The Best Skype Alternative for International Calls
Tired of expiring credits, connection fees, and unreliable quality? Switch to simple pay-as-you-go international calling that just works.
No credit card required. Credits never expire.
Why People Search for Skype Alternatives
Skype pioneered VoIP calling, but users increasingly report frustrations that make them look elsewhere.
Credits expire after 180 days
Buy Skype Credit but don't call for 6 months? Your balance disappears. Many users lose money to this policy.
Connection fee on every call
Skype charges $0.049 per call just to connect, on top of per-minute rates. Short calls become expensive.
Unreliable call quality
Users report dropped calls, audio cutting out, and sync issues between video and audio during calls.
Bloated, complex interface
Chat, video, file sharing, screen share, bots, together mode... Most users just want to make a phone call.
Confusing pricing model
Subscriptions, credits, number rentals, Skype Number... It's hard to know what you're paying for.
Microsoft account required
Since Microsoft's acquisition, Skype requires a Microsoft account, adding friction for new users.
What to Look for in a Skype Alternative
When evaluating Skype alternatives for international calling, prioritize these features.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no connection charges, no confusing subscription tiers. Simple per-minute rates you can understand.
No Credit Expiration
Your money should stay yours. Look for services where credits never expire, regardless of activity.
HD Voice Quality
VoIP call quality varies by provider. Choose one that prioritizes voice optimization over video features.
Call Any Phone
The best alternatives let you call landlines and mobiles directly, not just other app users.
Caller ID Support
Your number should show up on the recipient's phone, not some random access number.
Simple Interface
You want to make calls, not navigate a complex app. Look for focused, intuitive design.
InternationalCall vs Skype: Full Comparison
See how we compare on the features that matter most for international calling.
| Feature | InternationalCall | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Pay-as-you-go only | Credits + Subscriptions |
| Rate to India (mobile) | $0.02/min | $0.018/min + $0.049 connection |
| Rate to Mexico (mobile) | $0.02/min | $0.035/min + $0.049 connection |
| Rate to Philippines (mobile) | $0.08/min | $0.10/min + $0.049 connection |
| Connection fee | None | $0.049 per call |
| Monthly fee | None | Optional ($2.99+/mo) |
| Credits expire | Never | After 180 days |
| Call quality | HD VoIP (voice-optimized) | VoIP (video-optimized) |
| Caller ID | Your number shows | Skype number or hidden |
| Account required | Email only | Microsoft account |
| Interface complexity | Simple (calling only) | Complex (full suite) |
| Video calling | No (voice focused) | Yes |
Rates as of December 2025. Skype rates from skype.com.
Real Cost Comparison: 10 Short Calls
Skype's connection fee adds up. Here's what 10 five-minute calls to India actually cost.
Skype
InternationalCall
Save $0.39 (28%) on frequent short calls
The more calls you make, the more you save by avoiding connection fees. View all our rates.
How to Switch from Skype
Moving to InternationalCall takes less than 2 minutes. No transfers needed.
Create free account
Sign up with just your email. No Microsoft account or app download required to get started.
Add credits
Start with as little as $5. Unlike Skype, your credits will never expire.
Dial and call
Enter any phone number with country code. No contact import needed since you call numbers directly.
Other Skype Alternatives Compared
How do other popular options stack up for international calling?
Google Voice
Free US calls, but international rates are higher and it's US-only for sign-up.
WhatsApp / Viber
Only works if both parties have the app. Can't call regular phone numbers affordably.
Vonage / Ooma
Full VoIP service with hardware. Monthly subscription required, overkill for occasional calls.
Calling Cards
Cheap rates but hidden fees, expiring minutes, and annoying access codes.
Skype Alternative FAQ
Common questions about switching from Skype.
What is the best Skype alternative for international calls?
For international calling to landlines and mobiles, InternationalCall offers the best combination of competitive rates, no credit expiration, no connection fees, and simple pay-as-you-go pricing. Unlike Skype, we focus exclusively on voice calling quality.
Is Skype still free for international calls?
Skype-to-Skype calls are free, but calling regular phone numbers (landlines and mobiles) requires either Skype Credit or a subscription plan. There's also a connection fee of $0.049 per call. Credits expire after 180 days of no paid activity.
Do Skype credits expire?
Yes. Skype Credit expires after 180 days without any paid Skype activity (calls, SMS, or subscriptions). InternationalCall credits never expire, so you can buy credits and use them whenever you need without losing your balance.
Why are people leaving Skype?
Common complaints include: credits expiring after 180 days, per-call connection fees, unreliable call quality with dropped calls, bloated interface with features most users don't need, confusing pricing between subscriptions and credits, and requiring a Microsoft account.
Can I use InternationalCall instead of Skype without an app?
Yes. InternationalCall works in your web browser, so you don't need to download any app. Just sign up, add credits, and start making calls from any device with internet access.
How do I transfer contacts from Skype?
With InternationalCall, you call phone numbers directly rather than Skype usernames. Simply enter the phone number with country code and call. There's no contact database to import since you're calling real phone numbers.
Ready to Switch from Skype?
Try InternationalCall with $5 in credits. No subscription, no expiring balance, no connection fees.