International calling alternatives to Skype
Posted by pythagoreantuning@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 30 comments
I've had a Skype unlimited international calling subscription for years now and use it fairly often. Does anyone have alternative solutions now that Skype is being retired by Microsoft? Based mostly in the UK but making calls to multiple countries including but not limited to Hong Kong, Japan and the US.
JacobAldridge@reddit
Had to make a landline call to the UK last night.
Reactivated my Viber account. Paid $4.99 in ‘Viber Out’ credit. Made the call no worries.
I don’t know about Viber and incoming calls, since I keep my main business mobile as an eSim and have trained most people to use WhatsApp to reach me.
ISJA809@reddit
I need to call to germany , do you really recommend this?
JacobAldridge@reddit
I haven’t done a lot of research into alternatives, but Viber has been around for a long time and it worked for me this week, so it should be good for you!
ISJA809@reddit
Thanks 🤝💯
Slaba_poopyhead@reddit
Try Envoxi, the UI and design are similar to Skype, and international calls are cheaper than Skype. It also offers many other features found in Skype, all at a lower cost.
ooglek2@reddit
Check out Tossable Digits.
Starts at USD$3.49/month per US or Canada Local number. Includes unlimited Voicemail, unlimited two-way SMS for personal conversational communications, and a bunch of other features. Supports US and Canada Short Codes and Two Factor Authentication (2FA) SMS (a few included, USD$0.02 for additional Short Code messages). Mobile App to send/receive SMS, listen to Voicemail, make outbound calls (not VoIP, only call forwarding). App not required to use service.
Regarding SMS, Tossable Digits works hard to keep the classification of its US and Canada Numbers as P2P (Peer-to-peer) and enforces it tightly. Text your mom and friends all you want! No per-number SMS activation fees.
International Calling Rates are available to look at.
FREE Port Ins.
Calling Blocks can be purchased, and there are no connection fees for calls.
Other Plans add included US/Canada Call Forwarding and Outgoing Call minutes.
Excellent customer service via LiveChat Monday-Friday 9am-1am US Eastern Time and email outside of that.
Business Texting/SMS is available on US Toll Free Numbers (registration required, no fee) and SMS is billed at USD$0.02 per message.
Check them out TossableDigits.com
Brilliant-Unit-1664@reddit
Talk360 would meet your needs for calling landlines and international mobiles. Only it's pay as you go, not subscription based. I personally prefer that, but up to you.
jjasdf19@reddit
You need to create Google voice account using ip address. You can have someone create it for you in the US. You need a real US phone number to set up Google voice account. Once it's set up you should be able to use internationally.
NordicJesus@reddit
You still have to confirm once per year or so that you have a US number. A landline number is fine and it can be a different number every time, so you can just borrow a friend’s.
jibarra_ish@reddit
I’m in the same boat. Need something that will allow for 2FA for US banks and to call US landlines from time to time. Also based in the UK.
NordicJesus@reddit
Tello (eSIM with WiFi calling) is what everyone recommends. Google Voice also works very well, except for issues with 2FA with some banks.
RexManning1@reddit
Dialpad
lmt2021@reddit
Check out Tello. They have variable plans with international calling that uses regular minutes. We use their esim with 0 data, and it works well.
TabithaC20@reddit
Can you use it if you don't have a new phone with esim?
lmt2021@reddit
They also have physical sims. They have a compatibility checker on their website.
TabithaC20@reddit
Ah ok so you need to be in the US to get one. Thx!
lmt2021@reddit
I'm not sure, but if that's the case, you could probably ask a friend or relative to activate it and mail it to you.
WigglyAirMan@reddit
Google voice. Its a bit fiddly but it works
pythagoreantuning@reddit (OP)
Is that a US only service or can it be used internationally?
me_gustas_tu@reddit
You can use it internationally, but if I recall correctly, you can only get a number for people to call you if you're based in the US (and it would be a US number).
I have no experience with it, but Rebtel looks like it may be a similar service, with unlimited calling for $12/month (including to the countries you listed).
pythagoreantuning@reddit (OP)
I just installed Google Voice to try, wouldn't even let me log in. Will check out Rebtel. Thanks.
TabithaC20@reddit
You can only install it while in the US. You need to initially connect it to a US number.
me_gustas_tu@reddit
Weird. I could have sworn I used Google Voice when I lived in the UK (simply without an incoming number) but that was like ten years ago, so I could be misremembering.
Blazing1@reddit
google voice doesnt work for canadians
temmoku@reddit
I have been paying for a Skype number for years, mainly so that my friends can keep it in their contacts and know it is me when I call so they will pick up, rather than getting a call from a random number. In some cases it works for getting security codes.
I don't see anything that microsoft has as even a partial replacement. They are just pushing me to other platforms, which also don't provide the functionality I need.
Interested to see any other options.
xengineer@reddit
My issue is with needing to receive SMS verification codes from banks and other institutions. https://www.reddit.com/r/expats/s/MOsH5pe1uc
xPositor@reddit
Have you considered a SIM that includes international calling? Lebara looks promising - includes Hong Kong but sadly not Japan. Three has a number of options and they do include Japan. Might be worth a look around.
Paleolithic_US@reddit
WhatsApp
pythagoreantuning@reddit (OP)
What if I need to call a landline?
Paleolithic_US@reddit
My bad