Skype is a free application. This means that downloading and installing it on your devices does not require a previous payment. In addition to Windows, it is possible to download it on Android, iOS, and macOS. In those cases, it is also obtained free of charge.
Many of the features of Skype can also be used for free. These features include instant messaging and video calls made through an Internet connection. In this way, it works in a very similar way to other applications, such as WhatsApp, if we focus on messages, or FaceTime, if we talk about video calls.
But what if you want to use Skype to call a real phone number? In this case, it is necessary to pay. This can be done in two different ways:
- Credit. Pay-per-use. The user can add a certain amount of money that will be used to call phones and send text messages. Depending on where you call, the credit will be used up more or less quickly. The most common rate is between 2 and 5 cents per minute. It is possible to recharge your Skype account with at least $5. Please, note that the rate applied depends on the country you are calling, not the country from where you are calling. Therefore, you must check the current rates before buying credit to see if you agree or not.
- Subscription. This is a flat rate that lets you make unlimited calls and send unlimited messages to a specific region or country for a monthly fee. For example, the North America package is priced at US$9.54 per month and includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The World tariff is priced at US$19.07 per month and includes countries such as China, Thailand, Singapore, and Germany.
In short, if you are going to use Skype to make video calls or send messages over the Internet, it is a totally free application. If on the other hand, you want to call landlines, cellphones, or send SMS, it is necessary to check the tariff to be applied based on the country of destination.
