British Expats

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-   -   Skype replacement (https://britishexpats.com/forum/portugal-89/skype-replacement-955201/)

Dafty Jun 11th 2025 4:31 am

Skype replacement
 
I need to make calls to UK periodically, sometimes to government offices.
As most will know, the phone bill can rack up if you are held in a queue for any length of time.
Skype was very handy but now it,s going or gone already, has anyone come across a simple, suitable replacement for voice only calls via internet ?

bxpuser235982 Jun 11th 2025 7:07 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
I was thinking the very same

Teams Out is the M$ Skype replacement - Expensive
Who would have thought, eh? M$ buys a great service with loads of users and then runs it into the ground then moves everyone to its own crap (I have to use TEAMS at work) and expensive service
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/micr...-phone#Pricing

This looks OK, but I havent tried it, go on, be a Guinea pig :)
https://account.viber.com/en/call-united-kingdom
https://account.viber.com/en/

Yolla looks good too
https://yollacalls.com/en/rates/calls-to-uk/

Info from here:
https://esimdb.com/blog/skype-altern...r-phone-calls/

macliam Jun 12th 2025 10:08 am

Re: Skype replacement
 

Originally Posted by Midgo (Post 13314510)
I was thinking the very same

Teams Out is the M$ Skype replacement - Expensive
Who would have thought, eh? M$ buys a great service with loads of users and then runs it into the ground then moves everyone to its own crap (I have to use TEAMS at work) and expensive service
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/micr...-phone#Pricing

This looks OK, but I havent tried it, go on, be a Guinea pig :)
https://account.viber.com/en/call-united-kingdom
https://account.viber.com/en/

Yolla looks good too
https://yollacalls.com/en/rates/calls-to-uk/

Info from here:
https://esimdb.com/blog/skype-altern...r-phone-calls/

I used to use Viber with some relatives in Egypt, then used it for Portugal and UK until WhatsApp crushed it for my usage as the call quality was better.

However, all my use was Viber to Viber, so not sure about its use for calling standard phones.

Score76 Jun 13th 2025 8:18 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
If you want a virtual presence in the UK, taje a look at Soho66, https://soho66.co.uk/

4.99 per month gets you a UK landline number from any area code, connected to an app on your mobile here in Portugal. Alternatively you could buy a VoIP phone if you prefer. Outbound calls to UK landlines are then 1p per minute.

liveaboard Jun 15th 2025 2:19 am

Re: Skype replacement
 
I was still using Skype when the axe fell; there are a zillion apps, but Skype let you call regular phones for a small price.

My uncle refuses to buy a "smart" phone.

Loafing Along Jun 15th 2025 7:00 am

Re: Skype replacement
 
I opted for Viber - used it a few times already, similar procedure to Skype - put credit on account and call away. Find it an excellent substitute

Dafty Jun 15th 2025 9:58 am

Re: Skype replacement
 

Originally Posted by Loafing Along (Post 13314852)
I opted for Viber - used it a few times already, similar procedure to Skype - put credit on account and call away. Find it an excellent substitute

Thanks I,ll give Viber a try

riv Jun 15th 2025 7:51 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
I was sorry to see SKYPE go. I downloaded YOLLA and find it works reasonably well. Sometimes the call volume is a bit lower than I would like, but still, it is a solution. And cheap as chips. I think calls between YOLLA subscribers are free as well, though I haven't tried this aspect as so far no one I call has downloaded it.

flatlndr Jun 16th 2025 7:25 am

Re: Skype replacement
 
I've been using KeepCalling for occasional international calls since Skype departed.

https://keepcalling.com/internationa...ited%20Kingdom

liveaboard Sep 19th 2025 10:40 am

Re: Skype replacement
 
I tried Viber; I'm unimpressed.
There is a subscription fee of around 70 per year, and then there is also a cost for calls (which is small).

Since I only use this sort of thing a few times a year, it's not economical for me.

I tried it today (free trial period), and the connection was poor.

I might just reconnect my landline (unplugged it due to excessive junk calls), and use that again.

BillBullock Sep 19th 2025 7:18 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
We use Whatsapp and Messenger to keep in touch with family and friends around the World, either with audio only or with video and audio. Reception is brilliant. Those with iPads and iPhones can get brilliant reception also. For business phone calls to landlines in the UK, I use Voipstunt at 1p a minute.

liveaboard Sep 27th 2025 8:18 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
Viber charged me for the month even though I canceled already. I was unable to get a refund.

Really annoying.

Red Eric Sep 28th 2025 12:55 am

Re: Skype replacement
 
I've used Voipcheap in the past and was very satisfied with it.

It's PAYG, you have a choice of ways to call, you get free or reduced call rates for a limited period after adding credit, no subscription or maintenance charges or anything and any unused credit remains untouched until you next need it.

Also has a facility for sending sms as though they come from your mobile but at a cheaper rate than I was paying doing them direct.

Loafing Along Sep 28th 2025 1:00 am

Re: Skype replacement
 

Originally Posted by liveaboard (Post 13324340)
I tried Viber; I'm unimpressed.
There is a subscription fee of around 70 per year, and then there is also a cost for calls (which is small).

Since I only use this sort of thing a few times a year, it's not economical for me.

I tried it today (free trial period), and the connection was poor.

I might just reconnect my landline (unplugged it due to excessive junk calls), and use that again.

Surprised by your charge. I loaded Euro 10,- some time ago . as Skype disappeared, have made several calls and still sit on a balance of Euro 5,50. No request for subscription.

dingg Sep 28th 2025 9:53 pm

Re: Skype replacement
 
Digi

200gb data
Unlimited pt txts and calls
200 minutes International minutes inc UK

9E a month

Works for me 👍


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