PomPolo

Textnow still looks quite expensive 10$ a month for static number on a paid plan. Sonetel has anyone used this? 1$ a month to get a static UK number and looks like you can do most stuff but some limitations if you are not an advanced business user etc.

First limitation found on google voice I can't get a static UK number with a Thai sim card would have to be a US number. Textnow looks like my best option in my situation for a UK static number and Thai sim card

ChatGPT my points by the way team doing research for myself as I do need a static number for a couple of different reasons so sharing the chatGPT convo!

1. Access to Google Voice: Google Voice is available in Thailand, so you can access the service via the Google Voice app or website from your devices. You can receive calls on your Google Voice number if it's linked to your account, and make calls through the app or website. 2. Making International Calls: If you're in Thailand and want to make calls to the US or other countries, Google Voice allows you to do so at low international rates. Rates for international calls from Thailand will be higher than domestic calls but remain affordable. To call local Thai numbers or international numbers from Thailand, Google Voice can forward your calls to your device or allow you to dial directly through the app. 3. Local Number Availability: Obtaining a Google Voice number: While you can use Google Voice from Thailand, you cannot get a new Google Voice number with a Thai area code. You’ll need to have a US-based phone number to set up your Google Voice number. However, once set up, you can use the Google Voice number to receive and make calls globally. 4. Call Forwarding: You can forward your Google Voice number to a local Thai phone number, but international forwarding can incur additional charges.

Hi @spidermike007 I haven't set up before in Thailand @lordgrinz said there might be an issue if it recognises a Thai sim card etc so not 100% on that one but should be able to register through a VPN and test it, I'm probably going to try and set it up and some point seems like one of the cheapest and similar options to Skype, also Textnow seems quite a popular option again not sure on the setting up from Thailand sit-rep, goignto try that one also if there are issues on setting up Google Voice Device Synchronization: Google Voice can ring on multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) when an incoming call is made to your Google Voice number. Web Interface: You can also receive calls on the Google Voice website if you're logged in on a computer. Call Forwarding: Calls to your Google Voice number can be forwarded to other phone numbers, allowing them to ring on multiple devices. Customization Options: You can manage which devices receive calls and adjust voicemail or call forwarding settings. Limitations: Calls can ring on multiple devices, but once answered on one device, it stops ringing on the others. Pricing for Google Voice: Google Voice Number: Free for personal use in the US. Receiving and Making Calls: Domestic calls: Free to US and Canada. International calls: Low rates, typically around $0.01 to $0.02 per minute to many countries. Call Forwarding: Free for forwarding to US numbers, but charges may apply for forwarding to international numbers.

Can't be that big a business or must be Mongolian Government departments if they don't have electronic means of communication!

If I want to contact HMRC I will do it through my HMRC app on mobile or via email or by Website contact forms also pretty much everywhere these days has social media or web form contact methods, stresses me out when I actually have to talk to those kinds of places but if you are old school then yes make a phone call 🙂

I think you are correct we can't be the only people that found that feature useful, I am guessing after it shuts down in April there will be a lot of people up in arms about it, just curious if they are actually trying top figure out some sort of way to transfer people with Skype numbers but a huge amount of development I guess, but both companies owned by Microsoft so you would think with Bill Gates idea of microchipping people that transferring and allowing Skype numbers should be a walk in the park for him!

Actually looks pretty good you can also link Teams to your mobile and get SMS's directly to teams. I like the integration to Office 365 that I have a paid plan for also. The only pain is no static number, can pay for an MS Business plan to get this but damn expensive!

I am adding my MS account to teams now where I have a couple of business accounts registered, I'll let you guys know my findings 🙂

VPN?

Perfect @lordgrinz didn't know and didn't say in any of the comms, I use the same Microsoft account on both so hopefully will be transparent I know its only $23 but that's usually enough for me to message and call for about a year the amount of times I use it! Assuming Teams call costs will be similar pricing to Skype's but haven't looked into it.

Cost: Free for the US (calls to US landlines and mobiles), but you might need to port your existing number or set up a new Google Voice number. Features: Google Voice gives you a free local US number and allows you to make and receive calls to US numbers for free. You can also send text messages for free within the US. The catch is that it doesn't offer international calling for free, but the rates are low. Limitations: If you need to call international numbers, you’ll need to buy credits, but for US calls and texts, it's completely free.

More importantly I had just topped up my Skype before the announcement so have $23 credit wonder where that will go nothing in the user alerts about it!!

And google voice is free to US landlines

Google Voice, Textnow or Ooma and you can also get a static US number with them all

I didnt know this one was going to mention That MS are pushing teams that does have outgoing call /messaging ability didn't know about the bank code stuff, guess we will still need mobiles for that. As @Etaoin Shrdlu said also one of the features I did like about skype was the My Number where you could rent a static number useful if you have to give someone persistent contact details.

Viber, Google Voice, Zoom and Line to name a few. Haven't tried them all but fairly sure I have seen options to purchase calling credits on them all the same as Skype. And if you only want to talk or video other people without a landline but whatsapp/line/viber/fb messenger installed can't beat these apps for free messaging and calls it's very rare these days people don't have a mobile and at least one of these apps installed! That is probably why Skype is shutting down who talks on Landlines anymore!

Skype was Sht anyways used it a few times to make phone calls to landlines but many other viable, cheaper and reliable options.

Need RTP on the case they would have this solved in a day RIP to the Dog I love Alsations! "We all got it comin', kid."

DEE money seems out of action since last year unless anyone else can still use the mobile app?

Pesky foreigners

Top marks to the guy, definitely a long time to forget a visa run, full definition of low profile

All good everyone is the master of their own destiny I like riding motorbikes too and have always felt safe driving here, its the other idiots you need to watch out for! I wasn't actually disagreeing with your post just stating some publicly available facts 🙂

All road deaths per year paint a similar picture unfortunately (not for the UK where driver training is actually important) Thailand: Approximately 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people. Bangkok Post United States: Approximately 13 deaths per 100,000 people. Voronoi App United Kingdom: Approximately 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people. The Times