"Free" SkypeOut calls?
> [13.10.2005 1:00:36] x says: Is Skype blocking the number 1800FREE411? (many say it lets you make free SkypeOut calls)
These days, several people have asked me this. (Also noted [here](http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/skype/free-skypeout-dialing-hack.asp).) "Was SkypeOut hacked?" Actually, all is in perfect order and it's just an interesting way of different services working together.
A while ago, [we announced global free calls to toll-free numbers](http://blogs.skype.com/blog/products_and_services/free_calls_to_toll-free_phone_numbers_global_beta/). 1800FREE411 is just one of them. When you call it, it helps you look up a U.S. person or business from their directory service and then connects the call (assuming the person or business is listed in directory, of course). And the directory service bears the cost of the call as it seems to be ad-supported. So you use SkypeOut to connect to the service, and the service to connect to the one you're calling.
kernowdunc commented Tuesday, Oct 4
A very clear, straight forward introduction to controlling Skype through VB.
Certainly a good starting point for anyone thinking of attempting this type of programming.
skype_smudger commented Saturday, Oct 15
Just called two friends in the US from Germany. The second time I even got a human on the line because I couldn't say Glen Allen, Virginia with an american accent 
.
I did not have to listen to any Ad's either. Great service.
Shame the UK charges 40Pence a call plus 23p a minute to their 118 500 number.
"Calls to 118 500 cost 23p per minute and are billed by the second with a 40p connection charge from BT landlines (excluding BT payphones). Mobiles and other networks may vary. Prices correct at time of publication (August 2005).
BT plc, FREEPOST NAT12417, Sheffield, S1 1AY."
johnhoward commented Sunday, Oct 16
The free call via 1800FREE411 worked for me, but it permits only about a 3 minute phone call. It gave me a recorded warning when 60 seconds were left, then cut me off. Still, this is great for making short free U.S. calls from Skype!
zeleno_oka commented Sunday, Oct 16
Hi, i was wondering if anyone can tell me if i called EUROPE from the USA!!??
THANK UU
zeleno_oka commented Sunday, Oct 16
^^^^^^^sory messed up...if i called europe from the usa would it charge my bills or anything??
marjola40 commented Monday, Oct 24
Hi, I've been using skype for several months now. It feels just like being in my contacts homes all the time and they in mine. And it saves us hondreds of $ every month.
I love it.
marjola40 commented Monday, Oct 24
Please can you provide FREE skype out service to to offline contacts?
langerking commented Monday, Oct 24
Just downloaded Skype, I'm as new as it gets. I wanted to add skype out to call landline phones and the offer is:
"Spend a minimum of $10 or €10 using PayPal and get free Skype services" but when I click this link I only have the option to buy 10 Euros worth; what if I want $10?
ginagrey commented Tuesday, Nov 15
Hi can anyone tell me how to get started, I tried makind a phonecall then it told me my credit had finished. I thought the calls were free!! Ta
cjmclellen commented Wednesday, Nov 16
Outstanding!!! Obviously written by a true professional.
Very helpful source code for the Visual Basic developer. It eliminates all the hard work needed to get your VB app up and running with Skype.
Without the use of this module, I would be lost...
whoodylew commented Saturday, Dec 10
Would anyone tell me why I am not able to purchase Skype points online via credit card? I tried for several times, but the automessage cotinously said "refused......". BTW, I am in P.R.China. Thank U
eambrausa commented Saturday, Dec 17
Hello.Anyone here can tell me if you pay for the incoming calls made from a regular phone to your skypein number?Thanks a lot.
Eddie.
justinecindy commented Thursday, Dec 22
I'm very sad because I have been a very loyal Skype and SkypeOut user but last week when I tried to purchase more SkypeOut credits (I normally load up a lot!), I was told that moneybookers is no longer an option and I'd have to pay via Direct Bank Transfer. Since I'm from the Philippines, this arrangement becomes far too expensive for me because of all the bank charges so I might not be able to use SkypeOut anymore to call my friends abroad. This is very disheartening to me. I wish they would allow me to pay via moneybookers again.
lazareb commented Monday, Feb 12
Pretty sweet we combo Free411 and Skype. I've been using free 411 on my cell for a while now, in speed dial, saved me a lot of $. Never thought about using it with Skype to make free calls though. Nice Idea! Thanks.
superstarmarioworld commented Monday, Apr 2
If Iam in USA and i want to call egypt i can call egypt call egypt for free?
superstarmarioworld commented Monday, Apr 2
if iam in the united states of america i can call egypt for free
superstarmarioworld commented Monday, Apr 2
Iam so sad because iam not rich. i have no phone iam not speak english well.i only have computer and food to eat.the yahoo! messenger we cant call any country for free i have to give a lot of money i tried Hotmail(MSN) it is the same thing i tried Google(gmail)it is the same thing as yahoo and Hotmail(MSN).And than i tried skype i dont know if we can call Egypt,Italy,Kuiwt any country for free does we can call any country for free using Skype?
wendy.jackson1 commented Friday, Jun 15
I am ready to talk to my boyfriend in El Salvador. I cannot complete the phone call ever because somebody wants money. I thought it was free. I told him that I need to pay for credits to call him and he says no way, He has been using this for a while now and has never paid a penny. Why are they charging me. Is it only in the USA that we are charged. very confused????????
quasimodo_1961 commented Wednesday, Dec 26
Egypt....
Make shure to have Skype Credit when you go to Egypt
and try to call somewhere...
You are unabale to purchase Skype Credit form Egypt
Ip's "for security reasons".
So best you ask a friend or relative to log into your
Skype account and pay from any other country with your Credit Card. It works....
A reason why Egypt is still in the third world countries, Telecom protection !!!!! 
Claudio Klemp, Italy
quasimodo_1961 commented Wednesday, Dec 26
Egypt....
Make shure to have Skype Credit when you go to Egypt
and try to call somewhere...
You are unabale to purchase Skype Credit form Egypt
Ip's "for security reasons".
So best you ask a friend or relative to log into your
Skype account and pay from any other country with your Credit Card. It works....
A reason why Egypt is still in the third world countries, Telecom protection !!!!!
Claudio Klemp, Italy
lifeinjersey commented Tuesday, Jan 29
is there a similar service for the United Kingdom (UK)?
If so can someone provide details?
Thanks!
nikster101 commented Wednesday, Feb 13
This is totally amazing! I am studying in Australia and my parents are in the US so it's a great way to stay in touch!!! The only question I have is when I call a land line or a cell phone from my skype minutes does it cost them anything or does it just use the minutes I bought? Thanks so much!!!
gabars_ commented Tuesday, Apr 28
Canada's 411 doesn't work since Skype does not seem to accept 3-numbered phone numbers... 
jose.ruiz.ascencio commented Thursday, Jan 7
Free toll-free calls? If not to Taiwan, maybe that is too much, too soon.. I would be very happy to pay at local Skype rates to be able to dial a toll-free number in Mexico from my computer, but don´t know how. Is there some secret procedure? Can soomebody help?
funtimebear commented Tuesday, Apr 6
I cannot get Skype to work. I have an account and after signing in, I cannot get to a directory or contacts screen. Every attempt at soliciting help from FAQs or the Help dialogue box produces no results. How do I get that screen?