Skype/ Etisalat question
 

My husband is using a temporary prepaid sim in Abu Dhabi on Etisalat and I was thinking of calling him from my skype account. Question is I've looked online but can't seem to get a definite answer. Does anyone know if he will be charged by etisalat for receiving skype call to his mobile from UK?

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

I don't see why he should. Skype is effectively just routing your calls over the internet and onto the normal phone infrastructure. His mobile will not distinguish between your call from originating from Skype and a call from any other phone in the UAE.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

That's what I'm hoping. It was just with it been from UK whether they would charge for it. We've been texting but its costing us both a fortune and he's only in his temp company accommodation so he hasn't got his Internet sorted yet I'm trying to avoid huge phone bills!! He moved to get more money not spend it on the phone!!! Thanks

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

As long as he is not roaming (ie using a UK sim card in UAE) he will not pay to receive a call regardless of how you call him.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

You can use Skype to text (chat) too.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

You can't use data on a pre-paid sim without paying for it, unless the phone company has a special bundle deal going (like Vodafone's 500mb free allowance when you top up in the UK).

Skype uses data (lots of it if you use video) so of course the calls will cost money...

If you husband's phone is a smartphone (iPhone, Android etc...) then he could find a free wifi connection and calls via Skype will then be gratis.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

i think she was talking about using skype to call from the internet to a normal phone number. that's what i have assumed in my advice anyway.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

You are correct if this is the case. Skype calls directly to the number will be routed via a local telecoms company in the UAE, so it should be the same as a local incoming call.

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

depending on his phone and data plan it may be cheaper to install a chat program on your phone rather than sending texts

BBM - Blackberry
Google Talk - Android phones
iPhone - there is an app for that

Re: Skype/ Etisalat question
 

Also, if you are using smart phones you could get either Viber or What's App. They have free calls and texting using either WiFi or 3G.