Cheapest Way to call UK Mobile from the USA

darren72

I'll be going away next month to Orlando and was trying to find out the cheapest way I can call a UK mobile from over there.

The person I need to call is quite elderly so Skype, Whatsapp etc isn't an option for them.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

DomRavioli

Depends what network you are on in the UK and your current package/PAYG deal. For example 3 offer a feel at home service, which includes the US. http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Phones/Feel_At_Home
Means you don't incur extra call charges, but only available on certain tariffs, and is available on PAYG (see link - it works a bit differently, so may be worth getting a PAYG on three if the other options aren't for you).

I'm sure vodafone have an add on for the US as well, I know nothing about EE.

If you could provide a little more information, that would be super handy, such as your network and if youre on PAYG or on postpay contract. Don't need proper details just the basics.

darren72

Thanks for your reply.

I should have given more information.

My mobile is with TalkTalk so I would be looking to use either the hotel phone (which gives free calls to local (Orlando) and toll free 800 type numbers) or I will also have Wi-Fi access on my mobile.

I don't think using my TalkTalk mobile in the traditional sense to place a call is going to be an option.

Thanks

mgdavid

darren72 wrote: »

..........

I don't think using my TalkTalk mobile in the traditional sense to place a call is going to be an option.

Thanks

any particular reason for thinking this?

darren72

mgdavid wrote: »

any particular reason for thinking this?

They don't offer bundles and charge £1.20 per minute for calls made back to the UK from USA (Zone 3).

benjus

If you will have wifi then there are various ways to call normal phone lines over wifi.

Some mobile phone providers offer an app for this (not sure about Talk Talk) - this may be the simplest way.

Skype offers calls to normal phone lines for a price - the rates aren't the cheapest around but they aren't bad and it should be easy to set up.

I use an app called MobileVOIP on my phone. This works with an account from any of the Betamax sites (list here). Once you've connected your account just dial the number, set the call type to "VOIP Call" and dial.

Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked (or you have access to one that is), just get a Three PAYG SIM and take advantage of Feel at Home (you would need to buy an add-on, which means spending at least £10).

[Deleted User]

I don't know why whatsapp isn't an option - when you ring them, it comes up exceptionally similar to a regular phone call. It's also something you can try out in this country to see if it's works.

darren72

benjus wrote: »

I use an app called MobileVOIP on my phone. This works with an account from any of the Betamax sites (list here). Once you've connected your account just dial the number, set the call type to "VOIP Call" and dial.

Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked (or you have access to one that is), just get a Three PAYG SIM and take advantage of Feel at Home (you would need to buy an add-on, which means spending at least £10).

Thank you - I will take a look into those options. The first sounds the best for me.

darren72

ringo_24601 wrote: »

I don't know why whatsapp isn't an option - when you ring them, it comes up exceptionally similar to a regular phone call. It's also something you can try out in this country to see if it's works.

Whatsapp relies on both parties using Whatsapp - The person I am calling has a basic old style Nokia phone that you can't install Whatsapp onto.

photome

I ordered a free 3 sim added the £10 feel at home bundle, worked great with no issues and nothing else to pay

[Deleted User]

darren72 wrote: »

Whatsapp relies on both parties using Whatsapp - The person I am calling has a basic old style Nokia phone that you can't install Whatsapp onto.

You'd be surprised actually .. they support symbian and s40 nokias

https://www.whatsapp.com/s40/
https://www.whatsapp.com/nokia/

Might not have voice calling though.