How to Make Free Video Calls to Family Living Abroad
If you have children, grandchildren, or friends living in another country, you'll know how much you miss seeing their faces. The good news is that video calls to anywhere in the world are completely free — and once you know how, they're surprisingly simple to make. This guide explains everything you need to know, whichever device you're using.
Free Calls for Seniors
6/3/20262 min read
Do international video calls really cost nothing?
Yes — completely free. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet use your internet connection to make calls, rather than the phone network. That means there's no international call charge, no matter how far away the person is or how long you chat.
The only thing you'll need is a decent Wi-Fi connection at home. Your family abroad will need the same.
Which app should you use?
The best app depends on what device your family member has. Here's a simple guide:
WhatsApp — works on any smartphone (iPhone or Android). Both of you need to have WhatsApp installed, but it's free to download. This is the most popular choice for UK families calling relatives abroad.
FaceTime — only works between Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, or Mac). If your family member has an iPhone, this is beautifully simple to use.
Zoom — great for group calls with several family members at once. If you want to get the whole family together on screen, Zoom handles larger groups better than the others.
Google Meet — a good option if your family member uses Gmail or an Android phone. No app needed on a computer — it opens straight from a link.
What time should you call?
This is the part people often forget! If your family live in a different time zone, you'll need to work out the time difference before you call.
Here are some common examples for UK callers:
Australia (Sydney): 9–10 hours ahead of the UK (depending on the time of year)
Canada (Toronto): 5 hours behind the UK
Spain or France: 1 hour ahead of the UK
New Zealand: 11–13 hours ahead of the UK
A good rule of thumb: agree a regular time each week that works for both of you. A standing "Sunday call" with the family is something many people really look forward to.
Tips for a good video call
Find a well-lit spot. Sit facing a window rather than with your back to one — it makes a big difference to how clearly the other person can see you.
Use headphones if you have them. They cut out background noise and make it much easier to hear.
Keep your device steady. Propping your tablet or phone against something works better than holding it in your hand.
Don't worry if the picture freezes. It usually sorts itself out within a few seconds. If it doesn't, ending the call and starting again usually fixes it.
Step-by-step: Making your first WhatsApp video call abroad
Open WhatsApp on your phone or tablet
Tap the Calls button at the bottom of the screen
Tap the phone with a plus sign in the top right corner
Find the person's name in your contacts and tap it
Tap the video camera icon
Wait for them to answer — and enjoy your call!
That's genuinely all there is to it.
Ready to give it a try?
If you're not sure which app your family member uses, the easiest thing is to send them a message and ask. Once you both have the same app set up, your first video call is just a tap away.
For more step-by-step video calling guides, take a look around freecallsforseniors.co.uk — we cover WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet in full detail.
Know someone else with family living abroad? Share this guide with them — it might just help them make a call they've been putting off.
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