How to Use WhatsApp Internationally Smart Way

It is easy to use WhatsApp internationally for staying connected while being abroad. 

With the development of the Internet, you can now stay in touch with people back home while traveling through messaging apps like WhatsApp instead of using a landline phone to make traditional analog phone calls or text messages. Here is how to use WhatsApp internationally the smart way (for FREE if possible) and even reduce the data consumed.

I. What is Whatsapp?

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app used internationally. It allows you to send texts, make voice and video calls, and share photos for FREE over wifi. WhatsApp is encrypted for privacy. You can use it to communicate with individuals or groups of up to 256 people. It works across different phone platforms. WhatsApp can be very useful for travelers to stay connected globally. You can use WhatsApp to make international calls, not just within the country you are visiting.

II. How does WhatsApp work internationally?

WhatsApp uses the Internet to send messages, make calls and share media. As long as you have WiFi or mobile data, you can use it to communicate internationally. You can message individuals or groups up to 256 people worldwide on WhatsApp. It works across countries without fee. 

WhatsApp vs. SMS – Compare Key Differences

Here are key differences between Whatsapp and SMS:

Feature	WhatsApp	SMS
Network Used	Internet	Cellular
Encryption	End-to-End	None
Features	Messaging, calls, media sharing, group chats	Text messages only
Cost	Free	Per message fee
Message Delivery	Instant over internet	Can be delayed
Advanced Features	Read receipts, typing indicators, online status	Very limited
Cross-Platform	Works on any smartphone	Limited by mobile carrier

III. Is using WhatsApp while traveling secure?

Yes, using WhatsApp while traveling abroad is secure because:

• End-to-end encryption – Messages and calls are secured with encryption so only you and the recipient can read or listen.
• Two-step verification – Adds extra security with a PIN to help prevent unauthorized access.
• Backups are encrypted – Backups on Google Drive are encrypted for additional privacy.
• No third-party ads – WhatsApp does not collect data for advertising purposes.

Note: Be careful when connecting to a free or public WiFi network. Connecting to a password-protected WiFi hotspot or wireless data services can increase safety.

IV. How to use WhatsApp internationally – What can you do with WhatsApp abroad?

There are many things you can do with WhatsApp abroad. People using WhatsApp can be regular consumers, travelers, businessmen. 

Here are what you can do with WhatsApp:

• Text messaging – Send texts to individuals or groups for free over WiFi.
• Voice calls – Make free VoIP calls to other users over the internet.
• Video calls – Make free video calls to have face-to-face conversations.
• Media sharing – Send photos, videos, audio, documents easily.
• Group chats – Chat with up to 256 people in group conversations.
• Offline messages – Messages are delivered once you reconnect to the internet.
• Location sharing – Share where you are on a live map.
• International number – Get a virtual number for your WhatsApp account.
• Voice notes – record and send audio notes in place of text messages. This makes communication easy and quick especially when you are on the go.

V. Benefits of using WhatsApp internationally – Compared with others

Here are some key benefits of using WhatsApp for international messaging:

• Free – No extra fees for international texts if both users have WhatsApp and internet access. Saves money compared to international SMS rates.
• Works anywhere – Seamlessly messages across countries as long as both have WhatsApp. No international setup required.
• Media sharing – Can send photos, videos, voice messages at no extra cost. More flexible than standard SMS.
• Group chats – Allows groups with international friends and family. Useful for staying connected.
• End-to-end encryption – Messages are secured with end-to-end encryption for privacy.
• Cross-platform – Available on iOS, Android, and web. Convenient for messaging from any device.
• Popular globally – Over 2 billion users worldwide makes it easy for international contacts to access.

VI. How to get started with WhatsApp?

Here are the steps to get started with WhatsApp:

1. Download the app – Go to the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) and search for “WhatsApp”. Download and install the app.
2. Verify your number – Open WhatsApp and it will detect your phone number. WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS to confirm your number. Enter this code when prompted.
3. Set your profile – Add your profile name and optional profile picture that will be visible to your contacts.
4. Allow contacts access – Allow WhatsApp to access your phone’s contacts so it can detect who else uses WhatsApp.
5. Connect to WiFi or mobile data – WhatsApp requires an internet connection to send messages. Connect to WiFi or enable mobile data.
6. Start messaging – Open a new chat by tapping the chat icon in the top right. Search for a contact or number to start chatting.
7. Enable notifications – For real-time alerts, go into WhatsApp Settings > Notifications and enable pop-up and sound alerts.
8. Know when messages are read – Read receipts show when your messages have been read by the recipient. Toggle this on in WhatsApp Settings.

VII. What to do if WhatsApp is not activated?

Here are some steps to try if WhatsApp is not activated:

• Check internet connection – Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi or mobile data. WhatsApp requires an internet connection to activate.
• Update the app – Go to your app store and make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Older versions may not activate.
• Reinstall WhatsApp – If the app is stuck, uninstall WhatsApp completely and reinstall a fresh copy from the app store.
• Verify your number – Open WhatsApp and check that your number listed is correct. Re-enter your full phone number with country code to receive a new verification SMS.
• Request a call – Tap the “Call Me” option when verifying your number. This will call your phone so you can verify without an SMS.
• Use a different number – Try activating WhatsApp with a different phone number to see if the issue is specific to your number.
• Contact WhatsApp – If still facing activation issues, contact WhatsApp support through the in-app settings or email [email protected] for troubleshooting help.
• Restart your phone – As a last resort, restart your phone completely and try activating WhatsApp again from scratch.

VIII. How to install eSIM for WhatsApp?

Here are the detailed steps to install an eSIM for using WhatsApp:

1. Receive eSIM – Get an eSIM from your mobile carrier. It will come with a QR code or manual activation code.
2. Install eSIM Profile – Depending on each eSIM provider that you scan the QR code sent in your email or in your carrier’s eSIM app or enter the activation code to download the eSIM profile. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the eSIM on your phone.
3. Activate eSIM – Go into your phone’s cellular settings and enable the newly installed eSIM as the active mobile plan. Disable your physical SIM if you only want to use the eSIM.
4. Connect WhatsApp – Open WhatsApp, verify your number using your eSIM’s phone number, and connect to cellular data or WiFi.
5. Switch Between eSIM and SIM – You can toggle your active cellular plan in settings between eSIM and physical SIM when needed.
6. Use WhatsApp – With eSIM activated and number verified, you can now use all WhatsApp features using your cellular data from the eSIM.

IX. FAQs about How to Use WhatsApp Internationally