You've chosen US Mobile for its fantastic value and reliable service on Verizon or T-Mobile's networks. It's a smart way to save money on your monthly cell phone bill. But when you need to call family and friends abroad, things can get a bit confusing. How does US Mobile international calling work, and is it really the most affordable option?
This guide will explain exactly what US Mobile offers for calling other countries. We'll break down their add-ons, pay-per-minute rates, and also reveal some significantly cheaper alternatives that pair perfectly with your budget-friendly domestic plan.
Does US Mobile Have International Calling?
This is the most common question, so let's answer it directly: Yes, US Mobile offers international calling, but it is not included in their standard Unlimited or custom plans. It's an add-on feature you must enable and pay for separately.
It's also crucial to understand the difference between two common terms:
- International Calling: This is when you are physically in the United States and you dial a phone number in another country (e.g., calling Mexico from your home in Florida).
- International Roaming: This is when you travel outside the US and use your phone to make calls, send texts, or use data in a foreign country.
This guide focuses on International Calling—calling from the US to other countries. With US Mobile, you have two options for this: paying per minute or buying an International Talk add-on. You can find their official options on the US Mobile's international calling page.
US Mobile International Calling Rates
US Mobile charges on a pay-per-minute basis, and the rates vary significantly depending on the country you're calling. Popular destinations for US Mobile customers, like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, all have different rates. It's also common for the cost to differ between calling a landline versus a mobile number within the same country.
Let's use a concrete example: a 20-minute call to India could cost you $5-$10 depending on your setup and the specific number you're dialing. For a budget-conscious user, these costs can quickly add up and negate the savings you get from your domestic plan.
Key Takeaway: Before you dial an international number, always check the official US Mobile international rates page. The per-minute costs can be surprisingly high, which is why exploring alternatives is so important.
US Mobile International Add-Ons Explained
For those who make frequent calls, US Mobile offers International Talk add-ons. These are monthly packages that provide a set number of minutes to specific countries.
While this can be more predictable than pay-per-minute, it's important to check the details. Some add-ons may only cover landline numbers in certain countries, meaning calls to mobile phones would still be charged at the standard, higher rate. Whether an add-on makes sense depends entirely on your calling habits—it might be a good value for frequent callers to specific destinations, but less so for occasional chats.
US Mobile International Roaming
If you're traveling abroad, US Mobile has you covered with international data eSIMs. This service, known as international roaming, allows you to use your phone for data in other countries. It’s an excellent feature for travelers, but remember, this is completely different from making international calls from within the US. Roaming services are designed for when you are outside the country, not for calling abroad from home.
Smarter Ways to Call Internationally on US Mobile
So, how do you keep your affordable US Mobile domestic plan without overpaying for international calls? The answer is Voice over IP (VoIP). This technology uses your phone's data or WiFi connection to make calls, often for a fraction of the cost.
You're likely familiar with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime, which are great for app-to-app calls. But they can't call a landline or a mobile number of someone who doesn't use the app. This is where a dedicated VoIP service like CallSky.io becomes the perfect companion to your US Mobile plan. It lets you call any real phone number—mobile or landline—abroad for just cents per minute.
Let's revisit our example. That same 20-minute call to India that costs $5-$10 through carrier rates? With CallSky, it costs under $0.50. The savings are massive, allowing you to talk more without worrying about the bill. This strategy is ideal for using VoIP for international calls to stay connected affordably.
US Mobile vs Major Carriers for International Calling
US Mobile is competitively priced against major carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, but even the big players can't beat the economics of VoIP for international calls. For instance, T-Mobile offers a popular $15/month Stateside International add-on, but it often has limitations, like only covering landlines in many countries. You can learn more in our guide on T-Mobile's international calling options.
The smartest approach is to pair the best of both worlds:
- Keep your US Mobile plan for its excellent, low-cost domestic service.
- Use a VoIP app like CallSky.io for all your international calls.
This hybrid model gives you an unbeatable combination of an affordable monthly bill and ultra-low per-minute rates for calling abroad.
Tips to Save Money on International Calls
Keeping your international calling costs low is easy with a few simple habits.
- Check Rates Before Dialing: Always look up the per-minute rate for the country you're calling on your carrier's website to avoid surprises.
- Use WiFi Calling Apps: For calls to other smartphone users, apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Signal are completely free over WiFi. See our guide to free international calls for more.
- Try CallSky for Pay-As-You-Go: For calling any number (landline or mobile), use a VoIP service like CallSky.io. There's no monthly commitment, and you only pay for the minutes you use at ultra-low rates.
- Monitor Your Usage: Keep an eye on your US Mobile dashboard to track your spending and make sure there are no unexpected charges.
FAQs about US Mobile International Calling
Let's answer a few frequently asked questions.
Does US Mobile include free international calling?
No, free international calling is not included in standard US Mobile plans. It is a paid add-on feature that you must enable by adding credits for pay-per-minute calls or by purchasing an International Talk bundle.
How much does US Mobile charge to call India/Mexico/Philippines?
Rates vary and change often. A call to Mexico might be a few cents per minute, while a call to India or the Philippines could be significantly more, especially to a mobile number. It's essential to check US Mobile's official rates page before dialing. For specific instructions on calling Mexico, check out our guide on how to call Mexico from the US.
Can I use US Mobile abroad?
Yes, you can use US Mobile when traveling abroad by purchasing one of their international data eSIMs for roaming. This is for using your phone in another country and is separate from calling internationally from the US.
What's the cheapest way to make international calls on US Mobile?
By far, the cheapest method is to use your US Mobile data or a WiFi connection with a VoIP calling app like CallSky.io. This allows you to call any landline or mobile number worldwide for just a few cents per minute, which is drastically cheaper than carrier rates.
Do I need to change my plan to call internationally?
No, you do not need to change your existing US Mobile plan. To enable international calling, you simply need to add funds (credits) to your account for pay-per-minute rates or purchase one of their International Talk add-ons through your dashboard.
Ready to slash your international calling costs without changing your US Mobile plan? CallSky.io lets you call landlines and mobiles worldwide for pennies. Get started with just $5 and see how much you can save. Try CallSky.io today.