I have not noticed a Skype thread here.
 

Hey guys, I have not seen a thread here yet about the free international calling company Skype. (Skype.com) Many backpackers use this program to make free calls over the internet. In order to use the program you must have a microphone, headphones, and the internet.

You have 2 options for calling people. You can call someone for free if they also have the internet, headphones/speakerphones, microphone, and have downloaded the Skype program.

The 2nd option of calling is much more practical but costs 2 cents a minute (to the U.S.). You still need to have the internet, microphone, and headphones but the person you call doesn´t need anything because you call them on their phone line. This option is a lot more practical for calling non internet savy people like my parents. You first need to buy Skype credit, but it is fairly easy to figure out how to do it. After you download Skype and become a member you go to their website to buy credit with your CC/Paypal.


-This program has saved me a lot of money and I just wanted to share in case you have not heard of it.

Geoff
JourneyRider.com

Thanks Geoff :-)

There are also lots of add-ons you can get for Skype- things like

Pamela for Skype - Call Recording and a lot more!

which allow you to record your calls, or even automatically publish them to iTunes....

m

In a link to the PC vs PDA thread, Skype's now available for PocketPC and Smartphone, so if you've got a WiFi enabled one of those you can happily Skype about without needing a PC. I had great fun chatting to my uncle in Australia the other day, for free, courtesy of my local McD's free WiFi.

Well Done that man!

It's a good idea to draw forum users attention to this excellent FREE resource.

I have been using it for about a year now and ALL my mates (not many I'm afraid) use it to keep in touch.

My advice is to download the program and get yourself a mic. Thats all you need....

Skype official website – free download and free calls and internet calls

Skype is a great cheap tool BUT its not free...its only free, IF the person you're talking to has a Skype account and is on the computer/web simultaneously.

One of the the nice unheralded feature so Skype is its ability to send text messages via SMS to friends cell phones...IF the bandwidth isn't capable of handling a call...BUT unfortunately, you can't receive a text message yet.

It also has a chat function when bandwidth is slow...with other Skype members.

Lastly, be carefule to not use Skype at Internet cafe computers as some of them have keyloggers etc. that will swipe your password. You'll find yourself with an empty account at the next cafe.

HTH

cheaper VOIP companies
 

I use a different VOIP company.

VoipStunt - The Other Free Calls Company

They do offer free calls even to landlines. You also don't require a headset and microphone as the software will call your landline first then dial your contacts number. I find it much eaiser and better siganl talking on my usual phone.
:clap:
There is one catch you have to pay a quartly subscription with is 10 euros, but still not bad all the calls you want for 3 months for 10 euros. It last me around 8 momths cos after 3 months you get charged 'less than SKYPE', i don't make many calls so i spend around 15 euros a year)

VOIP - landlines - mobiles
 

It just goes to show why the mobile phone companies are running scared of these developments which have been around for a number of years.
I should have sold my shares years ago!!!!! :rolleyes2:

(I see that Matt, a few posts back, has got 4 of them).