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If you're seeking guidance on discovering the best prepaid cardfor international calls, this post is for you. We've gathered a range of alternatives that will help you uncover the array of plans and rates accessible in the market. You can decide whether they align with your travel needs and preferences, be it cost-effectiveness, flexibility, coverage, supplementary perks, and other aspects we'll delve into later.
Before you start checking out these options, make sure you think about how long you'll be traveling, how much you usually chat on the phone, and whether you know anyone in the place you're heading to. These things will help you figure out what kind of plan suits you best: one all about calls, a mix of calls and data, or just data to communicate through apps like WhatsApp and iMessage.
Which prepaid card is the ultimate choice for international calls?
Indeed, the best prepaid card offering international calls it's the one that fits into your mobile device, freeing you up to chat away without worrying about those wallet-busting roaming charges while abroad. Moreover, it throws in some extra perks so you can keep your family and friends close no matter where you are.
So, you've got two options to pick from: the classic physical SIM cardor the modern virtual SIM card. With either choice, you load up the exact mobile services you need for your journey, all paid upfront, and say goodbye to those contracts or long-term ties. To explain, here we break down the essentials of each option:
Virtual Prepaid Card
Virtual Prepaid SIM Card with Data and Calls from Holafly / Source: Holafly
The digital counterpart of the SIM cards we insert in our phones, the virtual prepaid SIM card operates using a smaller chip than the Nano-SIM. It's all embedded into eSIM-compatible cell phones, allowing you to flexibly activate various data and call plans concurrently with a simple tweak to your phone's settings.
Right now, it's the handiest solution for activating a worldwide plan that covers your calling and data needs. Now, if you're mulling over the best choice, we suggest you glance at the Holafly Virtual Prepaid Card. It delivers a range of adaptable plans for numerous international stops, all at pocket-friendly rates. Plus, it's super user-friendly and comes with bonus perks to enhance your journey from start to finish.
Indeed, a great deal of mobile providers is tossing the virtual prepaid SIM card (eSIM) into their mix of products and services. However, most of these are aimed at regular customers, with only a handful considering the itinerants. Therefore, double-check if your phone's got the compatibility stamp before you decide.
Physical Prepaid Card
Prepaid Card with Calls from Vodafone. Source: Amazon
The physical prepaid card stands as the prime choice for devices that support Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM, and Nano-SIM cards. It features remarkable versatility, seamlessly fitting into nearly any unlocked mobile device that's compatible with the foreign carrier's network. Moreover, topping up is a breeze, offering numerous adaptable plans and rates.
Depending on the country you’re visiting, you'll come across major cell phone giants like Vodafone, Orange, Optus, T-Mobile, O2, AT&T, Telstra, and more. So, when it comes to grasping a prepaid card for local use, the process won't be too complex as long as you meet the prerequisites.
Where can you buy a prepaid calling card?
When you're on the hunt for the best prepaid calling card for international use, you've got a handful of options:
Online retailers: You can score prepaid SIM cards (both physical and virtual) from online stores, be they mobile operators or specialized internet providers.
Mobile operator outlets: Most operators have their customer service centers and authorized outlets dispersed all over the country where you can shop for prepaid chips (physical and virtual).
Airports: Drop by the airport – it's a hotspot for discovering prepaid cards from various operators, each offering diverse local usage plans and rates.
What's in the virtual prepaid card and its cost?
The content of a prepaid (virtual) card can differ depending on the provider. For instance, let's look at Holafly's deal: it packs unlimited calls and data across Europe. This simplifies the comparison with other choices, backing you in spotting the best alternative for your upcoming global adventure.
Prepaid rates from Holafly
Days
Mobile data
Minutes for talking
Price in US dollars
5 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$19.00
7 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$27.00
10 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$34.00
15 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$47.00
20 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$54.00
30 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$64.00
60 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$87.00
90 days
Unlimited
60 minutes for making and 60 minutes for receiving calls.
$99.00
Table 1: Prepaid card rates from Holafly with data and calls
Coverage of Holafly's prepaid (virtual) card
Currently, Holafly's prepaid (virtual) card encompasses various European locations, as outlined in the following list:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Europe (32 countries)
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Benefits of Holafly's Virtual Prepaid SIM Card
Opting for a virtual prepaid card with unlimited calls and data presents forth a range of advantages. This entails not only the ability to make traditional voice calls but also a data package that lets you stay connected through instant messaging apps without roaming charges. In detail, here's what you gain with Holafly:
60 minutes for outgoing calls from anywhere in Europe, **excluding Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey.
60 minutes for incoming calls from any country.
You're equipped with an Austrian number (+43) for seamless communication within Europe.
Unlimited data plans for varying usage durations.
Your WhatsApp usage stays unaffected, allowing you to call and message.
The virtual prepaid card is delivered instantly.
The Top Up option enables you to recharge for a new plan.
Diverse plans and rates, giving you the flexibility to pick the best choice.
Streamlined buying and use, freeing you from depending on others.
Round-the-clock customer service in English to assist you at any hour.
What's in the physical prepaid card and its cost?
Transitioning to the physical prepaid card, it's worth noting that operators typically provide complimentary SIM cards, leaving users to simply top up the prepaid plan that aligns with their needs. To clarify this, we have compiled the tariffs of the leading American, British, and Australian mobile operators.
Vodafone prepaid mobile rate - UK
Prepaid rate
What does it include?
Price and days of use
Pay as you go 10 bundle
Domestic: 21 GB, unlimited local texts, and minutes To call abroad, 8-day Europe Minutes Extra is added for 5$ for 100 minutes of calls to European destinations.
$12/30 days + $5 to call abroad
Pay as you go 15 bundle
Domestic: 60 GB, unlimited local texts, and minutes To call abroad, 8-day Europe Minutes Extra is added for 5$ for 100 minutes of calls to European destinations.
$19 / 30 days + $5 to call abroad
Pay as you go 20 bundle
Domestic: 120 GB, unlimited local texts, and minutes To call abroad, 8-day Europe Minutes Extra is added for 5$ for 100 minutes of calls to European destinations.
$25 / 30 days + $5 to call abroad
Pay as you go 30 bundle
Domestic: 300 GB, unlimited local texts, and minutes To call abroad, 8-day Europe Minutes Extra is added for 5$ for 100 minutes of calls to European destinations.
$38 / 30 days + $5 to call abroad
Pay as you go 40 bundle
Domestic: unlimited local data, texts and minutes To call abroad, 8-day Europe Minutes Extra is added for 5$ for 100 minutes of calls to European destinations.
$50 / 30 days + $5 to call abroad
Table 2: Prepaid Rates for Vodafone UK. Source: Vodafone UK
**Important to realize that when buying the Vodafone prepaid mobile card online, you'll need to complete a form requesting a British phone number and a verified address for plastic chip delivery.
Coverage of Vodafone Prepaid Card for International Calls
With the Vodafone UK prepaid SIM card, you can make international calls from the UK to destinations listed within our coverage, as detailed below:
Aland Islands
Austria
Azores
Balearic Islands
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canary Islands
Croatia
Cyprus, except Northern Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France (incl. Corsica)
French Guiana
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Guadeloupe
Guernsey
Hungary
Italy
Jersey
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madeira
Malta
Martinique
Mayotte
Monaco
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Reunion
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
St. Barthelemy
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Vatican City
Prepaid Packages from AT&T- USA
Prepaid rate
What does it include?
Price and days of use
AT&T prepaid 5GB
5 GB of high-speed local data, unlimited text, and calls You can use these services also in Mexico and Canada
$30 / 30 days
AT&T prepaid 15GB
15 GB of high-speed local data, unlimited text, and calls You can use these services also in Mexico and Canada
$40 / 30 days
AT&T prepaid Unlimited
Unlimited high-speed local data, text and calls You can use these services also in Mexico and Canada (up to 25 GB only)
$65 / 30 days
Table 3: Prepaid Rates for AT&T USA. Source: AT&T USA
AT&T prepaid plans are a good option for tourists in the country. This is one of the main operators and has 5G speed navigation in almost all the territory. Buying it locally requires a passport, personal information and confirm the IMEI of your phone. To opt for international minutes you have to hire an Add-on.
AT&T Prepaid Card International Call Coverage
It is important to mention that in order to qualify for these additional destinations we must pay $10 for the international calling add on our prepaid SIM card. This will give us 250 minutes to call from USA to 70 other destinations in the world:
Aland Islands
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Bermuda
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Easter Island
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
French Guiana
Germany
Greece
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Japan
Jersey
Kuwait
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Mexico
Mongolia
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Reunion Island
Romania
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
South Korea
Spain
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
Vatican City
Prepaid Mobile Plan from Telstra - Australia
Prepaid rate
What does it include?
Price and days of use
SIM Starter Kit3 GB
3 GB on 4G/LTE or 5G Unlimited local texts and calls 100 SMS messages
$12 / 7 days
SIM Starter Kit35 GB
35 GB on 4G/LTE or 5G Unlimited local texts and calls 300 minutes to zone 1, 60 minutes to zone 2, and 5 minutes to zone 3
$35 / 28 days
SIM Starter Kit 45 GB
45 GB on 4G/LTE or 5G Unlimited local texts and calls 500 minutes to zone 1, 100 minutes to zone 2, and 10 minutes to zone 3
$45 / 28 days
Table 4: Prepaid Rates for Telstra Australia. Source: Telstra Australia
Before using the Telstra prepaid mobile card, ensure your device is unlocked and roaming is enabled on your cell phone. Another key point is that this card includes 5G browsing speed whenever available, although this type of network is not 100% consolidated in the country.
Coverage of International Calls with Telstra Prepaid Card
In the case of this operator, it divides its minutes for international calls by coverage zones, specifically three zones. The coverage for each one are:
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA, US Virgin Islands, Vietnam
Argentina, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Faroe Islands, French Guiana, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, France, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Mongolia, Palestinian Authority, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Slovak Republic, Venezuela
Having assessed the array of prepaid cards offering international calls (both physical and virtual), it's now time to contrast and choose the best alternative. And what could be more fitting than a review of the attributes of each option, empowering you to make an informed decision for your journey?
Plans and rates
Holafly: offers eight plans providing unlimited calls and data, spanning from five to 90 days.
Vodafone UK: Offers four data plans that include unlimited local calls and messages, all valid for 30 days.
AT&T USA: features three plans, including GB and both domestic and international minutes, all valid for 30 days.
Telstra Australia: Three plans with data, local calls and messages are available. Includes international calls without add-on.
International Calling Scope
Holafly: Enjoy incoming calls from any country and make outbound calls across Europe, excluding Iceland, Norway, the UK, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Plus, ensure synchronization between your SIM card and contacts.
Vodafone UK: You have to pay 5$ more to get 100 minutes to use in 8 days for calls to Europe.
AT&T USA: you can call to Mexico and Canada, but for other destinations you must pay an add-on of 10$ for 250 minutes.
Telstra Australia: Includes international calls in its plans but divides the minutes by coverage zones.
Bonus perks
Holafly: Keep your WhatsApp number, receive the virtual prepaid card instantly, accessible for purchase anywhere, no binding contracts, option to top up plans, flexible rates, smooth buying, and utilization experience, and 24/7 customer support available in English.
Vodafone UK: Easily buy and activate online various plans and rates, along with inclusive BONUS options that can be topped up with different services to enhance your plans.
AT&T USA: Prepaid packages designed for diverse mobile needs and budgets, featuring inclusive roaming and coverage in Mexico and Canada.
Telstra Australia: Customized plans tailored for travelers, providing purchase choices and online recharge options.
Which prepaid card is ideal for international calls?
To ensure you find the best prepaid card for international calls, it's essential to research thoroughly and compare multiple options before deciding. In this post, we've compiled the most popular choices favored by travelers. This way, you can dig into the specifics and pick the card that aligns best with your travel needs and budget.
In our view, Holafly stands as the top choice for a prepaid mobile card with calls. Several factors contribute to this, such as affordability, user-friendliness, flexible rate options, and comprehensive local, regional, and international coverage, making it the most practical method for making calls or utilizing a data plan.
However, let's leave it to the experiences of fellow travelers to share their stories with Holafly's prepaid calling card. Here's what they have to say...
“What a fantastic experience! Our daughter traveled to Europe and had taken another SIM card with her. After trying for 2 days to get it to work with no support from the supplier we contacted Holafly. After answering many, many, many, MANY questions for us we got our daughter all hooked up with data. Thank you SO very much Mateo!
Lisa Ponto, August 04, 2023, on trustpilot.com
FAQs about the prepaid calling card
How does an international calling prepaid mobile card operate?
The prepaid mobile card functions by using a SIM card inserted into your cellphone or through eSIM technology. Either option enables you to load up plans with the necessary services to communicate abroad.
What are the charges for international calls?
The cost varies based on your selected mobile operator or provider for your international calling plan. In general, per-minute rates are established for both outgoing and incoming calls, deducted from the value of your top-up.
Can I use the prepaid card for calls across different countries?
Holafly's virtual prepaid card for Europe permits incoming calls from any country and outgoing calls within Europe, excluding Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. For other options, please confirm with your chosen provider.
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