Do you Skype, Viber, or WhatsApp? We’re truly spoiled for choices when it comes to international calling apps, but there are times when you’re travelling and can’t find a reliable internet connection. The Rebtel Cheap international calls app is designed to nip this problem in the bud, with no internet connection needed. We’ve taken a look at this service to find out more about how it works. Does it live up to the hype, or are you better off with Skype?
How the app works
The basic premise of Rebtel’s app is that you are able to benefit from super-cheap international calls like a VoIP service, but without the reliance on Wi-Fi. It does this by essentially hijacking regular phone lines, be they landline or mobile, and routing your call through these local lines. The benefit of this is that not only can you use the app anywhere with a regular cell connection, but you don’t have to worry about dropped calls if the Internet is shaky.
Signing up is a relatively painless process in comparison to other services, requiring just your phone number to get started. For the rest of 2016, Rebtel-to-Rebtel calls are free for users, and you get 5 free minutes of international calls after you’ve signed up. After this you can purchase World Credits and take advantage of cheap rates.
Main Features
The big selling point for the Rebtel app is the low rates and unlimited free app-to-app service. But the other main feature is the fact that you can use the app without an internet connection. Anyone who’s travelled a lot (or has friends and family living abroad) knows just how annoying it can be when a conversation’s stalled because of unreliable Wi-Fi, and this app solves the problem. On the other hand, it’s important to note that Rebtel doesn’t offer texting, and that it can only work where you have regular phone service.
Design and Layout
The app is cleanly designed and simple to use, with a slick red and white colour theme and user-friendly icons. This makes it easy to dive right in, even if you’re not a big app person. You can use the default layout or choose to customize it in the Settings screen. There are only 4 screens in total, so you won’t have to spend ages sifting through the app to get the hang of it. Once you’ve signed up, your contacts are automatically added to Rebtel’s address book. You can filter these to show fellow Rebtel users at the top, so you know who’s free to call.
The Verdict:
All in all, this is a neat little app with a lot of standout features. The app offers cheap international calling rates, or even free calls between other Rebtel users. So if you have a lot of international contacts and can convince them to sign up, you can take advantage of unlimited free calling. The app stands out from the competition by using local phone lines rather than internet connections to place calls, which leads to crisper, cleaner connections in many cases. There are a couple of potential downsides depending on how you want to use the app, however. To start with, it doesn’t offer texting. So if you’re not much of a talker, you’ll probably want something like WhatsApp instead. Also, if you’re planning a trip to somewhere truly remote where you’ll have no cell service, it won’t work. But for most of us, it’s free to download and offers a cheap way to stay in touch with loved ones at a distance.
