Skype offers many outstanding services, some are free and some will cost you (they have expenses too). In general, there are two ways to purchase Skype services - monthly subscriptions and pay-as-you-go. The monthly subscription plans have been covered in another article; here we concentrate on the cost of individual services (pay-as-you-go fees). Some of the fees may be reduced significantly (50% in some cases) if you also have a monthly subscription plan.

To use the paid services with the pay-as-you-go plan, purchase Skype credits first, which will be debited as you use the services.

The costs are based on US rates and are valid at the time of writing; other countries would have different rates. Also Skype is expanding its services to more and more countries around the world.

Service	Description	Costs	Links
Skype-to-Skype Calls	Call other Skype users worldwide.	Free	Download Skype
Skype-to-Skpye Video Calls	Call other Skype users worldwide.	Free	Download Skype
SkypeOut	Call regular phone lines anywhere	Per minute fee plus connection fee per call	Buy Skype Credits
SkypeIn	Receive regular (PSTN) calls from your friends with Skype. Available in over 25 countries.	$60/year or $18/quarter	Get get your unique SkypeIn number
Voicemail	Record messages while you are unavailable.	$6/quarter or $20/year	Get Skype Voicemail
Forward	Forward your Skype calls to another phone number.	Free. SkypeOut (if used) fees apply.	Buy Skype Credits
SMS	Send text message to your friends.	9¢ to most places. SMS rate table	Buy Skype Credits
Skype To Go	Call an access number using any phone to make Skype calls at normal Skype rates. Available only in some countries.	Available only with monthly subscription plans	Get Subscription Plans

PC-free Skype Phones

It is time to enjoy Skype using a PC-free Skype phone. Free up your PC for more interesting gadgets.

Remarks

SkypeIn is available in Australia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and USA (as of March, 2010).

SkypeIn caller identification is available in Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Sweden, the UK and the US.

Skype to Go is available only in Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, UK and USA (as of March, 2010).