phone calls to the states

[jjcabgou]

Everyone, thanks for the info!  By this thread it would seem the majority use Skype.  I've never used Skype because I never needed to.  If I live or visit the Philippines I need the cheapest way to call back to the states for emergencies, banking issues (even though Navy Federal has a 1-888 #) or making calls to friends and relatives.

T Mobile

[Art, just a re(tired) Fil-Am]

Been living in the Philippines 20 yrs and I can count all my  fingers on both hands the times I made calls to the U.S or anywhere  else and Skype on my PC or cellphone was all I used. For the past 4 yrs, from $20, I still have $4.00 credit left for paid outgoing calls. So you see how cheap calls are with Skype. Most of the calls were often toll free calls. Facebook's Messenger is best calling family and friends, which is also free.

[jjcabgou]

Been living in the Philippines 20 yrs and I can count all my  fingers on both hands the times I made calls to the U.S or anywhere  else and Skype on my PC or cellphone was all I used. For the past 4 yrs, from $20, I still have $4.00 credit left for paid outgoing calls. So you see how cheap calls are with Skype. Most of the calls were often toll free calls. Facebook's Messenger is best calling family and friends, which is also free.

But Art, you may not be the typical foreigner that still has ties (family, financial, friends etc...) back to the homeland.   Conversely, I call the US, several times a week, and some weeks many many more times.   I also receive calls from the US.  Having a phone available can  be much more convenient, and in many cases necessary, than having something like skype or FB.   Tough to have a conversation with your bank via skype, or maybe one needs to call somebody quickly and cant wait till they may log on to skype or fb.   Having a phone for many of us really is a necessity. 

[Art, just a re(tired) Fil-Am]

But Art, you may not be the typical foreigner that still has ties (family, financial, friends etc...) back to the homeland. 

The Philippines is my homeland. Besides, at my old age I've become a bit of a recluse and or an antisocialist, which is ok by me since I find that Filipino family circles and friends just has too many family dramas going on in their lives. I just enjoy the simple quietness in and around my surroundings during my final retirement years I have left. 

[David690]

I speak to my family back in UK every Sunday.  We use FaceTime and spend between 1 and 2 hours chatting.  It is also video, so we are face to face so to speak. Cost is zero, just need a decent internet connection.

[jjcabgou]

I speak to my family back in UK every Sunday.  We use FaceTime and spend between 1 and 2 hours chatting.  It is also video, so we are face to face so to speak. Cost is zero, just need a decent internet connection.

hahaha common theme in many of the posts "Need a decent internet connection"

[David690]

hahaha common theme in many of the posts "Need a decent internet connection"

Why hahaha?  I wouldn't choose to live anywhere without a decent internet connection. Not just for free calls, but internet and TV streaming, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube etc.

[jjcabgou]

Why hahaha?  I wouldn't choose to live anywhere without a decent internet connection. Not just for free calls, but internet and TV streaming, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube etc.

I guess it was more of an "UGH" hahha,,,  I soooo miss good internet connection