Skype is shutting down: The 10 best alternatives for international calls from Czechia

With Microsoft retiring Skype’s consumer services as of May 5, many users worldwide, especially expats who rely on international calling, are looking for alternatives. Fortunately, in the era of video-conferencing, several reliable and affordable options exist to help bridge the digital gap.

However, the shutdown will most impact those who still want to phone landlines in their home country or stay in touch with loved ones who aren’t online. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for calling landlines and mobiles:

One of the most popular Skype replacements, MyTello is perfect for people who want to call landlines or mobile phones in the U.S. cheaply. Calls cost around CZK 0.15 per minute, making it one of the most affordable services available. It’s geared for people who prefer using their regular phone to make calls.

MyTello also gives you a local Czech number to dial—no internet needed.

If you still have a U.S. Google account and phone number, Google Voice is a worthy choice. From abroad, calls to the U.S. cost about CZK 0.22 per minute, and if you're using it from within the U.S. (or via a VPN), calls are often free.

To use the service, you’ll first need to sign in with a U.S. Google account. Then, set up a Google Voice number, which requires an existing U.S. phone number for initial verification. If you're setting it up from Czechia, be aware that you may need a VPN to complete the registration process.

Rebtel is another strong contender, especially if your family members don’t have internet. It offers a flat USD 14 (CZK 308)/month unlimited calling plan to U.S. numbers or pay-as-you-go from about CZK 0.22/min.

If you already use Viber for messaging, Viber Out is a paid add-on that allows you to call offline numbers. For about USD 2.25 (CZK 49.6)/month, you get unlimited U.S. calls, or you can pay around CZK 0.42/min as you go. Dial from within the app to reach any U.S. landline or mobile. Viber Out uses VoIP, so you'll need internet access, but your recipient doesn’t.

TextNow gives you a free U.S. phone number and lets you make free calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers—as long as you have Wi-Fi. Initial setup may require a VPN if you're outside the U.S., but once you're in, it's a zero-cost way to stay connected.

Offering competitive rates at around CZK 0.11–CZK0.22/min, Localphone is great for those who want a bit of flexibility and control over how they call. You can make calls using the web dialer, the mobile app, or by dialing a local Czech number that connects to your U.S. contact.

OpenPhone is tailored for companies and employees seeking a streamlined business communication solution, but can be used by anyone. It offers U.S. or Canadian numbers, and integrates with tools like Slack and HubSpot. While primarily designed for business use, it supports international calling. The costs are relatively steep, though, with packages starting at EUR 13 (about CZK 324) per month.

Positioned as a user-friendly international calling app, Talk360 allows you to make calls to any landline or mobile number worldwide without requiring the recipient to have the app. It is cost-friendly, at CZK 0.87/minute. The app is available for both Android and iOS, and it doesn't require a SIM card or a new phone number.

The Dingtone service offers free calls and texts to other Dingtone users and provides affordable rates for international calls to non-users. People can earn credits through various in-app activities, which can be used to make calls. Calls start from CZK 0.25 per minute. The app also provides a free U.S. phone number upon signup, enhancing its appeal for those needing a secondary number.

Designed for affordable international calling, Yolla allows users to call mobiles and landlines in over 190 countries. It offers competitive (CZK 0.88) per-minute rates, with no subscription needed. You top up credit when you need to. The app supports features like call recording and caller ID.

Of course, numerous well-known internet-based video and call services are available. One of the best known is Microsoft Teams, whose parent company, Microsoft, also owns Skype.

Until May 5, Skype users can sign in to Microsoft Teams for free using their existing Skype credentials, with all chats and contacts transferring automatically. Teams includes familiar features like messaging, one-on-one and group calls, and file sharing.

Unlike Skype, which was geared toward casual use and smaller groups, Teams is built for business, supporting up to 10,000 participants in a video call. Users can either migrate their data to Teams or download it to switch to a different platform.

Here's a list of popular internet-based services through which you can make phone or video calls, as well as their features.