Everyday use
How to Call Family in Russia from Abroad, and Back (2026)
In short: an ordinary call to a phone number is the most reliable way. Of the internet calls, VK Calls, Yandex Telemost and MAX work in Russia as of 19 October 2026. WhatsApp and Telegram calls have been limited since August 2025, FaceTime since December 2025, Viber and Signal have been unavailable since 2024, and Skype is closed. Agree with your family on two ways to reach each other now, while everything works.
What works and what does not
| Way to call | In Russia | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary call and SMS | work | Roaming is expensive, so check with your carrier. SMS do not always arrive while mobile internet is restricted |
| VK Calls | works | You can invite people by link; VK usually opens abroad too |
| Yandex Telemost | works | A call by link, in the browser or the app; free calls have no time limit |
| MAX | works | An account with a +7 number works abroad too. With a foreign number: in 40 countries and with fewer features |
| Google Meet | with outages | Outages in Russia since 22 August 2025; test it in advance |
| calls limited | Since 13 August 2025; since late 2025 the limits have been tightened in stages | |
| Telegram | calls limited | Since 13 August 2025; since 10 February 2026 Telegram has also been slowed down |
| FaceTime | limited | Since 4 December 2025 |
| Viber, Signal | unavailable | Viber since 13 December 2024, Signal since 9 August 2024 |
| Skype | closed | Microsoft closed Skype worldwide on 5 May 2025 |
How to agree on staying in touch
- 1Pick a main way and a backup, for example Telemost and an ordinary call. Test both now, not on the day you urgently need to talk.
- 2In Telemost and VK Calls a call starts from a link: create one, send it to your family and check together that they can join.
- 3For elderly relatives, install the app yourself and keep it on the first screen of their phone.
- 4If you stay abroad for long, a local SIM or eSIM is cheaper than roaming for ordinary calls.
What a VPN changes
The limits apply on networks in Russia. So a VPN on the phone of the person abroad hardly affects the call, while one on the phone of the person in Russia can: a WhatsApp or Telegram call can go through the VPN on their phone. Our apps for iPhone and Android are described in their own guides.
A code word against scammers
Scammers call in the name of relatives, write from look-alike accounts and fake voices. Agree with your family on a code word or a question only you know the answer to. If a "relative" urgently asks for money or a code from an SMS, hang up and call them back yourself on a number you know.
Frequently asked questions
How can I call Russia from abroad for free?
As of 19 October 2026, VK Calls, Yandex Telemost and MAX work in Russia. WhatsApp and Telegram calls have been limited since August 2025. An ordinary call to the number is the most reliable backup.
Why does a WhatsApp call to Russia not connect?
WhatsApp calls have been limited in Russia since 13 August 2025. A call can go through a VPN on the phone of the person in Russia; a VPN on the phone of the person abroad hardly affects it.
Does FaceTime work in Russia?
FaceTime has been limited in Russia since 4 December 2025. For video calls, Telemost or VK Calls are more reliable now.
Does MAX work abroad?
An account with a Russian +7 number works abroad. You can sign up with a foreign number in 40 countries, but such numbers get fewer features.
How do I avoid scammers calling in the name of my family?
Agree on a code word. If someone asks for money or an SMS code, hang up and call back yourself on a number you know.
Did this help?
Nothing follows from the answer; only we see it.