Cheapest Way To Call Abroad?


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Hello,

I'm on T-Mobile right now. I'm willing to get a second line if I have to or use some internet service.

What's the cheapest way to call India and UAE?

I don't want to use Viber (that's my last resort). I need to call some mobile phones which don't have it installed and that's why it is only my last resort.

Thanks,

Crazysah

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The cheapest way is free. The way to do that is through apps (Such as Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype etc). If cost is truly an issue, shouldn't really be a problem having someone install the app. Of course, it would truly only be free over WiFi on both ends.

Regardless, if you want free or super cheap, there needs to be an app on both ends. Otherwise, it's going to cost you.

Skype isn't an option for the moment and Viber is blocked in UAE. That's the main problem. I need something that will work in the UAE for calling from the USA. Even if I have to pay for it. It needs to be unlimited though from my side (USA).

Have you thought about using one of the VoIP services to setup a phone number in the country you want to call regularly? Why is Skype not an option (just curious)? It has the ability to call over the Internet as well to landlines/cell phones (for a fee).

Have you thought about using one of the VoIP services to setup a phone number in the country you want to call regularly? Why is Skype not an option (just curious)? It has the ability to call over the Internet as well to landlines/cell phones (for a fee).

Setup a VoIP service? Where from? I want to call New York to Dubai.

Skype isn't an option cause doesn't work on two people's phone and plus is sometimes blocked there.

Skype subscriptions? Only you need Skype at your end. The other person can be called on his regular mobile number. Its not too cheap for India - 13.5 hours a month costs me about 800 rupees, and I suspect UAE will probably be even higher. But its much cheaper than international calls.

I do remember Skype being blocked in the UAE when I was there. Didn't know Viber was though.

I have seen adverts for Vonage having unlimited international calling to lots of countries, and for a reasonable price. I know India was on the list, but not sure about UAE, you'd have to look.

edit: Just talked to a lovely girl here who is from that region, and she regularly calls India, Jordan, UAE, and Sudan. She says Vonage is good, but one called NobelTalk is even better. She said the cost is reasonable ($10 for 300 minutes to the UAE, rates vary by the country you are calling to and from but India is quite cheap in comparison) and the lines are clearer than any other service she has tried.

Hope that helps :D

  • 1 year later...

Skype subscriptions? Only you need Skype at your end. The other person can be called on his regular mobile number. Its not too cheap for India - 13.5 hours a month costs me about 800 rupees, and I suspect UAE will probably be even higher. But its much cheaper than international calls.

 

Skype can only be used to call mobiles in the following countries:

 

  • Canada
  • China
  • Guam
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Puerto Rico
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • United States

the cheapest method i've found is to not use one of the main phone carriers, go with one of the other carriers.

 

From UK to India

 

Lyca (Pay as you go), (prices may change) 1p a minute landline, 1p a minute Cell/Mobile, 12p Text/SMS

 

Lebara (Pay as you go), (prices may change) 2p a minute landline, 2p a minute cell/mobile, 15p Text/SMS.

 

you can also find 'phone cards' sold all over the place, ?1 and ?5 cards usually work out the best, you may be charged by your phone comany for a local call cost, you'll get about an hour or more on the cards. only problem with these is they cut the calls a lot.

 

occasionally, Lyca do a deal where if someone else in another country has a Lyca sim, you can call them free. you can always (may change) call anyone in the same country for free who is on the same sim.

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