Skype and Landlines

I use it regularly. But much less now that I use Facetime for iDevice to iDevice, Whatsapp to other mobiles and my dialing plan to the US folks who only have a landline.

You may find that your mobile or landline in your new Dutch home will let you call for very little. For example, although in a different country (the UK) but still in Europe, I can make some huge number of 60 minute or less calls every month (virtually unlimited, it is so big I never get close so I forget the number) to any number in Canada, the US, and almost every country in Europe for £1. That's one Pound for the month, not each call.

With a WiFi connection, I’ve made a number of calls while outside North America to landlines within North America via Skype. It’s cheap and easy to use. I often use Skype to make and confirm reservations and other travel matters from home to hotels, etc. located in Europe and elsewhere.

I use Skype all the time to call my mother who only has a landline. I used my IPhone and my IPod and have the Skype app and a $20 USD lasts a long time to call. I called my mom each night for 3 and half weeks and still did not use up all my money on Skype. it really is great.

I use Skype sometimes for (Italy and other countries) - they have a feature that is free to both parties involved - but, you both need to have a Skype account. I use What's App too. But, still use Skype sometimes for friends living abroad.

You can set it up for your Mom, it's easy. Is she okay enough and able to navigate a PC or tablet? With Skype, you can also have video-to-video time - both of you need to have "cam" though. If all that seems too complex, check out their "calling plans."

We used Skype extensively when we lived overseas as our U.S. number. We had an account, which is not very expensive, so that we could have a number in our home state area code, giving us the appearance of a local number when needed. We still use it as an emergency contact number when traveling overseas. It is especially useful when we need to contact a financial institution or other business. The only downside is that you have to go look for messages if someone leaves one, kind of like checking your answering machine when you have been away.

My mother is 97, and totally blind. Answering her phone is about all she can manage. And sometimes she gets the receiver up side down. Then we have some interesting convos.

Yes, I have done it many times in the past. I prefer to use Google Hangouts now instead because it's free to call US landlines, and Skype costs a few cents per minute.

Gee Kate, sorry for your Mom. But glad she can still communicate with you by phone.

Thank you. She does pretty well. She just like to talk to me an a regular basis. I leave with my 5 other siblings to keep an eye on her.