Answered2 years ago
What are alternatives to Skype for calling landlines in Germany from Thailand at low cost?
Skype will terminate the service in May 2025. Any alternate service to call landlines ( in Germany ) from TH at low cost?
Answer summary
With Skype being phased out in May 2025, several alternatives have been suggested for making calls to landlines in Germany from Thailand. Recommendations include VoIP services like Yolla, MagicJack, Mytello, and Rebtel, which offer competitive rates. Additionally, apps such as WhatsApp and Line provide free calling options, but may require both users to have the app. It’s suggested to consider using Wi-Fi calling on modern phones, as well as other VoIP providers that offer German landline numbers globally. Users have noted the transition to Microsoft Teams from Skype but expressed concerns about functionality.
111 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
David *********
so many
Jay ***********
I contacted DTAC and asked about calling foreign countries . Make sure you dial out 004 country code and number NOT 001 . For me calling U.S its 2.5 thb per minute . I can live with that as I don't make many calls . Contrary to belief 800 numbers are not free to U.S from DTAC
Robert *********
Yolla
Alain *********
LINE.
Alain ***************
Multiple voip providers in germany let you use a german landline number worldwide. I use one in combination with a FRITZ!Box router
Gary ***********
My Tello app
Lionel *******
rynga
Alessandro **********
Wechat
Stanley **********
Google voice
Dror *********
Zadarma
Tracey **********
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*****
*****
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dzlaavzWe are from the UK and signed up to the above link Talk360
Cindy ***********
I used the app Mytello. It worked great.
Richard ******
Line app call or video call for free.
Thaimer ******
Viber Out
Wayne ***********
Norbert - I had a Zoom call last week 4 people cost me nothing - call was set up from my UK contact though. Haven’t set myself from Thailand
Darren **********
@Wayne **********
why would you think it would be any different setting up from Thailand?Wayne ***********
@Darren *********
is rather let folks know what I’ve done than guess mate. I see too many folks giving “experience” here that actually have never personally experienced shit. Hope that helps fellaWayne ***********
@Darren *********
- I don’t think it would be different - merely that I personally haven’t tried it
Nastassia ************
I have the same issue. I receive calls on UK number which I pay subscription for. Any ideas how to replace ?
Martin *******
Yolla app
Nick **********
Sounds like no plan to reimburse your balance!
Kai *********
Satellite
Tony *********
Line
Tony *********
Whatsapp
Milan *********************
Hol dir die app talk360 , geld rauf laden und für paar Cent per Minute weltweit telefonieren. Benutze ich schon länger .
Lawrence ********
Ummmm... What? Is this 1995?... Are we in 1995? 🤨
Iain *********
@Lawrence *******
some government departments, banks and old parents only let you call them on landlinesLawrence ********
@Iain ********
Sure. And there are literally hundreds of VOIP alternatives to Skype that can make those calls. A 30 second or less Google search will list the top choices with a breakdown of each. 10 seconds using AI search. Skype hasn't been the only game in town for a long time now. Posting on FB, waiting, and then sifting through dozens, if not hundreds of opinion replies is like searching for answers on dial-up BBS's.
Giraffe *********
Mytello
Mel ******
Now I have been getting lots of ads in my feed for phone2. Anyone know of them or use them?
Alison ********
I was wondering about that too. We have a US VoIP phone number that we've had for 15 years on Skype that will be disabled too. So now no phone number nor ability to call/text non-Skype numbers nor call landlines 😥 People could call us locally and leave a voice message.
Eryk ************
Just get a phone with Wi-Fi calling. It's free. Guys, it's 2025 - most modern mobile phones and networks allow this. I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned it. Skype is mostly dead because of such reasons. It's useless.
Alison ********
@Eryk ***********
many banks, financial institutions, government offices require an actual phone number ( not VoIP # ) to get verification for OTP's or 2 step verificationsEryk ************
@Alison *******
Well, this is how Wi-Fi calling works. It's not VoIP🤦♂️. If you have your home mobile phone number, you can use it anywhere in the world just like you would in your own country. That's all.
Fredrik ***********
Rebtel
Bruce ***********
Mytello
Richard *****
Install MagicJack app. Call from any WiFi or data service to USA/Canada free but Germany landline is
Germany +49 $0.0220 per minute.
Germany +49 $0.0220 per minute.
Marcels *********
satellite. i think it was 100mins for free and u will get your own german number. but u need an adresse in germany (not necessary to prove that if i remember right).
i got a recommendation for a paid version. callcentric. haven't used it yet as ibstill have credit on skype. but should be similar to Skype and cheaper
i got a recommendation for a paid version. callcentric. haven't used it yet as ibstill have credit on skype. but should be similar to Skype and cheaper
Michael ********
Use Messager or Line for free calling, photos and video calls.
Michael ********
What’s the problem with you my friend? Are you living in Russia?
Bent *************
Line
Phil ********
Swytch £6 a month
Darren **********
practically ANY PHONE APP. Are you serious with this question? its 2025. First of all, why are you using skype? Do a google search. Welcome to the twentieth century.
Petrouchka ******
Darren Thailand, well tell us instead what app can be used to call a bank or government office in Europe cheaply when you have to hang up and wait 20 minutes or more to get a human operator.
Darren **********
@Petrouchka *****
a Google search would’ve cleared this up for you in five seconds. Let’s start with Google Voice. I’ve been using it for more than 10 years and I call my banks and government agencies in other countries. There are literally dozens of apps you can do this. I’m an IT consultant and if you’d like more help, I charge $100 per hour
en***
@Darren *********
jealous after what you presented about yourself? Not really 😂😂😂enjoy your sad life pal
Darren **********
@en***
and actually, I’ve got plenty of customers because of my seriously cool website. Jealous?Darren **********
@en***
so Google voice is not available outside of the US? Then how have I been using it in Southeast Asia for the past 10 years? And since English is not your first language, I’ll explain further. I said I’ll give you one app the rest you can Google. Reading is fundamental.en***
@Darren *********
You smugly said "practically any phone app", and then you come up with the most obvious Google Voice, which is not available outside of US lmaoMust have plenty of customers eh? Especially with such cool website
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5555
Robert ***********************
@Darren *********
read the question, calling a landline.. And besides that, it's the 21st centuryDarren **********
@Robert **********************
I read exactly what he stated. English is my first language. What part didn’t you understand? There are dozens of apps that can be used to call landlines. For example, Google Voice. I’ve been using it for more than 10 years. Any other questions?
Joseph ****
@Robert **********************
He's a buffoon. Also, I'm late to the party, but did he edit his comment several times to try and save face? A buffoon and a maroon.*****************************************
Darren **********
@Robert **********************
I’ve been using Google Voice for years. There are also several other options. Google it.Darren **********
@Glenn ****
I dial their number Robert ***********************
@Darren *********
still it's the 21st century
Glenn *****
@Darren *********
just how do you call your bankDarren **********
@Robert **********************
not a king. I’m just not stupid.Robert ***********************
@Darren *********
I stand corrected, you quite clearly are absolute king of this kind of stuff. Ps, still 21st century
Daniel ********
It’s being replaced by Teams, but I’m not sure if it will have similar functions.
Darren **********
@Daniel *******
teams has been around for more than 10 years. It has much more functionality than Skype. It’s a complete team project management utility.Alison ********
@Darren *********
can you get a phone number assigned to you that has voicemail capabilities, that anyone a part of or not a part of Teams can call you on this number ?Darren **********
@Alison *******
you were confusing technologies. One is a phone number and the other is a communication software. Microsoft teams is an application that you have to login by email. You do not need a phone number or use a phone number when you use teams. If you want a phone number there are many services that can give you a phone number. Perhaps you should look at an eSIM. It’s a software version of a phone SIM. You can create tons of fake numbers all getting forwarded to you.
Wayne ********
Microsoft is replacing Skype with an app called Teams. It will be able to call landline or mobile numbers the same as Skype.
Alison ********
@Wayne *******
only if those numbers are registered and part of Teams. Any person that is not part of Teams cannot call you.Darren **********
@Alison *******
I was going to mention that to him but he wanted to be the official authority.Wayne ********
@Alison *******
you’re correct and the free version you can only go from teams to teams, but they have several pay plans, including an international plan where you can call land lines or cell numbersDarren **********
@Wayne *******
do you mean the app Microsoft teams that's been around for 10 years? That teams? Jay ***********
@Darren *********
Read this . Looks like the call feature will not be offered **********************************************************************************************************************
Dave ********
Its the same teams, the telephone was added a few years ago, Microsoft acquired skype for this and now is binning it. Its been around a while for business teams and calls are only free within teams, to call a landline you have to pay.
Wayne ********
@Darren *********
you’re close it was launched in 2017 but this new feature is called. They have a new. Phone feature with several plans available. I was very comfortable with Skype but this new phone feature is supposedly replacing Skype.Darren **********
@Wayne *******
OK. So I was off two years.Pablo ********
WhatsApp
Mel ******
@Pablo *******
sadly does not work for calling landlines at gov offices or banksPablo ********
@Mel *****
you try yola ?Pablo ********
i am not sure yet ?
Mel ******
@Pablo *******
it allows sms text from banks for two factor authorisation ?Pablo ********
@Mel *****
Yola is working well for me here in Thailand for calls to USA. Next month I will be in the states for a visit. I will put Yola to the test.Mel ******
@Pablo *******
never heard of them. Any good? Skype only cost me 4 usd per month for my needs. Basically I just needed usa mobile number for two factor authentication for my usa banks and the occasional call to usa gov office or bankPablo ********
@Mel *****
true
John ********
In May 2025, Skype will be retired. This change will impact both free and paid Skype users. This does not impact 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. Microsoft Teams is free for individuals – no subscription needed. Sign in to schedule and join video calls for up to 60 minutes, chat, share files and photos, and collaborate on all of your projects.
Daniel *****
Deutsche sim und WLAN an fertig
Brent *******
Yolla !
Sue **********
Du meinst wohl Festnetz zB Behörden etc. Ich nutze von meinem AIS Abo einfach die spezielle Vorwahl 003 für internat. Anrufe, sehr günstiger Minutentarif
James ******
I give my friends my line ID throughout the world. It's secure and those messages and phone calls perfectly and all free
Brent *******
@James *****
that is only ok for friends and family that will use similar apps. The OP question was for something to call land-lines at low cost!…. Like a bank or government office, because they need a direct incoming call to their department phone numbers.
Nigel **************
@Brent ******
so many people clearly do not understand the question.
Sebastian ******
This by far. Even works for calling other countries for free.
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Us *****
Time to step up to the digital age and tell the other end to video message you.
Eric **********
@Us ****
Try that with your bank...
Nick *******
@Us ****
🤦♂️Nigel **************
@Us ****
absolutely no.use at all calling a bank or Govt office landlineBrent *******
@Us ****
yeah that’s a brilliant idea when you are calling a bank or government office, because they are usually so accommodating!!! 🤷♂️ sigh.
Rick ********
********************************************************************************************************************
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/28/the-next-chapter-moving-from-skype-to-microsoft-teams/
Angelik *******
@Rick *******
just tried installing Teams and logging in with my Skype account. It asked me to verify my email 3 or 4 times instead of 1! Then asked me to enter my password again. Then I changed my password, thinking maybe that was a problem. And finally it said there's a problem and I can't log in. Ridiculously malfunctioning app in my opinion. Not going to try it ever again.
Elías ********
Do you mean, altogether or some specific services only? I use Skype from time to time, and wasn't aware of this 😅
Brent *******
@Elías *******
Skype is dead and being closed downElías ********
@Brent ******
It's been dead for years, yeah, but still worked to call regular mobile phones and landlines from abroad to your own country (or vice-versa).Brent *******
@Elías *******
no I meant it is in the news today. They stopped the “buy credit” and introduced “monthly subscriptions” but today it was announced that Skype (except Skype Business) is being terminated in the next couple of months. 🤷♂️
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John **********
@Elías *******
I believe all services, I can no longer buy Skype credit so it's been coming. I believe they are doing it to push Teams uptake. It will be interesting to see what they offer with Teams if anything without a subscriptionSue **********
@John *********
no subscription needed for cange to teams.John **********
@Sue *********
I can't even sign in to Teams currentlyJohn **********
I believe they're going to make some announcement about the basic Teams offering
Brian *******
Yolla, it's brilliant.
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