I can’t use my cell phone, as it’s a LivelyS4, no international use. I was thinking of buying an unlocked phone on Amazon and a “travel pre paid SIM card” before I leave. Is Skype still a good alternative?
I’ll be in Germany and Austria for 10 nights.
Paul
I've used Skype regularly from Europe and Asia for over a decade - in fact, I have wondered if it is becoming old-fashioned. I tend to use FaceTime these days - but that's no good if you don't have an iPhone.
Skype is still my fall back to contact those I keep in regular "chatty" contact with (I don't use it for business communications). Sometimes FaceTime won't connect and Skype generally does. I know I've used Skype within this year from Japan, France, and Spain. I used Skype from Germany last year (2024) and in pre-covid years.
I have used Skype paid calling to business numbers in the US when I've been overseas. You load money and can access landlines or cell numbers when the person you are calling doesn't have a Skype account with Skype user name. I know I used this Skype fallback within the year because I couldn't get a good connection on my iPhone with someone I needed to contact.
I know some folks use Google Fi for international calling - I have never explored it. I'm sure there are other methods. I hope you get good suggestions - I'm always interested.
Skype is a good alternative, but you will need a Microsoft account and you will
pay per minute (not a lot, but still) unless you are calling a toll-free # or another
Skype account.
But if you do buy an unlocked phone and SIM card, you won't need Skype,
although you can still use it. If you peruse the Technology Tips subforum, you
will see lots of posts about European SIM's and other alternatives. You can
buy a SIM card with a certain amount of data and/or voice-SMS options.
You don't say just what you want to do (voice calls, SMS, internet access, or what).
Unless you plan to call people or establishments on your trip, Skype is not required.
And if you buy an unlocked smartphone with data, you can use other tools as noted
(or Whatsapp) to make free calls, voice or video.
I mainly want to check in with three people once a day, via calling their cell phone, while I’m away.
Paul, the calling you plan is similar to what I do - keep in touch with family at home via their cell phones. You and the family members must have Skype accounts - that is easily set up and calls are free between Skype members. When setting up the account, you designate a Skype user name, not a number, and call that user name. No charge for calls between Skype user accounts - you can set up the accounts before leaving the US and test the process.
As noted above and in my original post, if you want to call an actual phone number, either land line or cell number, there is a charge. You load money into your Skype account and funds are withdrawn for the calls you make. You will get a warning if your balance is low. Cost is not great - the webpage would indicate what it is currently. But - it sounds like you won't even need this feature.
What is the advantage of paid Skype over free WhatsApp?
dialing non subscribers, Skype Out calls anybody anywhere, landline or not. WhatsApp calls only other WhatsApp subscribers.
With Skype, you can call any phone anywhere as long as you have a decent wifi connection.
To use WhatsApp, the people you are trying to contact must also have WhatsApp.
I set up Skype. I can use my name as to what the person I’m calling sees. I tried this calling my mom and sister even though I’m still home in NJ. They both said my name shows up on the incoming call via Skype! Perfect.
Great!! I've had good experiences through the years.
ohhhhhh, true. I just didnt think about it because everyone i know has WhatsApp.... even hotels I book with have it.
Another question. What is going on with my TMobile. When I put it on airplane mode, but turn on the Wifi, as long as I have Wifi i get and can make all my phones and texts, just as though it were on the network, but isnt. Sort of nice. Cause I live over here and I still have my US phone, but just use it on Wifi to receive and make calls. Or if I am out of the apartment I use my local phone as a hotspot and keep my US phone running with no charge.
Paul, you have your question sorted, but I also use Skype for certain phone calls - mainly business calls (either there or here) that are a one off. Some trips I never need it and some I need it more often. I have used it for airlines or other businesses with an 800 number and it’s free. I used it a LOT on my last 6 week trip and never went through $5.
Most of my calls to family are free Facebook Messenger calls. And WhatsApp to actual people in much of Europe (but certainly not all).
Good to know!
