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You can make calls with apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Skype. But how useful is that really? And do you save money with it?
Calling with your mobile does not have to be expensive. With subscriptions you no longer pay per minute, but a fixed amount with which you can call a certain number of minutes or even unlimited. If you have a limited number of calling minutes available and you call outside your bundle, it can also be quite expensive within the Netherlands.
Calling abroad is often even more expensive. Fortunately, you can make calls via the internet. That seems free, but you also have to be careful with this.
How does calling with apps work?
Internet calling has been around for a long time. ‘Skyping’ with family or friends abroad has been a household name for years. Although the popularity of this program is somewhat on the decline: you can still do that with your computer or laptop and with your tablet and smartphone.
Calling over the internet is also known as VOIP. VOIP stands for Voice over IP, where IP refers to the Internet: sending a voice over a network. This VOIP technique was originally aimed at PCs but also works very well on your smartphone and tablet.
But beware: you always need an internet connection! If your mobile phone is connected to the WiFi network at home, you can make internet calls there with apps.
There are dozens of internet calling apps. The most popular are:
whatsapp
For free
Android and Apple smartphones
Windows PC and Mac PC, only in combination with a smartphone nearby
Access with WhatsApp account
Do not call landlines and mobile numbers directly
Facebook Messenger
For free
Android and Apple smartphone and tablet
Windows PC
Access with Facebook account
Do not call landlines and mobile numbers directly
skype
For free
Android and Apple smartphone and tablet
Windows, Mac and Linux PC
Access with Microsoft or Skype account
FaceTime
For free
Apple smart phone and tablet
Mac pc
Access with your mobile number or email address
Do not call landlines and mobile numbers directly
You can find these apps in the store for your device. Sometimes you need to create an account to use the app. With Messenger or WhatsApp this is not necessary if you already use them to send messages on your mobile.
The first step is to collect the contacts you want to add to your contact list. This can be done on the basis of a name, telephone number or e-mail address. Many messaging and calling programs automatically ask you if you want to add your existing contacts on your tablet or smartphone when you first set it up. Useful! So you no longer have to search for them separately on the internet. You can then simply call the people in your contact list by clicking on their name and indicating that you want to make contact.
Tutorials
This is how calling via Facebook Messenger works on an iPhone:
And so on an Android phone:
Would you also like to view such a handy step-by-step plan for calling via WhatsApp on an iPhone and an Android phone? Then click here.
Limits
A disadvantage of this way of calling is that you can only call people who have the same calling program on their mobile or tablet. For example, you cannot FaceTime with an Android phone with someone with an iPhone. But the wildly popular WhatsApp is now almost standard on all mobile phones. Many people are therefore easily accessible.
The calling connection via the internet is sometimes better than regular mobile calls, but sometimes it is also worse. The experiences here at the editors vary and sometimes it’s just a matter of trying both.