Are Recipients Charged for Skype Calls to Mobile or Landline Numbers?
Question details
The user wants to know if there are any charges for the recipient when making a Skype call to a US mobile or landline number.
- Product
- Skype
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Calling traditional mobile or landline numbers using the Skype application.
- Observed behavior
- The caller pays for the Skype Credit or subscription, but seeks clarity on whether the receiving party incurs any carrier fees for answering the call.
Before making a call to a mobile or landline via Skype, ensure you have sufficient Skype Credit or an active subscription covering the destination country.
Understanding Skype Call Charges for Callers and Recipients
Clarification on who pays for a Skype call made to standard mobile and landline numbers and how local carrier policies apply.
When you use Skype to call a standard mobile or landline number, you (the caller) are responsible for the Skype side of the charges. However, whether the recipient pays anything depends entirely on their local telecom provider and their specific phone plan.
To initiate a call to a mobile or landline number, the caller must have Skype Credit or an active Skype subscription. Note that standard Skype-to-Skype calls over the internet remain completely free.
Skype itself does not charge the recipient for receiving the call. However, the recipient may incur standard incoming call charges or consume their mobile plan's airtime minutes, depending on their telecom carrier and local calling policies (especially common in the US if they do not have an unlimited plan).
If you or the recipient are unsure about potential fees, advise the recipient to contact their mobile or landline service provider to check their policy on receiving calls from VoIP services or international numbers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Skype-to-Skype calls completely free?
Yes, as long as both parties are using the Skype app on their devices and are connected to the internet, the audio or video call is completely free.
Do I need Skype Credit if I only call toll-free numbers?
No, Skype supports free calls to toll-free numbers in several countries, including the United States, France, and the UK, without requiring Skype Credit.
How does the recipient see a call from Skype on their caller ID?
If you have set up Caller Identification in your Skype account settings using your personal mobile number, the recipient will see that number. Otherwise, the call may appear as an 'Unknown' or random number.
Can I use a Skype Number to receive calls from landlines and mobiles?
Yes, you can purchase a Skype Number, which acts as a traditional phone number. People can call it from their mobile or landline, and you answer the call directly in the Skype app.
