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Viber seems to have the paygo 2 cents per minute, 2 usd unlimited monthly (selected countries), 6 usd/month world plan.

@Dannyroc3

If you still want to use Microsoft than Teams is the option for you. When they announced that they will retire Skype they announced that Teams will be the main one. Will apparently be updated more often and in a better way.

Skype has a banner announcing they will retire in a month or so.
Skype has been my go-to for making calls from any wifi when traveling with just a few dollars on the account.

So now I need to find a similar service Where I can put $10 in the account and use it up as I need it.




























With Skype going out of business my long time ability to put ten dollars in and make land calls from any wifi spot when traveling is coming to an end.

Anyone else offer a simple pay-as-you-use plan, to call land lines?

For whatever reason, my phone plan from the US allows me to receive texts and sometimes incoming calls, but it doesn't allow outgoing calls, leaving me needing Skype, which is now its replacement. - @Dannyroc3

I was pretty sure the answer is "Viber"

AI GROK says:

Viber Out is a paid service within the Viber app that lets you call any phone number—landline or mobile—worldwide, even if the recipient doesn’t have Viber or an internet connection. You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection (or mobile data, though Wi-Fi is ideal for travel to avoid roaming costs), and you’ll have to purchase Viber Out credit or a calling plan in advance. The call recipient in the USA doesn’t need internet; they’ll receive it like a regular phone call through their landline provider.

For pricing, Viber Out offers competitive rates. As of recent data, calls to USA landlines from anywhere (including Vietnam) are around 1.9 cents per minute with pay-as-you-go credit, though rates can vary slightly depending on the plan. Viber also offers monthly subscriptions, like a $4.99 plan for 300 minutes to USA landlines and mobiles, which could be cost-effective if you plan to call frequently. You can check current rates directly in the Viber app under the Viber Out section, as they’re subject to change.

To use it from Vietnam, download Viber (if you haven’t already), ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, and preload your account with credit or a plan. Then, dial the USA landline number in international format: +1 followed by the area code and phone number (e.g., +12025550123). The call quality is generally good, leveraging VoIP technology, though it depends on your Wi-Fi strength.

Other notable alternatives include:

Google Voice: Offers calls to USA landlines for about 1 cent per minute, but you’ll need a US number to set it up, which might be tricky if you’re already in Vietnam. It’s reliable over Wi-Fi and integrates well with Google services.

WhatsApp: Free for app-to-app calls, but it can’t call landlines directly, so it’s less versatile unless your USA contacts also use it.

Rebtel: Known for low-cost international calls (sometimes cheaper than Viber for specific countries), it works over Wi-Fi or local lines. Rates to the USA can be as low as 1 cent per minute, depending on the plan.

Viber Out stands out for its simplicity and broad accessibility, making it a practical choice for your scenario. It’s widely used, doesn’t require the recipient to have the app, and works seamlessly over Wi-Fi, which is plentiful in Vietnam (hotels, cafes, etc.). Just ensure your Wi-Fi is stable to avoid drops, and double-check rates before a long call to manage costs. If you’re calling Viber-to-Viber (to another Viber user), it’s free, but for landlines, Viber Out is the way to go.

@Dannyroc3
If you still want to use Microsoft than Teams is the option for you. When they announced that they will retire Skype they announced that Teams will be the main one. Will apparently be updated more often and in a better way. - @mouraliferes83

I had serious problems trying to sign in. It keeps forcing me to an old, unused account rather than the one I use for skype.

@Fred

Not sure, but you might have to try to delete the old account. Usually stuff as this can be answered via Google. It surely will direct you to a Microsoft page. Make sure to really follow the different steps, they might be tricky.

Viber out

Talk 360

I'm sure there are lots more.

Comments on other apps are likely to be welcomed by a lot of people.

@Fred
Not sure, but you might have to try to delete the old account. Usually stuff as this can be answered via Google. It surely will direct you to a Microsoft page. Make sure to really follow the different steps, they might be tricky. - @mouraliferes83

I don't know if Microsoft is deliberately crap, or just incompetent.

Either way, they make simple things difficult across the range of their products.

whatsapp or Signal are free but other party needs to be on the platform

whatsapp or Signal are free but other party needs to be on the platform - @KKK36

They would be pointless for people who want to call landlines

@mouraliferes83

I assume when Skype retires, the app will just shut down? I'm not familiar with TEAMS, no chance they will continue the chat and other communication features?

@KKK36

Yes, but I need the ability to call regular phone numbers back home, mostly business-related.

@Fred

OKay that sounds like a good option since I already have an account.

@Dannyroc3

Teams is used a lot for video conferences and by businesses. I do believe that Skype has a final date, but I can not remember when it is. I have personally used Teams, but mostly in work situations and the "death" of Skype was talked about in the news so that's how I knew about it. Hopefully you'll find more information from Microsoft, I do however generally find their information quite hard to find. Make sure to navigate between the different steps and best of luck!

@mouraliferes83

Skype just has a red banner at the top stating their ending month but not day.

Since I am familiar with Viber, I will try their paid-phone plan a try first.

@Dannyroc3

As mentioned before I can not remember the exact date. It is often so though that new features get added at different times in different areas. Might be the same when they are planning to close it down. Best of luck!

@mouraliferes83 Skype just has a red banner at the top stating their ending month but not day.Since I am familiar with Viber, I will try their paid-phone plan a try first. - @Dannyroc3

No banner at the top of the Skype screen on my GF's phone.

I used it to call a gov't of Canada office last night.

edit: just checked again. Still no banner

From the Skype app

Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. You'll be notified when you can move data to Teams. Learn more

I may or may not move to Teams because Microsoft is a bit crap.

In May 2025, Skype will be retired. This change will impact both free and paid Skype users, but not Skype for Business.

Skype users will have the option to move to Microsoft Teams Free, which offers many of the same core features and more. By logging in to Teams Free with your Skype account, your chats and contacts will appear in the app so you can pick up where you left off. This capability will gradually roll out over the coming days, beginning with those who are both Skype and Teams Insiders on the latest app versions.

If you don't want to use Microsoft Teams Free, you can export your Skype data.

Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025. After May 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free. To transfer your Skype Number, contact your new carrier or learn more here.

Additionally, we will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls.

I will copy all my Skype number manually and pop them into my phone.

That will leave them available for Viber or whatever I end up with.

@Aidan in HCMC

You are right. When I checked my phone version, there is no banner. I use the desktop version (usually) when making calls, and it is there, except its blue, not red.

I am using the application version on a mac.

Skype ends on 12th May 2025.

New subscription packages have already ended.

Existing subscription packages can still be used until 12th May.

Any credit remaining on 12th May will NOT be refunded.

I am looking for a replacement service too  as I've been using Skype for 20 years to call Australia, UK and USA landlines.

@QPR_FC

Have you looked into VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)? Cheap. Also allows "them" to call you and even send text messages to you. My brother (in India) uses a US number for VOIP and pays the service about $2 USD per month. Cheap.

Skype was a VOIP service, too.

I just tried Teams.

It isn't showing landlines and mobile contacts.

watch this space

I just copied all my numbers from Skype and sent them to my spare WA number.

Teams is looking like crap so that might be out of the running.

Skype has brought the decommissioning date forward by a week and is now due to cease on 5th May 2025

I can still use Skype but the login to teams still doesn't show the numbers I call most often.

My general dislike and mistrust of Microsoft means alternatives are likely to be better.

I will try Viber out first.

@OceanBeach92107

Just when I thought VIBER was my answer (for a number of reasons,)  when I tried to buy a plan last night, -I pushed to pay: I got a messg that my VISA card does not allow this transaction.

I tried through a VPN and even called my bank to see if the problem was with my account, and tried again with the bank on the phone but the same thing.

I tried two different Debit cards with the same result. Again, the message after trying to process is - purchase not allowed for this purchase.

I have never had a problem using a debit card vs a credit card before so I doubt that's it.

On the other hand, I cant imagine that VISA would not be the normal means of income for this VIBER service.

Now, I need to find another option that is less desirable than pulling up the VIBER app and proceeding from there.

Quick update-

I reluctantly tried to buy VIBER with a third card with the VPN set to Netherlands and it went through.

Not sure why this visa card worked but I am glad it did.

The reason I was reluctant to USE the 3rd card (Schwab)  was that not long after I used it in VN it got blocked (By my own error) and so I just try to use it for ATMS.

Viber seems to have all the advantages as SKYPE.  The principle one being, its on a common App I use.

@Dannyroc3

Glad it worked for you, and thanks for the report. When Skype is no more, I'll have GF install Viber on her phone for me to use.

I do believe the reason that your first payment attempts failed was because you were trying to pay using "debit-visa" cards, as opposed to your regular "credit" card (Visa card). I've had trouble because of that. Turned out that it wasn't the card issuer's fault, it was the vendor (in your case, Viber) refusing to accept payments made by using "debit visa".

After you've used it for a bit, do let us know what you think of it compared to Skype.

@Aidan in HCMC

@Dannyroc3

Do not forget that VISA, MASTER CARD etc are third parties. Usually it depends on the agreement between you and your bank and also between your bank and the card company. Best of luck!

@Aidan in HCMC

I should say, all 3 cards I have are debit, not credit cards, I have never even had a credit card and I have learned there is significantly lesser protection with a debt card but the only time I have only had a problem once- Years ago a car rental required a credit card only.

The other handy feature with viber (like Skype) it translates messages.

Speaking of Skype, has anyone used the verbal translation feature successfully?  Some time ago someone had me call them and I think they had it turned on and it was the worst. In that case a TV and people were in the background so it was a fail as it was confused over what was being translated. In another case, it was bad as well without any background noise.