Top International Calling MVNOs in 2025
1. Lycamobile
International Plans:
- • Unlimited International: $23/mo (100+ countries)
- • Unlimited National + International: $39/mo
- • Plus International: $50/mo (unlimited everything)
Key Features:
- • Crystal-clear HD voice quality
- • No connection fees
- • Mobile app for easy management
Why it's #1: Lycamobile offers the most comprehensive international calling coverage with competitive rates. Their unlimited plans include landlines and mobiles in over 100 countries, making it perfect for frequent international callers.
Get Lycamobile International Plan →2. Mint Mobile
International Options:
- • International roaming in 180+ countries
- • Pay-as-you-go international calls
- • UpRoam credit for global use
Rates:
- • Mexico: $0.02/min
- • Canada: $0.02/min
- • India: $0.023/min
3. Ultra Mobile
International Plans:
- • Unlimited to 90+ countries: $25/mo
- • Unlimited Plus: $45/mo (HD streaming)
- • Family plans with international calling
Unique Features:
- • International roaming included
- • WiFi calling support
- • Multi-language customer support
4. Google Fi
International Features:
- • Data in 200+ countries (no extra charge)
- • Affordable international calling rates
- • Unlimited texting worldwide
Travel Benefits:
- • Same data rate globally
- • No roaming fees
- • Automatic network switching
5. H2O Wireless
International Options:
- • Unlimited talk to 50+ countries
- • International credit bundles
- • Pay-as-you-go rates available
Coverage:
- • AT&T network coverage
- • No contracts required
- • Keep your number
International Calling Plans Comparison
| Carrier | Starting Price | Countries | Best For | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycamobile | $23/mo | 100+ | Unlimited calling | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | $15/mo + rates | 180+ | Occasional calls | T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | $25/mo | 90+ | Families | T-Mobile |
| Google Fi | $20/mo + rates | 200+ | International travel | Multiple |
| H2O Wireless | $20/mo | 50+ | Budget users | AT&T |
* Prices shown are starting prices. International calling features and coverage vary by plan.
How to Choose the Best International Calling Plan
1. Identify Your Calling Patterns
• Frequency: Daily calls need unlimited plans, occasional calls can use pay-per-minute
• Countries: Check if your most-called countries are included
• Duration: Long conversations benefit from unlimited plans
• Type: Landline vs mobile rates can differ significantly
2. Compare Coverage by Region
Best for Asia:
- • Lycamobile - India, Bangladesh, Philippines
- • Ultra Mobile - China, Japan, Korea
- • Google Fi - Southeast Asia travel
Best for Americas:
- • Mint Mobile - Mexico, Canada
- • Lycamobile - Central & South America
- • H2O Wireless - Caribbean islands
3. Consider Additional Features
Mobile App
Manage calls and credit easily
Auto-Recharge
Never run out of minutes
WiFi Calling
Call from anywhere with internet
4. Calculate Your Savings
Example: Calling India for 2 hours daily
Major Carrier
$360/mo
($0.30/min)
Pay-per-minute MVNO
$72/mo
($0.06/min)
Lycamobile Unlimited
$23/mo
(Unlimited)
Save $337/month with Lycamobile!
Start Saving Now →Special Considerations for International Calling
Connection Quality Factors
- • HD Voice: Look for carriers supporting crystal-clear HD calling
- • Network Priority: MVNOs may have lower priority during congestion
- • WiFi Calling: Essential backup for poor cellular coverage
- • VoLTE Support: Better quality and faster connections
Hidden Costs to Avoid
- • Connection Fees: Some charge per-call fees on top of minutes
- • Rounding: Watch for 1-minute minimum or rounding up
- • Expiring Credit: Unused minutes may expire monthly
- • Weekend Rates: Some have higher weekend/holiday rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current phone number with an international calling MVNO?
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Yes! All major MVNOs support number porting. The process typically takes 2-24 hours and is free. You'll need your current account number and PIN/password from your existing carrier. Most MVNOs will even give you a temporary number to use during the porting process.
What's the difference between unlimited international calling plans?
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Not all "unlimited" plans are equal. Key differences include:
- • Country coverage: Ranges from 50 to 100+ countries
- • Device types: Some only include landlines, others include mobiles
- • Call quality: HD voice vs standard quality
- • Fair use policies: Some limit to 1000-5000 minutes despite "unlimited" label
Lycamobile offers true unlimited calling to both landlines and mobiles in 100+ countries.
Can I use WhatsApp or other apps instead of international calling plans?
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Yes, apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are great alternatives for international communication. However, traditional calling plans are still valuable because:
- • You can reach landlines and non-smartphone users
- • No internet connection required for either party
- • Better reliability and call quality in many regions
- • Professional/business calls often require traditional numbers
Do international calling plans work while traveling abroad?
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It depends on the carrier and plan:
- • Google Fi: Best for international roaming - same rates globally
- • Ultra Mobile: Includes international roaming in many plans
- • Lycamobile: Offers separate international roaming packages
- • Most MVNOs: Support WiFi calling for use abroad
Always check roaming policies before traveling. WiFi calling is often the most cost-effective option when abroad.
How much can I really save with an MVNO international plan?
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Savings can be dramatic - typically 70-90% compared to major carriers. For example:
- • Verizon to India: $0.30/min vs Lycamobile: Unlimited for $23/mo
- • AT&T to Mexico: $0.35/min vs Mint Mobile: $0.02/min
- • T-Mobile international: $0.25/min vs Ultra Mobile: Unlimited for $25/mo
Heavy international callers can save $200-500+ monthly by switching to an MVNO.
What's the catch with cheap international calling plans?
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While MVNOs offer great value, there are some trade-offs to consider:
- • Network priority: May experience slower speeds during congestion
- • Customer service: Often online-only support
- • Store locations: Limited or no physical stores
- • Phone financing: Usually need to buy phones outright
For most users, these trade-offs are worth the significant savings, especially if international calling is a priority.
Our Recommendations by User Type
🌍 Daily International Callers
If you call internationally every day, you need a true unlimited plan.
Best Choice: Lycamobile
100+ countries, no limits, from $23/month
✈️ International Travelers
Need coverage that works seamlessly across borders.
Best Choice: Google Fi
Same rates in 200+ countries, no roaming fees
💰 Budget-Conscious Users
Occasional international calls, want lowest cost.
Best Choice: Mint Mobile
Low base price + competitive per-minute rates
👨👩👧👦 Families
Multiple lines with international calling needs.
Best Choice: Ultra Mobile
Family plans with shared international minutes
Ready to Save on International Calls?
Join thousands who've cut their international calling costs by 90%