Galong

Viber doesn't even seem close to a replacement for Skype for the things that matter to me, which are a US Skype number, OTPs, and calling toll-free US numbers

Yes, this truly sucks. Skype did it all. I've decided on Tello. I'm getting a US SIM card and T mobile number sent to my brother (should be there today) and he'll express it to me here. It should work in my unlocked Thai Samsung phone. I'm doing this for OTPs mainly, but it can be used for 800 numbers as well. I sure hope this works... what a time-consuming hassle this has been. 🤦

I decided to go with Tello. I ordered a US SIM today. The process went smoothly ordering it from my computer using my Thai IP address. I'm sending it to my brother's house. I'll have him activate it before posting it to Thailand. I did call Tello's toll-free number using Skype while setting everything up. Their customer service was good... immediate response, no background music, etc. The guy from Tello was very helpful. Still, it was a bit of work and all because Skype couldn't figure out how to stay in business. 🤦

Since Skype is shutting down, I'm looking at every possible option for signing into Schwab. Right now, they're fine sending me OTPs on my Thai number, but in case that ever changes I'd like an alternative. I've read good and bad things about Symantec VIP Access App. Does anyone else use this authentication app on a Thai phone? Thanks.

I've been looking ever since Skype made the announcement... NOTHING compares to Skype. I wish they would have just raised their prices or something. 🤦 My wife talked to AIS today. Calling the US is 15 baht per minute. 😲 This is for 800 numbers too. I was on Skype last night for at least an hour with one of my pension suppliers. That would have been 900 baht if I had used AIS.

Has anyone successfully migrated to Google Voice? Did you have to have help from someone in the US with a mobile phone for verification? I'm thinking of having my brother help me set it up. Google Voice seems to be one of the better options as ChatGPT said it 'usually' works with OTPs and bank codes. I rarely need that. Alternatively, has anyone used AIS and the 003 prefix to call the US (or another country)? It says 3 baht per minute. I can live with that.

Newsflash: nobody's winning. This administration is about as trustworthy as a screen door on a submarine, and both parties are too busy dunking on each other to realize the whole ship is sinking. Leadership? Nonexistent. Policies? A mess. Accountability? LOL. But sure, keep pretending one side’s total dysfunction somehow cancels out the other’s. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just trying to survive the fallout of this clown show

My guy was named Mark. It could easily be a bot, but this bot was programmed better.

Thanks a lot for the feedback on the various programs. I wonder if my Skype number can be ported to Sonetel as a landline? 🤔

HAPPY DAYS... I'm reinstated! 🥳 This time I had what appears to be a human responding to my ticket. I got in AND setup my new PassKey in the MFA section. Now I can finally relax.

I've got a YubiKey physical passkey now. So if ID.me ever does get back to me (it's been over a week), I'll try to get my MFA changed to using the passkey. What a headache for something that should be resolved instantly. I'm surprised they're not asking me to fax them.

Yes, I looked into it and saw some potential issues... sorry, I don't recall exactly what they were. I seem to remember something about not being able to port my US Skype number or having to change my Skype number from a landline (which it is now) to a mobile number. That would greatly decrease the chance of it being useable for verification codes and OTPs, which is my main reason for having Skype. I have wasted so much time as I'm sure many of you have too. This sucks.

Sigh, I've added ChaiyaTH to my blocked list, which means almost nothing on this forum. Yes, same boat... still struggling to find a reasonably-priced alternative or even an expensive option that's 100% solid. I never realized Skype was in a league of its own. I never had a reason to check as I assumed it would be around forever. 🤷‍♂️

Thanks for doing the research as I was looking at some of these options. I assumed they sucked... you verified it. 🙏

Yeah, seriously... just raise the price. I'd pay more for Skype. I have a buddy who travels constantly and uses GoogleFi. He says if he doesn't pop back in to the US periodically he'll lose it. I only visit the US every 3 or so years. When my mom passes, I have no reason to ever step foot on US soil again.