International Calls from Europe to Australia

[Francophile]

How to avoid being charged 3 GBP a minute?  I am currently in Europe but need to phone family in Australia from time to time.  I was going to buy the international bolt on package, but apparently it only works if I am calling from the UK.  It seems O2 Travel only works if I am the one in Australia.  How do I resolve this?  Due to coronavirus I was unable to go back to the UK as soon as planned.  I've spent ages going through FAQs and then tried the 02 online chat, but it just goes through its entire repertoire and the answers become less and less relevant.  02 are asking customers not to phone in order to keep the lines free for health workers and more urgent issues.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Francophile 

Use WhatsApp, Facebook messenger etc?

Or Skype.

[Francophile]

Thanks for your solution.  We are already using Skype, Zoom etc. but sometimes have to pick up the phone when those don't work.  I wondered if there was an 02 alternative, but clearly not.  Many thanks MI5.

[MI5]

@Francophile 

No way around the international charges otherwise, sorry.