With advancements in internet connectivity, video calling has become a prevalent mode of communication globally. Engaging in face-to-face conversations offers a more immersive and personal experience compared to text messaging or standard calls. FaceTime stands out as one of the most widely used video calling applications, owing to its dependability and the widespread popularity of the iPhone. How to use FaceTime free internationally

Unlike other video conferencing applications, FaceTime operates exclusively on Apple devices, including the iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Therefore, before using FaceTime, you need to confirm that your intended recipients possess at least one of the aforementioned Apple devices.

A frequently asked question about FaceTime is, “Does FaceTime charge for international calls?” In this article, we will comprehensively address this query and offer handy advice on how to utilize FaceTime free of charge during your travels.  Without any further ado, let’s delve right in!

How FaceTime works

As mentioned earlier, FaceTime is the default video calling app on all Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. To use FaceTime, you must have an Apple ID. Some might be confused that FaceTime is the same as cellular calling with a number. However, like any other video app, using FaceTime is not a cellular calling and it requires you to have a stable internet connection. Now that FaceTime supports full HD video calls, you will need to have fast and stable internet to take advantage of this feature.

Is FaceTime free internationally? Can you FaceTime internationally?

Yes, FaceTime is free to use internationally, and it does not incur additional international calling fees as it operates on data (either WiFi or cellular data). You can make FaceTime calls free of charge, whether you’re at home or traveling. Your carrier won’t levy any extra charges for using FaceTime unless you’re subscribed to a data plan. All you need are data bundles and a reliable internet connection (preferably LTE or 5G). If available, you can also use a WiFi connection to make FaceTime calls.

However, it’s worth noting that FaceTime isn’t supported in certain regions, such as the UAE, where all forms of internet calling are banned. But if your travels take you to Europe and other western countries, FaceTime is permitted and free. It’s an excellent option for travelers as it only necessitates subscribing to a data bundle, with no additional fees.

Still, FaceTime does consume a considerable amount of data, particularly for high-resolution video calls. Therefore, it’s crucial to opt for reasonably priced data bundles to avoid accruing substantial costs from FaceTime calls when you’re traveling.

Is FaceTime free internationally using WiFi?

Yes, Facetime is free to use internationally when you are connected to WiFi. Facetime calls made over WiFi do not incur any additional charges, regardless of whether you are calling someone in your own country or overseas. But as we mentioned earlier, you and the person you are calling need to have an Apple device that supports FaceTime, and the person you are calling also needs to be connected to WiFi or cellular data.

Is FaceTime free internationally using cellular data?

Yes, FaceTime is also free internationally, even when connected to cellular data. So, if you don’t have access to a WiFi connection, you will still be able to communicate with your people back home as long as you have data on your device. You will be using the data plan that you subscribed to or added on your device for FaceTime, not the local calls, so there won’t be any extra charges for FaceTime only. If you care about security, using cellular data on your device is a much better alternative than public WiFi.

How to use FaceTime internationally

To utilize FaceTime internationally, you need an Apple device that supports it and your Apple ID logged in. FaceTime-compatible devices include iPhone 4 or later, all models of iPad Pro, iPad 2 or later, all models of iPad mini, iPod touch 4th generation or later, and all Macs that support macOS 10.9.2 or later.

The advantage is that FaceTime comes pre-installed on all these devices. You can follow the steps below to configure and start using FaceTime:

1. You need to ensure your device is connected to the internet.
2. Once you are connected to the internet, launch the FaceTime app.
3. Log into your devices with your Apple ID if you are not signed in.
4. Start making calls. You can call anyone using their phone number or their email address. If the phone number doesn’t work, try using their Apple ID email.
5. To make a call, simply tap the “video” button to initiate the call. Make sure the other person is connected to the internet. It is usually best to inform them about the call ahead of time. To end the call, tap the same button you used to start the call.

FAQ about using FaceTime How to use FaceTime free internationally

• How much data does FaceTime call use?

The data consumed depends on the video quality you choose. In most cases, a FaceTime audio call uses about 3MB of data per minute. Video calls usually take about 15MB of data per minute for a standard-quality call and up to 70MB of data per minute for a high-quality call. Compared to other video apps, FaceTime can be used with less data.

• Do FaceTime calls cost money?

All FaceTime calls (audio and video) are free if your device has internet access. (WiFi or cellular data). If you don’t have WiFi, it is best you research price-friendly data plans since FaceTime uses much data, especially if you intend to make several lengthy calls.

• Who pays for a FaceTime call?

FaceTime calls made over WiFi, or cellular data are free of charge. Neither Apple nor your domestic provider will charge for making FaceTime calls. If you have an active data bundle or a WiFi connection, you don’t need to pay any extra money to make FaceTime calls.

• Is FaceTime better than calling?

In most situations, FaceTime is better than traditional calling. It can provide a more immersive and personal experience, especially for video calls. Seeing the person you’re talking to can help you feel more connected. With the recent version of iOS, FaceTime also has new cool features, such as SharePlay, that many people find very useful.

Final thoughts How to use FaceTime free internationally

As mentioned throughout the article, FaceTime is a free service for anyone with an Apple device that supports it. Not only that, you can use FaceTime for free also internationally. Whether you are connected to WiFi or cellular data, neither your carrier nor Apple will charge you for using FaceTime. However, if you need to avoid incurring huge cellular data charges, you may want to consider checking out some of the best of Europe’s eSIM data plans: