Why was I charged for a wi-fi call?

[SM1978]

Why was I charged for a wi-fi call from Egypt, thought it was free?

[Northerner]

Hi @SM1978 

It must not be a WiFi call that is why. 

Are you in Egypt making the call or in the UK receiving a call?

Thanks

[bristolian · Accepted solution]

Hi @SM1978 

Can you clarify what you mean by a "wi-fi call"?

All calls dialled from your phone's call dialler will be chargeable, regardless of whether you're using WiFi-calling or the mobile network. WiFi-calling is only supported in the UK, and is a means to extend coverage not alter your call charges. On the occasions it does work abroad, standard roaming charges still apply.

If, by "wi-fi call" you mean an app-based call such as WhatsApp, Messenger or suchlike, these are not carried through the mobile network as a call but are charged as data usage.

[SM1978]

Thanks @bristolian and @Northerner I was making an outbound call from Egypt to a UK landline with wi-fi calling turned on and a wi-fi connection.

So think you've clarified by confirming that this method still attracts roaming charges.

Unfortunately it was a business call to a landline so assume there's no method to call this recipient for free. Thanks again for your help.

[Northerner]

Hi @SM1978 

EE WiFi calling only works in the UK. If you were making a call to a UK landline then that would be over the network and therefore chargeable. 

WiFi called over WhatsApp to WhatsApp, Skype to Skype, Teams, zoom are free as long as they don't use your data network.

For add-ons for Egypt then see here: 

https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/roaming-costs/countries/egypt

Thanks