UK Expats: Top 8 Calling and Texting Apps (Pros and Cons)

The UK Expat Communication Challenge

Moving abroad from the UK creates a unique communication challenge. You need to stay in touch with friends and family back home while also building connections in your new country. And if you're running a business, you may need phone numbers in multiple countries.

Here's an honest breakdown of the top 8 apps for UK expats, with real pros and cons for each.

1. WhatsApp

The essential app for anyone connected to the UK.

Pros

1. Everyone uses it: WhatsApp is the default messaging app in the UK. Your family, friends, and even businesses use it.
2. Free calls and texts: Over WiFi or mobile data, everything is free.
3. Group chats: Family groups, friend groups, work groups—all in one place.
4. End-to-end encryption: Your messages are private.
5. Works globally: Same app, same number, anywhere in the world.

Cons

1. Requires mobile number: You need a phone number to register.
2. No landline calling: Can only call other WhatsApp users.
3. Data required: Without WiFi or mobile data, it won't work.
4. Facebook ownership: Privacy concerns for some users.

Best for: Staying in touch with UK friends and family who are on WhatsApp (which is almost everyone).

2. Phone2

Best for expats who need a US or Canadian phone number.

Pros

1. Real US/Canadian numbers: Get a local number that works for business and verification.
2. Works internationally: Use your US number from anywhere in the world.
3. SMS included: Full text messaging, not just data-based messaging.
4. Business features: Call recording, team inbox, AI transcription.
5. Multiple numbers: Manage several numbers from one app.

Cons

1. Paid service: Starts at $7/month.
2. US/Canada focus: Not ideal if you only need UK numbers.
3. Requires 10DLC for SMS: Business texting requires carrier registration.

Best for: UK expats in the US/Canada who need a local business number, or anyone who needs a US number for verification and business.

3. Skype

The original VoIP service, though sunset announced for May 2025.

Pros

1. Cheap UK calls: Very affordable rates to UK landlines and mobiles.
2. Skype numbers: Get a virtual UK number people can call.
3. Video calls: High-quality video conferencing.
4. Desktop app: Great for laptop/computer users.

Cons

1. Shutting down: Microsoft is retiring Skype on May 5, 2025.
2. Declining quality: As Microsoft focuses on Teams, Skype has deteriorated.
3. Complex pricing: Credits, subscriptions, and confusing plans.
4. SMS issues: SMS functionality becoming unreliable.

Best for: Video calls with UK contacts (for now). Consider alternatives for long-term use.

4. Rebtel

Specializes in international calling to regular phones.

Pros

1. UK landline focus: Excellent rates for calling UK landlines and mobiles.
2. Local access numbers: Call quality similar to regular phone calls.
3. Keep your number: Can use with your existing phone number.
4. Calling cards: Prepaid options for occasional users.

Cons

1. Voice only: No messaging features.
2. Dated app: Interface feels old compared to modern apps.
3. Varying quality: Call quality depends on your connection.
4. Subscription required for best rates: Pay-as-you-go is more expensive.

Best for: Calling UK landlines, especially elderly relatives without smartphones.

5. Viber

Popular messaging app with calling features.

Pros

1. Free Viber-to-Viber: Calls and messages to other Viber users are free.
2. Viber Out: Affordable calls to regular phones.
3. UK presence: Reasonably popular in the UK.
4. Fun stickers: If you're into that sort of thing.

Cons

1. Less popular than WhatsApp: Fewer of your UK contacts will have it.
2. Ads: Free version includes advertising.
3. Battery drain: Can use significant battery in background.
4. Privacy concerns: Data collection policies.

Best for: An alternative to WhatsApp if your contacts prefer Viber.

6. Google Voice

Free US number, but with significant limitations.

Pros

1. Free: No cost for US number and calls.
2. Google integration: Works with Gmail and Google services.
3. Voicemail transcription: AI-powered voicemail transcripts.
4. Desktop and mobile: Access from any device.

Cons

1. US setup required: Must be physically in the US to register.
2. No international numbers: Only US numbers available.
3. SMS limitations: Many verification texts don't work.
4. Unreliable: Google could shut it down (see Google Graveyard).
5. No business features: Very basic functionality.

Best for: US-based expats who need a free secondary number.

7. TextNow

Free US number with ad-supported model.

Pros

1. Free: Ad-supported free tier available.
2. US and Canadian numbers: Both countries supported.
3. WiFi calling: Works without mobile plan.
4. Desktop app: Use on computer.

Cons

1. Ads everywhere: Free tier is heavily ad-supported.
2. Spam numbers: Many TextNow numbers are flagged as spam.
3. Verification issues: Many services block TextNow numbers.
4. Number recycling: Your number may have been used before.
5. Limited internationally: Designed for North America.

Best for: Temporary US number needs, not recommended for business use.

8. FaceTime

Apple's built-in calling solution.

Pros

1. Built into Apple devices: No download needed for iPhone/iPad/Mac.
2. Excellent quality: Superior audio and video quality.
3. Free: No cost for FaceTime calls.
4. Easy to use: Seamless Apple integration.

Cons

1. Apple only: Won't work with Android users.
2. No phone numbers: Can't call regular phones.
3. Requires Apple ID: Both parties need Apple accounts.
4. No SMS: Only works for FaceTime-to-FaceTime communication.

Best for: UK contacts who are also in the Apple ecosystem.

Recommendations by Use Case

Staying in touch with UK family

1. WhatsApp (essential)
2. FaceTime (for Apple users)
3. Viber (alternative)

Calling UK landlines

1. Rebtel
2. Skype (while it lasts)
3. Viber Out

US business number for expats

1. Phone2
2. Google Voice (if US-based)
3. OpenPhone

Verification and banking

1. Phone2 (real carrier number)
2. Keep your UK mobile active
3. Avoid free VoIP apps (often blocked)

The Bottom Line

For most UK expats, you'll need a combination of apps:

1. WhatsApp for daily messaging with UK contacts
2. Phone2 if you need a US/Canadian business number
3. Rebtel or Skype for calling UK landlines
4. FaceTime for Apple family members

The key is matching the right tool to your specific needs. Don't try to use one app for everything—each has strengths and weaknesses.

Get your US business number at phone2.io and keep connected wherever you are.