Skype Review

Instead of swallowing exorbitant charges for international cell-phone calls, just download Skype and point yourself to a Wi-Fi hot spot.
By: Bob Tedeschi

Category: Travel
Cost/Platforms: Free on Apple, Android and (Verizon) BlackBerry devices.

Overall Rating:travel app rating
Multiplatform:travel app rating
Lots of function for nothing:travel app rating
Fun and easy to use:travel app rating
Solves travel need or challenge:travel app rating


Free (or cheap) calls over Wi-Fi, with your smartphone.

Why we like it -- Instead of swallowing exorbitant charges for international cell-phone calls, just download Skype and point yourself to a Wi-Fi hot spot. While there, you can make free Skype-to-Skype calls or calls to landlines at Skype's greatly discounted rates. (You can also make and receive calls outside of a hot spot, but 3G data charges will apply.) And iPhone 4 users can now make video calls to other Skype users who have the app.

If someone calls your Skype ID, your phone will ring wherever you are, even if you're using other apps at the moment.

Improvements we'd like to see -- Only BlackBerry users who happen to have a Verizon contract, or own one of 9 specific BlackBerry models, can use the service. Given how many business travelers in particular use BlackBerrys, this leaves a major gap in Skype's potential usefulness.

More app reviews >>

Next Up

Yelp Review

Yelp offers listings and user reviews of businesses and restaurants in most US cities, plus London and Paris.

XE Review

The XE app makes currency conversion a breeze.

iTranslate Review

iTranslate offers decent language translation in a pinch.

WorldMate Review

Forward your travel confirmation emails to WorldMate and it creates a folder for each trip.

TripIt Review

TripIt allows you to consolidate all your travel information into a nicely-organized folder.

Kayak Review

This app lets you shop across a wide range of travel providers with ease.

FlightTrack Review

FlightTrack tells you the arrival time and gate of every flight and offers alternate routes if your flight is cancelled.

Point Inside Review

Point Inside lets you dial down quickly on the layout of an airport terminal (as long as you have a network connection) or a mall.

Trip Advisor Review

Trip Advisor's app gets you quick, reliable information on accommodations, food and sights.

Zagat to Go Review

Zagat to Go offers trusted advice for finding a restaurant on the road.

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV