Prepaid Plans with the Best International Calling Options
Whether you’re keeping in touch with family overseas or working with clients across borders, your phone plan should make international calling simple—and affordable. Thankfully, several prepaid carriers offer strong international call and text features without locking you into a contract. Here’s how to stay connected globally without blowing your monthly budget.
What to Look for in an International Calling Plan
- Low per-minute rates or free calls to select countries
- Support for international texting
- Add-on flexibility (pay only when needed)
- Roaming options for travel abroad
- Wi-Fi calling support to avoid roaming charges
Top Prepaid Plans for International Calling
- Mint Mobile – Affordable Add-Ons with Global Reach
Mint Mobile offers two international solutions:
- Free international calling to Mexico and Canada
- UpRoam credits for low-cost calls and texts to 160+ countries
Wi-Fi calling is also supported for overseas use if you’re on a solid internet connection.
Explore Mint Mobile features
- Google Fi – Best for Frequent Travelers
Google Fi’s “Flexible” and “Unlimited Plus” plans include international calling and texting in 200+ countries, with data charged at the same U.S. rate.
Bonus: Calls over Wi-Fi help reduce traditional roaming fees.
Check international rates on Google Fi - Ultra Mobile – Designed for Global Users
Ultra Mobile builds international features into every plan. You’ll get:
- Unlimited calling to 80+ destinations
- Up to $5 international credit included
- Optional add-ons for countries outside the core list
Visit Ultra Mobile
- Lycamobile – Long-Distance Powerhouse
Known for its global-first focus, Lycamobile offers low-cost calling to countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Best for: Users with specific international calling needs, such as India, Nigeria, or the UK.
Explore Lycamobile plans - Tello – Flexible Add-Ons for Casual International Callers
Tello includes free calls to Canada, Mexico, and China with many plans and offers pay-as-you-go international rates for others. You can check country-specific costs before you call.
View Tello international rates
Comparison Snapshot
| Carrier | Free Intl Calls | Add-Ons Available | Roaming Supported | Best Use Case |
| Mint Mobile | Yes (Canada, Mexico) | Yes (UpRoam) | Yes (limited) | Occasional callers |
| Google Fi | Yes (200+ countries) | N/A | Yes | Frequent travelers |
| Ultra Mobile | Yes (80+ countries) | Yes | Limited | Global families |
| Lycamobile | Yes (varied by plan) | Yes | Limited | Ethnic communities |
| Tello | Yes (Canada, Mexico, China) | Yes | No | Light international use |
How to Maximize Your International Calling Experience
- Use Wi-Fi calling whenever possible to reduce roaming charges
- Preload calling credits through your carrier’s app if traveling
- Combine with apps like WhatsApp or Signal when data-based calling works better
- Track rates for the countries you contact most to avoid surprises
Final Thoughts
Prepaid plans are no longer just for domestic use. With the right carrier, you can stay globally connected without the hassle of hidden fees or long-term contracts. Whether you’re placing weekly family calls abroad or managing a small business with international clients, prepaid solutions now deliver the clarity, control, and cost-effectiveness you need.
