Can Skype Be Used out of the Country?

by Will Conley
You can even call this phone with Skype -- from anywhere.

You can even call this phone with Skype -- from anywhere.

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Skype can be used in any country. When a user is signed into Skype, he can call any other Skype user in the world and use all of Skype's features. In addition, Skype offers services whereby landlines and cell phones can call a Skype user; a Skype user can call landlines and cell phones; and a Skype user can call a landline or cell phone from his mobile phone at Skype prices. All but the latter-most of those services are available in every country.

International Skype Calls to Other Skype Users

Skype users can call and receive calls from other Skype users no matter where they are in the world. All of Skype's standard features -- including video calling, conference calling, chat and file transfer -- are all accessible in any country.

International Skype Calls to Regular Phones

Skype sells credit and subscriptions for calling landlines and cell phones anywhere in the world using the Skype application on a computer or smartphone. Airtime is charged by the minute or by the month. Charges start at 2.3 cents a minute, as of February 2011.

International Calls from Regular Phones to Skype

Skype also sells phone numbers that route to specific Skype accounts. Anyone in the world using a landline or cell phone can call a Skype user's online number. The Skype user talks to the caller via the Skype application. Rates for this feature begin at $18 a month, as of February 2011.

International Calls from Regular Phones to Cell Phones at Skype Rates

Skype offers a service called "Skype To Go," whereby a user can call a specific cell phone or landline from her own cell phone, but at Skype rates. The user gives Skype the number she wishes to call and Skype assigns that number a Skype To Go number. Skype To Go is available to Skype users in eighteen countries (see Resources for a full list).

About the Author

Will Conley's writing has appeared in a variety of print publications since 1999, including "National Journal," "Art New England," "Pulse of the Twin Cities" and "Minnesota Daily." He has also contributed to websites such as Salon.com and ThisBlogRules.com. Conley studied journalism at the University of Minnesota.

Photo Credits

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