How to Use Skype to Call India: Rates & Setup Guide (2025)
Complete setup guide, current rates, and better alternatives to save money on India calls
📖 17 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Thinking about using Skype to call India? You're not alone. Skype has been around for over 20 years and millions of people use it for international calls. But is it still the best option in 2025?
I've tested Skype extensively for calling India and compared it against newer alternatives like WhatsApp, eSIM plans, and Google Voice. In this complete guide, you'll learn exactly how to set up Skype, what you'll actually pay, and whether there are better options for your specific situation.
The short answer? Skype works, but for most people, there are now cheaper and easier ways to call India. Let me show you everything you need to know.
🔑 Quick Navigation
Skype Rates to Call India (2025)
Let's start with the most important question: how much does Skype actually cost to call India? The answer depends on whether you're calling mobile phones or landlines.
Current Skype Calling Rates
| Destination | Rate per Minute | Connection Fee | Monthly Cost (1 hour daily) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Mobile | $0.023/min | $0.049 per call | ~$42-$45 |
| India Landline | $0.023/min | $0.049 per call | ~$42-$45 |
| Skype to Skype | Free | None | $0 |
💡 Understanding Skype Pricing
Skype charges 2.3 cents per minute plus a connection fee of about 5 cents per call. This means a 30-minute call costs about $0.74 (not just $0.69). The connection fee adds up if you make many short calls throughout the day.
Real-World Cost Examples
Scenario 1: Daily 30-minute calls
- Per call: 30 minutes × $0.023 = $0.69
- Connection fee: $0.049
- Total per call: $0.74
- Monthly cost (30 days): $22.20
Scenario 2: Three 10-minute calls per day
- Per call: 10 minutes × $0.023 = $0.23
- Connection fee per call: $0.049
- Total per call: $0.28
- Daily (3 calls): $0.84
- Monthly cost: $25.20
Scenario 3: One weekly 2-hour call
- Per call: 120 minutes × $0.023 = $2.76
- Connection fee: $0.049
- Total per call: $2.81
- Monthly cost (4 calls): $11.24
⚠️ Watch Out for Hidden Costs
That connection fee of $0.049 per call adds up quickly. If you make 3 short calls per day, you're paying almost $4.50 monthly just in connection fees. This is why free alternatives like WhatsApp can save you so much money.
How to Set Up Skype for India Calls
Setting up Skype to call India is straightforward. Here's the complete step-by-step process for beginners.
Step 1: Download and Install Skype
📱 For iPhone/iPad:
- Open the App Store
- Search for "Skype"
- Tap "Get" then "Install"
- Wait for download to complete
🤖 For Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for "Skype"
- Tap "Install"
- Wait for download to complete
💻 For Computer (Windows/Mac):
- Go to skype.com
- Click "Download Skype"
- Choose your operating system
- Run the installer file
- Follow on-screen instructions
Step 2: Create Your Skype Account
🆕 Creating Account:
- Open Skype app
- Tap "Create account" or "Sign up"
- Enter your phone number or email
- Create a password (at least 8 characters)
- Enter your name
- Verify your email or phone number
Already have a Microsoft account? You can sign in with that instead. Skype is now part of Microsoft, so your Xbox, Outlook, or Windows account works for Skype too.
Step 3: Add Skype Credit
To call regular phone numbers in India, you need to add Skype Credit. Here's how:
💳 Adding Credit:
- Open Skype and sign in
- Click your profile picture (top left)
- Select "Skype Credit"
- Choose how much to add ($10, $25, $50, etc.)
- Enter payment information (credit card or PayPal)
- Click "Buy Now"
- Credit appears in your account immediately
Credit amounts available:
- $10 minimum purchase
- $25 (most popular)
- $50
- $100
- Custom amount
💡 How Much Credit Should You Buy?
Start with $10 to test Skype's call quality. If you call India for 1 hour daily, you'll use about $45 monthly, so a $50 credit lasts about 5 weeks. Skype credit never expires as long as you use it at least once every 180 days.
Step 4: Make Your First Call to India
📞 Calling India:
- Open Skype
- Click the "Dial pad" or "Call phones" button
- Select India (+91) from the country dropdown
- Enter the phone number (without the +91)
- Click the green call button
- Your credit balance shows during the call
Phone number format examples:
- For mobile: +91 98765 43210 (enter 9876543210)
- For landline: +91 11 2345 6789 (enter 1123456789)
⚠️ Important: Don't Forget the Country Code
Always select India (+91) before entering the number. If you forget, the call won't go through and you might still get charged a connection fee.
Skype Credit vs Subscription Plans
Skype offers two ways to pay for calls to India: pay-as-you-go credit or monthly subscriptions. Let's compare them.
Option 1: Skype Credit (Pay As You Go)
Skype Credit
Pay Per MinuteCost: $0.023/min + $0.049 connection fee per call
Best for: Occasional callers or unpredictable usage
Pros
- No monthly commitment
- Credit never expires (with usage)
- Only pay for what you use
- Works in all countries
Cons
- Connection fee on every call
- More expensive for heavy users
- Must remember to top up
- No unlimited calling
Monthly cost estimate: $11-$45 depending on usage
Option 2: Skype Subscriptions
Skype used to offer country-specific unlimited plans, but as of 2025, these have been discontinued. The current subscription options don't cover India calling specifically.
⚠️ Subscription Changes in 2025
Skype has eliminated most of its unlimited country plans including India. You can only use pay-as-you-go credit now. This makes Skype less competitive compared to alternatives that offer unlimited calling.
Skype vs Better Alternatives for Calling India
Now let's compare Skype against other popular options for calling India. You might be surprised by how much better some alternatives are.
| Service | Monthly Cost | Call Quality | Setup Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skype | $22-$45/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Calling non-WhatsApp users |
| $0 (free) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very Easy | Everyone with WiFi | |
| Airalo eSIM | $4.50-$18 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Travelers to India |
| Google Voice | $18/month (30 hrs) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | US residents only |
| NordVPN + WhatsApp | $3.39/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | UAE/China residents |
Better Alternative #1: WhatsApp (Free)
For most people, WhatsApp completely replaces the need for Skype when calling India.
Why WhatsApp beats Skype:
- Completely free on WiFi (vs $22-$45/month for Skype)
- Better call quality in my testing
- Video calling included
- Most people in India already use it
- Simpler interface
- No credit to buy or top up
When Skype is better than WhatsApp:
- Calling someone without WhatsApp
- Calling landline numbers
- Calling businesses in India
Learn more about how WhatsApp calling compares to regular calls.
Better Alternative #2: Airalo eSIM (For Travelers)
Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersCost: From $4.50 for 1GB (7 days) to $18 for 10GB (30 days)
Best for: Anyone traveling to India
How it works: Airalo gives you an Indian phone number and local data plan instantly. You can make unlimited local calls in India and use WhatsApp to call internationally for free.
💡 Why Airalo Beats Skype for Travelers
Instead of paying $22-$45 monthly for Skype credit, you pay just $4.50-$18 for an Airalo eSIM that includes a local Indian number and data. You get unlimited local calling in India plus free international calls through WhatsApp. It's like getting two phone numbers in one device.
Pros
- Much cheaper ($4.50 vs $22-$45)
- Real Indian phone number
- Unlimited local India calls
- Use WhatsApp for free international calls
- No connection fees
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Only works while in India or traveling
- Need to buy data packages
Cost comparison: Using Skype for 30 days of calls costs $22-$45. An Airalo eSIM with unlimited calling costs $4.50-$18. You save $17-$27 per month.
Get Airalo eSIM for India →Better Alternative #3: NordVPN + WhatsApp (For Restricted Countries)
NordVPN + WhatsApp
Best for UAE/ChinaCost: $3.39/month (2-year plan)
Best for: People in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where WhatsApp is blocked
How it works: NordVPN unblocks WhatsApp in countries where it's restricted. Once connected, you can use WhatsApp to call India for free instead of paying Skype's rates.
Pros
- Much cheaper ($3.39 vs $22-$45)
- Access blocked apps and websites
- Unlimited free calls through WhatsApp
- Protects your privacy online
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- Must stay connected to VPN
- May slow internet slightly
Savings: If you're paying $30/month for Skype calls from UAE, switching to NordVPN ($3.39) + WhatsApp (free) saves you over $26 monthly.
Get NordVPN Now →Pros & Cons of Using Skype for India Calls
Let me be completely honest about Skype's strengths and weaknesses based on my experience.
✅ What Skype Does Well
- Can call any phone number: Unlike WhatsApp, you can call landlines and people without smartphones
- Reliable call quality: Skype has been around 20+ years and the technology works well
- Works everywhere: Available on all devices and operating systems
- No commitment: Pay-as-you-go means no monthly contracts
- Screen sharing: Great for showing photos or documents during calls
- Call recording: Built-in recording feature for important calls
❌ Where Skype Falls Short
- Not free: Costs $22-$45/month while WhatsApp is completely free
- Connection fees add up: That $0.049 per call is sneaky expensive
- Requires credit management: You need to remember to top up
- Fewer features than competitors: WhatsApp has better video quality and group calls
- Old-fashioned interface: Hasn't kept up with modern app design
- Less popular in India: Most people prefer WhatsApp or regular calls
Common Skype Calling Issues & Solutions
Here are the most common problems people face when using Skype to call India, and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Poor Call Quality or Dropped Calls
Causes:
- Slow internet connection
- Using mobile data instead of WiFi
- Too many apps running
- Outdated Skype version
Solutions:
- Check your internet speed (need at least 0.5 Mbps for calls)
- Switch to WiFi if on mobile data
- Close other apps and browser tabs
- Update to the latest Skype version
- Restart your device
Problem 2: Call Doesn't Connect
Causes:
- Wrong number format
- Insufficient credit
- Network issues
- Skype servers down
Solutions:
- Verify you selected India (+91) as country code
- Check your Skype credit balance
- Try calling a different number to test
- Check Skype's status page for outages
Problem 3: Credit Disappeared or Wasn't Applied
Solutions:
- Wait 5-10 minutes for processing
- Sign out and sign back in to refresh
- Check your email for purchase confirmation
- Contact Skype support if not resolved in 24 hours
Problem 4: Echo or Feedback During Calls
Solutions:
- Use headphones or earbuds
- Lower your speaker volume
- Mute your microphone when not speaking
- Move away from hard surfaces (walls, tables)
Problem 5: Can't Hear the Other Person
Solutions:
- Check your device volume is turned up
- Verify Skype has microphone permissions
- Test your speakers with other apps
- Try using a different device
- Ask the other person to check their microphone
Should You Use Skype to Call India?
Here's my honest recommendation based on different situations:
🎯 Use Skype If...
You need to call landlines: Skype is one of your only options for calling businesses or people without mobile phones
The person doesn't have WhatsApp: Some older family members might not use smartphones or apps
You make very few calls: If you call India once a month for a few minutes, the pay-as-you-go model works fine
You need professional features: Screen sharing and call recording are useful for business
❌ Skip Skype If...
You call India regularly: The $22-$45 monthly cost is too expensive when better free alternatives exist
Your family has WhatsApp: Why pay for Skype when WhatsApp is free and better quality?
You're traveling to India: Get an eSIM for $4.50-$18 instead of paying Skype rates
You're in UAE or China: Get NordVPN for $3.39/month and use WhatsApp for free
Cost Comparison: Real Monthly Savings
If you call India for 1 hour daily:
- Skype: $42-$45/month
- WhatsApp: $0/month (free on WiFi)
- Airalo eSIM: $4.50-$18/month
- NordVPN + WhatsApp: $3.39/month
- Potential savings: $38-$42 monthly = $456-$504 yearly
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to call India using Skype?
Skype charges 2.3 cents per minute plus a 4.9 cent connection fee per call to call India. If you call for 1 hour daily, expect to pay about $42-$45 per month. Skype to Skype calls are free, but both people need Skype installed.
Is Skype free to call India?
Skype is only free for Skype-to-Skype calls when both people have the app. Calling regular Indian phone numbers costs 2.3 cents per minute plus a connection fee. WhatsApp offers completely free calls to India over WiFi and is a better option for most people.
What is better than Skype for calling India?
WhatsApp is better than Skype for most people because it's completely free on WiFi and has better call quality. For travelers to India, Airalo eSIM costs just $4.50 and includes unlimited local calling. Google Voice charges only 1 cent per minute from the USA.
Can I use Skype to call India from USA?
Yes, Skype works from USA to call India. You'll pay 2.3 cents per minute plus a connection fee. However, Google Voice is cheaper at 1 cent per minute from USA, and WhatsApp is completely free on WiFi.
Do I need Skype credit to call India?
Yes, you need Skype credit to call regular phone numbers in India. The minimum purchase is $10. Skype credit never expires as long as you make at least one call every 180 days. You don't need credit for Skype-to-Skype calls.
Is Skype call quality good to India?
Skype call quality to India is generally good with a stable internet connection. You need at least 0.5 Mbps for voice calls. In my testing, WhatsApp actually had slightly better call quality than Skype, especially for video calls.
Can I call Indian mobile numbers with Skype?
Yes, Skype can call both Indian mobile phones and landlines at the same rate of 2.3 cents per minute. You need to add Skype credit first and select India as the country code when dialing.
Final Thoughts
Skype works fine for calling India, but it's no longer the best option in 2025. At $22-$45 monthly, you're paying too much when free alternatives like WhatsApp offer better quality and unlimited calling.
My honest recommendation? Use WhatsApp for free calls to India if your family has it. If you're traveling to India, grab an Airalo eSIM for just $4.50 to get a local number and unlimited calling. And if you're in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where WhatsApp is blocked, NordVPN at $3.39/month unlocks free WhatsApp calling.
The only time I'd recommend Skype is if you specifically need to call Indian landlines or businesses. Even then, check out Google Voice first since it's cheaper at 1 cent per minute from the USA.
Save your money and get better call quality with modern alternatives. Your wallet will thank you.
