Best Ways to Call Home from Canada: International Calling Compared
The best way to call home from Canada for most people is a free internet app like WhatsApp over Wi-Fi or data. If you need to reach a landline or someone without the same app, a cheap VoIP service or an international calling add-on on your SIM works better. The right pick depends on who you're calling and whether they use apps too.
Quick note: VoIP means "voice over internet protocol" — calls carried over the internet instead of the traditional phone network, usually much cheaper for long distance.
Key takeaways
- App-to-app calls (WhatsApp, Messenger, others) are free over Wi-Fi or data — best when both sides use the app.
- To call a phone number directly, VoIP credit or an international add-on is usually cheaper than default rates.
- Wi-Fi calling saves data but needs a stable connection; mobile data works anywhere you have signal.
- Confirm any add-on's included countries and rates on the provider's site before you rely on it.
- A local Canadian SIM keeps your data costs predictable, which matters for app calls on the go.
What is the cheapest way to call home from Canada?
The cheapest way is almost always a free calling app when the person you're reaching uses the same app. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Signal, and similar apps carry voice and video over the internet at no extra charge beyond your data or Wi-Fi. For families who both have smartphones, this covers most calls for free.
This is a great fit for readers keeping in touch between Canada and home — for example, Bangladesh-to-Canada families often rely on WhatsApp for daily calls. Our post on using WhatsApp in Canada without a Canadian number explains how to keep your existing account working.
How do I call a landline or non-app number back home?
To call a regular phone number, use a VoIP service with calling credit or an international add-on on your mobile plan. Not everyone uses apps, and some relatives only have a landline. In those cases, app-to-app calling isn't an option, so you dial the actual number through a service built for cheap international calls.
Here's how the main options compare:
| Method | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Calling apps (WhatsApp, etc.) | Both sides have the same app | Needs internet on both ends |
| VoIP credit services | Calling any phone number cheaply | Rates vary by country; check first |
| International add-on on your SIM | Regular calls without extra apps | Confirm included countries and minutes |
| Standard direct dialling | Occasional quick calls | Often the most expensive option |
If your plan offers an international calling add-on, check exactly which countries and rates it covers before you count on it. [VERIFY: confirm which international calling inclusions or add-ons apply to current Get Canada SIM plans.] You can compare plans to see what's available.
Should I use Wi-Fi or mobile data for calls?
Use Wi-Fi when you have a stable connection to save your mobile data, and switch to data when you're out and about. App calls work over both. On solid home or cafe Wi-Fi, calls won't touch your data allowance at all. On the move, your mobile data keeps calls going wherever you have signal.
A few tips to keep calls smooth:
- Prefer Wi-Fi for long video calls to save data and get better quality.
- On mobile data, voice calls use far less than video — pick voice if your data is tight.
- Watch your data if you call often on the go; see how much data you need in Canada.
- A local SIM with a clear data amount makes app-call costs predictable.
Setting up a Canadian SIM before arrival keeps this simple. Read how it works to get started.
Do I need a Canadian number to call home?
No. You can call home using apps over Wi-Fi or data without any Canadian number at all. A Canadian number matters for being reached locally — by employers, landlords, and Canadian services — not for calling abroad. Many newcomers keep their home number active on a second SIM for family contact while using a Canadian number for local life.
For authoritative guidance on affordable communication and consumer rights around phone services in Canada, the CRTC (Canada's telecom regulator) is a reliable reference.
FAQ
Is WhatsApp calling really free in Canada? Yes, WhatsApp voice and video calls are free beyond the data or Wi-Fi they use. If you're on Wi-Fi, they cost nothing extra. On mobile data, they only use your data allowance, and voice calls use very little.
What's the cheapest way to call a landline overseas? A VoIP credit service is usually cheapest for landlines, since app-to-app calling won't reach a landline. Compare per-minute rates for the specific country you're calling, as they vary widely between providers and destinations.
Will an international add-on save me money? It can, if you regularly call phone numbers rather than app users. Add-ons bundle international minutes at lower rates than standard dialling. Always check which countries and how many minutes are included before assuming it fits your calling habits.
Can I keep my home SIM for calls and use a Canadian SIM for data? Yes, with a dual SIM phone you can run both. Many people keep their home number for family calls and texts and use a Canadian SIM for data and local calls. It's a common setup for newcomers.
Does calling home use a lot of data? Voice calls over apps use relatively little data, while video calls use much more. If your data is limited, stick to voice on mobile and save video for Wi-Fi. Long daily video calls are where data adds up fastest.
Want predictable data for daily calls home? Compare plans and set up your Canadian SIM before you land.