SIm card for phoning Phils?

[highlander01]

Hi - what do you use for phoning / texting the Phils?

I was going to get one of these ( disclaimer - I have no connection with the company - purely for information only. ) It seems pretty good - I can receive txts from the Ph for 1 peso.

http://www.smartpinoydos.co.uk

[Michael Parnham]

I use Lebara for calling or texting Philippines and a Philippine Smart sim for receiving texts. To obtain a Smart sim go on to Calling Now website and they will provide whatever you need!

[Michael Parnham]

Hello Brian, tried to reply to your message, but can't work out how to reply properly, it's just trial & error. In answering your question, Yes my wife is from Siquijor and I have frequented the island many times, It's a very beautiful and unique island!

[malditako]

i use skype to call my family in philippines. It cost me 10 pounds for like 60 to 70 mins airtime.

[Michael Parnham]

i use skype to call my family in philippines. It cost me 10 pounds for like 60 to 70 mins airtime.

Hello Grace, why do you have to pay for Skype?

[grahamw48]

Skype costs me nowt.

It was just the make-up and wig that cost me money.


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[raynaputi]

Nice photo Graham!

[grahamw48]

Well, we're so much alike !

[fred]

Hello Grace, why do you have to pay for Skype?

We have to pay for Skype so that I can contact my family on either their land line or mobile phones.. Cheap calls from here but not sure about UK to R.P?? Might be pricey.

[aprilovez]

my partner and I always use blackberry so we can talk anytime everyday day ... and now am coming uk i bought my mum a black berry so i can message her using bbm and also call her free using wifi in our house...

[raynaputi]

We have to pay for Skype so that I can contact my family on either their land line or mobile phones.. Cheap calls from here but not sure about UK to R.P?? Might be pricey.

I use Skype whenever I need to call my family (and even banks and Globe Telecom where I have accounts) in the Philippines (only if it's urgent). Otherwise, I just talk to my family through Facebook/Skype video chat. Below is the rate for Skype calls from UK to Philippines:

Pay As You Go - Philippines

Calling - per minute 1	excl. VAT	incl. VAT
Philippines	11.3p	13p
Philippines - Cebu	11.3p	13p
Philippines - Manila	11.3p	13p
Philippines - Mobile	14.10p	16.2p

¹ A connection fee of 6.9p applies, unless otherwise indicated.

[grahamw48]

If you call this number from your home phone (not sure about mobile) , followed by the Phils number, including country code, it will cost you 7p or 8p a minute all inclusive: 0871 881 7777.

[Terpe]

If you call this number from your home phone (not sure about mobile) , followed by the Phils number, including country code, it will cost you 7p or 8p a minute all inclusive: 0871 881 7777.

That's a great tip, I'm sure we have that number 'logged'. You past posting.

From a mobile persepective we've also used Lebara and found it getting both expensive and sometimes unreliable.
Both our mobile phones are now on PAYG with a WorldSim SIM card. We find it cheaper than the contract tariff we previously had ...plus we can use it worldwide.
Well it suits us anyway.

[highlander01]

I guess another option is to use free international minutes on some tariffs ( eg Vodafone International top up £15 & get 100 free minutes. )

Some exclude the Philippines , including Orange's Camel tariff , which I found to my cost.

[Michael Parnham]

We have to pay for Skype so that I can contact my family on either their land line or mobile phones.. Cheap calls from here but not sure about UK to R.P?? Might be pricey.

I thought Skype was only video chat and that's free, as for calls we find Lebara pay as you go cheapest!

[grahamw48]

Yes, Skype videochat is free Michael, but if you want to phone people they charge you. (You have to open an account with them then I believe).

[Michael Parnham]

Also I will mention, From UK to Philippine land line its only 9p with Lebara!

[chino]

heard of localphone ? i use them...

why just not get whatsapp/viber/tango and use 3G over here and wifi in the philippines for free calls?

[malditako]

Hello Grace, why do you have to pay for Skype?

sorry michael late post...but i think fred has answered your question. I paid skype to call my mum through her cellphone and landline. I can also send messages as well directly to her mobile.

[London_Manila]

Yahoo Messenger is free and works great on a iphone