This should be in th skype-closes-shop-in-may-2025
It’s gonna be a problem for many and that’s where they will search.
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Thanks, got my post and the replies moved to the right place. 
I still use Skype because it’s the preferred means of communication for some of my older family members. Teams tests so far are not working, not even to find existing contacts by email address or Skype name - even if that person is sitting in the same room as me and also logged on to both!
These folks generally prefer to type-chat and share memes/videos as opposed to voice chatting. WhatsApp and Signal could be options, and Viber looks like it could be a good option that isn’t owned by the usual companies. I’ll check it out as well. Thanks @RobBob
Skype was the first thing I managed to get my parents using to make international calls. Before that I had to maintain a VOIP number so they had a UK number to call normally.
Technology has moved on and now we have easy to use smartphones and my parents have successfully migrated to WhatsApp.
There’s a blog on NordVPN as to which messaging apps are more secure or best:
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For years we did the same, because international phone numbers, like international flights, only work in one direction. Or somethin’.
We’ve finally managed to switch my mother to FaceTime - but that only works if there is a grandchild on hand to set up the call for her.
But hey - at 95, I’m just glad she’s still here to talk to.
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I tried the “Zadarma” VoIP service, and at a 3rd or 4th attempt it finally succeeded to make a call to a foreign landline.
I could make such a call from my mobile or land phone but either tha calling rates or the monthly subscriptions for that are so 20 century expensive.
Skype was used by many people for cheap international calls. A good alternative is Google Voice (only available in the US) and MyTello. Viber also has international calls (Viber Out) but if I recall correctly the credit will expire after a few months.
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Update, I’ve been using viber since skype died.
Specifically, the service called Viber Out. 0.019 USD / minute to landlines, 0.013 USD / minute to mobile phones.
Since I have zero trust on viber, I did not use a credit charge to recharge. Went to denner to buy a google pay prepaid card. Then, add credit to viber from google pay.
Call quality is lower than skype, but still manageable with headphones.
I’m still looking for a solution for a virtual phone number to receive calls. It seems the options for individuals don’t exist anymore. So far, I’ve only seen solutions aimed at business with high fixed costs per month 
I use Teams (I have a corporate account and added my private ID), my sister uses Teams as well, for free.
Ahhhhh, as a 2nd account in teams?
Yes, it actually got automatically added when they stopped Skype. Just didn´t notice it initially
skype, as I know it is dead. However, i happend to try and install skype of business ( 
) quite recently in hopes that it might offer me a good (paid?) alternative to original Skype world-calling yearly subscription.
Now, every time I reboot my PC, i get prompted to install skype for business and pay for it.
Are there alternatives to Skype’s paid-for world-wide calling subscription?
I’m calling now with viber. But, I don’t have a virtual phone number to receive calls yet.
I use Teams (I have a Corporate account that allows for land line numbers as well). My sister also switched to Teams (regular account).