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 ?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Really annoying.

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.

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.

Digi

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

9E a month

Works for me 👍