Skype® for Dummies®

Chapter 8. The Ins and Outs of SkypeIn and SkypeOut

In This Chapter

• Understanding and using SkypeOut

• Buying SkypeOut credit for international calls

• Understanding, setting up, and using SkypeIn

• Redeeming vouchers for services

If people the world over were glued to their PCs, talking over Skype would be a cinch. However, people are constantly moving about and are often closer to a cell phone or a regular landline than to a computer with access to the Internet. Skype offers two kinds of services, SkypeIn and SkypeOut, to extend Skype's reach to ordinary phones. This chapter is your guide that explains what these services are, how to set them up, and how to use them.

Connecting Skype with Regular Phone Lines

The point of SkypeOut and SkypeIn is to give you seamless connectivity to all your contacts, associates, friends, and relatives, regardless of whether they are using the Internet or are using regular phone lines. These services have nice features. It is easy to dial out, and you get a record of your SkypeOut calls. SkypeIn comes with a complimentary Voicemail service, eliminating the need to be tethered to your computer. Skype Voicemail can be used for any incoming Skype calls, not just the SkypeIn ones.

You're not required to use SkypeOut or SkypeIn. When you do need to use it, though, you can have it running in a matter of minutes and at very low cost.

Understanding SkypeOut

The central concept of SkypeOut is simple. If you're on Skype, you should have the ability to speak to anyone, whether ...