# Best Plan for International Calls? (Skype vs. MagicJack vs. Google Voice)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-plan-for-international-calls-skype-vs-magicjack-vs-google-voice/662895>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [July 7, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-plan-for-international-calls-skype-vs-magicjack-vs-google-voice/662895 "2013-07-07T22:37:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Novalyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@Novalyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novalyne)\
**Post date:** [July 7, 2013, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-plan-for-international-calls-skype-vs-magicjack-vs-google-voice/662895/1 "2013-07-07T22:37:30Z")

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First off, I’ll just admit that I’m an idiot when it comes to VoIP stuff. I have used Skype for video calls (never to land lines), and that’s about it. I have never used MagicJack or Google Voice, although I am somewhat familiar with the basic concept of using the Internet to make/receive calls.

I’m about to move to Costa Rica for two years. I’m taking an unlocked smartphone but I have no idea yet exactly what sort of plan I’ll end up with. So in addition to mobile calling, I want to have a backup plan using MagicJack, Skype, or Google Voice. But…I don’t understand exactly how it all works! I’ve been reading up on them but it’s all blurring together.

All I want is to be able to make and receive calls back to the U.S., using a computer OR a handset, for free or cheap. I also want to make sure that people calling me from the U.S. don’t get charged for the call. I assume I need to get a local (U.S.) number before I leave.

Bonus points for the plan that would somehow allow me to integrate my (as yet unknown) international cell phone into it all (maybe using an app?).

Is one of the 3 (Skype, MJ, GV) easier/better, or are they all pretty much the same?

Advice? Opinions? Please?

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**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\
**Post date:** [July 8, 2013, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-plan-for-international-calls-skype-vs-magicjack-vs-google-voice/662895/2 "2013-07-08T00:50:40Z")

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I can only tell you what it’s like here in the UK.

I use my computer (with microphone, speakers + webcam) to call the US using **Skype** on both phone + video calls to both landlines + cellphones.

It’s free (including the download of Skype software) and satisfactory.