How to use WhatsApp internationally

When you are traveling internationally, you can still use your WhatsApp account via mobile data or Wi-Fi.

While you are traveling, you can still use a local SIM card and you can still use WhatsApp with your home number. However, if you are asked to re-verify your account, you won’t be able to do so while using that local SIM card. To re-verify your phone number on WhatsApp, you must have the original SIM card in your phone, with phone or SMS service enabled.

You can still call, text and share media with your contacts using WhatsApp for free, even if they’re in another country. Calls, texts, and media in WhatsApp uses your phone’s internet connection rather than your mobile plan’s minutes. Data charges may apply, depending on your data plan. Roaming charges can add up quickly, so be sure to check your data plan before traveling and consider an international or local eSIM.

Another way to avoid unexpected roaming charges is to turn off data roaming on your phone. By doing so, international data roaming fees are prevented. However, this means that you’ll only be able to use WhatsApp when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.