make international calls from outside the US?
Yes, if you already have a US Google Voice account. The app works from anywhere in the world over Wi-Fi, and costs are deducted from your credit balance at the standard per-minute rate.
One thing to note: calls are routed through US servers, which can add a slight delay depending on your location. Some users outside the US prefer alternatives like CallSky for a more direct connection.
CallSky lets you call landlines and mobiles in over 180 countries from any Wi-Fi connection, no subscription needed. Try CallSky with your first $5 credit.