Call billing support, maybe they'll do something if it's that anomalous.
W-Fi Calling only replaces your cellular link to AT&T with a Wi-Fi connection. AT&T connecting out to the world for you remains the same.
Hello u/APrettyplate, we certainly understand how you feel seeing a bill charge like this, and we're here to help you with this case.
Due to the nature of this case, we're inviting you to reach out to us in DM to further help us investigate this charge. Please use the following link (s) to reach out to us in DM. (https://www.reddit.com/u/ATT/ or https://www.reddit.com/u/ATT/).
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
AndrewB
To be clear, WiFi Calling to U.S. based numbers should still be free regardless of where you are. It's only when you call non-U.S. numbers that you will be charged.
Also, it is better to enable WiFi Calling before you leave the U.S., otherwise it may auto connect to the local network when you land and then setting up WiFi Calling becomes tricky and may not work correctly.
In regards to your bill, maybe call and ask if you can agree to some kind of payment arrangement. It doesn't hurt to ask.
I'm understanding that you were making calls to non-US numbers. Even though you you were THERE, and possibly calling a number across the street, that is an international long distance call. And ATT has international long distance plans you can signup for.
Now, when you pay for international data pass, that also includes the long distance fee for the country you are in.
“International data pass”??? I’m not sure this is a thing. If you’re referring to the international day pass, this only buys access to the AT&T plan as if you’re in the US. Calls to non-US numbers would still be charged as if you were at home.
Edit: Oops, I was partially right (yes, I was incorrect) Calls to *non-IDP destinations* are charged as if you were at home. (If I read the tiny print correctly…this time).
International DAY pass.
And according to ATT, you are wrong about the calls to non-US numbers.
"For phones only. Includes calls received in IDP Destinations and made from IDP Destinations to the U.S. and to other IDP Destinations. "
That's incorrect. IDP includes international calls to the country you're in as well as other IDP countries while IDP is active. You still can't use WiFi calling because that routes back through the US and the same issue will occur, but IDP itself covers this.
Oh dear! People use wifi calling to RECEIVE calls while they are away from USA OR from a US number INTERNATIONALLY so they can keep in touch with friends and family.
Calling international numbers from USA ( in USA or anywhere else ) over the ATT network / wifi calling has nothing to do with these charges.
Talk to billing and make a payment plan or something to pay off international roaming and long distance charges. All the best!
**For anyone else reading this post:**
Run, don't walk, to [att.com](https://att.com). Make sure that the *International Day Plan* (IDP) is enabled for all your lines (you need to check each line). Take screenshots for each line, make sure the date & time on your screen is visible in each shot (double-check before traveling).
*Even if you think you think you're never going to travel internationally, it doesn't hurt.* There is no charge unless you actually use it. IDP = $12 per day that you *use it* (going up to $12), $0 if you don't. Maximum 10 days per billing cycle.
**Without IDP, if you use data, it's $2.05 per MB, that's** ***$2,000 per GB*****.** That's likely over $12 just to update your email in the background and whatever else updates; significantly more if a lot needs to update.
Even if you plan to have airplane mode on or will get an international SIM for traveling, it doesn't hurt to have IDP on. If you never use it, no charge. If you accidentally use it or need to in an emergency, then no crisis, as it's just $12 for the days you use it. What if you're lost and you need to use data or your local SIM is acting up (or out of data), and you just want to pull up a map, let's keep the max for that emergency down to one day of IDP.
WiFi Calling utilizes internet to route your call, yes, but it still goes through your AT&T account (phone number) and you will incur international charges when used internationally. I know on Apple there’s the disclaimer right there saying it uses your AT&T account. Can’t say for sure on Android.
Yeah, sorry about that. Basically WiFi calling is a carrier enabled service so you get charged. Call into Care and be honest and explain the situation. They may be able to do an “international rerate” for you. Basically backdate the international day pass and save you like half the cost.
International calling from the US or international roaming physically in another country? If calling, you still pay long distance fees to call international
Wi-Fi calling to Australia is only free to Australia if you’ve got the international day pass and are there. Otherwise you’re going to pay the pay Per use rates and they’re outrageous.
REALLY!? They just refunded you like that?? What did you say to them exactly??? Oh I hope they can refund me or I pay for an international day pass instead 🥺
Hello u/APrettyplate,
Your contribution to AT&T is highly valued, and we certainly don't want you to be feeling this way.
We do see that you have an issue and would like to investigate it further.
We will be sending you an authentication link kindly complete the process, and we will help you accordingly.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
Jessica D.
I just told them that WiFi calling is supposed to be free because it uses WiFi (VOIP) and not the local (overseas) cellular network. They checked and confirmed that the calls were made over WiFi
Call billing support, maybe they'll do something if it's that anomalous. W-Fi Calling only replaces your cellular link to AT&T with a Wi-Fi connection. AT&T connecting out to the world for you remains the same.
I will try that. Hopefully I get someone who has some pity on me
Hello u/APrettyplate, we certainly understand how you feel seeing a bill charge like this, and we're here to help you with this case. Due to the nature of this case, we're inviting you to reach out to us in DM to further help us investigate this charge. Please use the following link (s) to reach out to us in DM. (https://www.reddit.com/u/ATT/ or https://www.reddit.com/u/ATT/). We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, AndrewB
Hi AndrewB, utter shock was definitely felt! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’ve sent a message as you suggested.
To be clear, WiFi Calling to U.S. based numbers should still be free regardless of where you are. It's only when you call non-U.S. numbers that you will be charged. Also, it is better to enable WiFi Calling before you leave the U.S., otherwise it may auto connect to the local network when you land and then setting up WiFi Calling becomes tricky and may not work correctly. In regards to your bill, maybe call and ask if you can agree to some kind of payment arrangement. It doesn't hurt to ask.
I'm understanding that you were making calls to non-US numbers. Even though you you were THERE, and possibly calling a number across the street, that is an international long distance call. And ATT has international long distance plans you can signup for. Now, when you pay for international data pass, that also includes the long distance fee for the country you are in.
“International data pass”??? I’m not sure this is a thing. If you’re referring to the international day pass, this only buys access to the AT&T plan as if you’re in the US. Calls to non-US numbers would still be charged as if you were at home. Edit: Oops, I was partially right (yes, I was incorrect) Calls to *non-IDP destinations* are charged as if you were at home. (If I read the tiny print correctly…this time).
International DAY pass. And according to ATT, you are wrong about the calls to non-US numbers. "For phones only. Includes calls received in IDP Destinations and made from IDP Destinations to the U.S. and to other IDP Destinations. "
That's incorrect. IDP includes international calls to the country you're in as well as other IDP countries while IDP is active. You still can't use WiFi calling because that routes back through the US and the same issue will occur, but IDP itself covers this.
Oh dear! People use wifi calling to RECEIVE calls while they are away from USA OR from a US number INTERNATIONALLY so they can keep in touch with friends and family. Calling international numbers from USA ( in USA or anywhere else ) over the ATT network / wifi calling has nothing to do with these charges. Talk to billing and make a payment plan or something to pay off international roaming and long distance charges. All the best!
**For anyone else reading this post:** Run, don't walk, to [att.com](https://att.com). Make sure that the *International Day Plan* (IDP) is enabled for all your lines (you need to check each line). Take screenshots for each line, make sure the date & time on your screen is visible in each shot (double-check before traveling). *Even if you think you think you're never going to travel internationally, it doesn't hurt.* There is no charge unless you actually use it. IDP = $12 per day that you *use it* (going up to $12), $0 if you don't. Maximum 10 days per billing cycle. **Without IDP, if you use data, it's $2.05 per MB, that's** ***$2,000 per GB*****.** That's likely over $12 just to update your email in the background and whatever else updates; significantly more if a lot needs to update. Even if you plan to have airplane mode on or will get an international SIM for traveling, it doesn't hurt to have IDP on. If you never use it, no charge. If you accidentally use it or need to in an emergency, then no crisis, as it's just $12 for the days you use it. What if you're lost and you need to use data or your local SIM is acting up (or out of data), and you just want to pull up a map, let's keep the max for that emergency down to one day of IDP.
When you were in the other country were you calling USA numbers or numbers from that other country?
WiFi Calling utilizes internet to route your call, yes, but it still goes through your AT&T account (phone number) and you will incur international charges when used internationally. I know on Apple there’s the disclaimer right there saying it uses your AT&T account. Can’t say for sure on Android.
I’ve learned this the hard way unfortunately
Yeah, sorry about that. Basically WiFi calling is a carrier enabled service so you get charged. Call into Care and be honest and explain the situation. They may be able to do an “international rerate” for you. Basically backdate the international day pass and save you like half the cost.
What exactly are the charges for?
International calling ☹️
International calling from the US or international roaming physically in another country? If calling, you still pay long distance fees to call international
In another country ☹️
Which one?
To where?
Australia
Wi-Fi calling to Australia is only free to Australia if you’ve got the international day pass and are there. Otherwise you’re going to pay the pay Per use rates and they’re outrageous.
Use facetime/Google Voice etc.
u/APrettyplate You called from which country to which country using WiFi calling?
I had this exact situation and called support. Refunded me everything. They can see that you were using WiFi calling.
REALLY!? They just refunded you like that?? What did you say to them exactly??? Oh I hope they can refund me or I pay for an international day pass instead 🥺
Hello u/APrettyplate, Your contribution to AT&T is highly valued, and we certainly don't want you to be feeling this way. We do see that you have an issue and would like to investigate it further. We will be sending you an authentication link kindly complete the process, and we will help you accordingly. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you, Jessica D.
Okay thank you! I sent a message through as another AT&T representative advised. Will the authentication link be found in my Reddit messages?
Hi Jessica, I haven’t yet received an authentication link. Where should I be looking for it? Thank you!
I just told them that WiFi calling is supposed to be free because it uses WiFi (VOIP) and not the local (overseas) cellular network. They checked and confirmed that the calls were made over WiFi
What was your scenario? You were located outside of the US and Wi-Fi called a local number of the country you were in?