Calling solution Skype facilitates not only free computer-to-computer calls between Skype users who have designated one another as contacts, but also calls to landlines and mobile phones around the world for fixed rates. In addition to calling internationally from within the United States, you can use your Skype account anywhere in the world you have an Internet connection.
Phone Calls on Skype
Two types of calls are possible using Skype: computer-to-computer calls between yourself and other Skype users and calls from your Skype account to a landline or mobile phone. While phone calls between Skype users, whether text, voice or video, are free to make, calls to phones incur a charge. Calling internationally is generally more expensive, although rates are still low compared to what your cellphone company might charge. Skype publishes a list of rates on its website and updates it frequently.
International Number Format
After adding funds to your Skype account, you can begin making international calls using the service. Skype makes calling countries easy, providing a drop-down list of country names which prevents you from needing to enter a country code in front of your number. Make sure, however, the number you attempt to call is formatted correctly. For example, although mobile phone numbers in Argentina begin with the digits "15," you must delete these digits to call such phones from outside Argentina, as well as enter the number "9" plus the city's or region's area code before the cellphone number. Verify format issues with your contact using other means before you attempt to call.
Calling From Overseas
In addition to allowing you to call internationally from the United States, Skype allows you to stay in touch with your family when you're traveling overseas. After logging into your Skype account, you can make use of credit you've loaded into it to make calls, even if you access the account from a public computer in an Internet cafe. Note, however, that Skype rates vary not only based on the country you're calling, but also the country from which you call.
Mobile Applications
Skype is available as a mobile application for smartphone devices such as BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone. Whether at home or abroad, use your Internet-connected phone -- either via your carrier's cellular data network or your phone's Wi-Fi adapter -- to make international calls via the Skype app. Using this means it's possible to make international calls via your mobile when you're on the go, but with Skype's low calling rates.
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