What to do when foreign traders make international calls after Skype stops operating

Skype stopped operating, the past ten years, Skype is almost foreign trade people "low-cost teasing customers" standard tool. But Microsoft's "one-size-fits-all" has become a foregone conclusion, rather than anxiety, we should hurry to find alternatives! This article shares some alternatives and notes.

I. Customer and other contact data is transferred to Teams

Microsoft has made it clear that Skype chats and contacts will be automatically migrated to the free version of Teams. By logging into Teams, you can at least keep the "spark of the revolution". But beware:The ability to call traditional cell phones/landlines has completely disappeared from Teams!This means that if you want to continue to "bombard" your customers with low-cost calls across the ocean, you'll have to find another way to do it.

Second, alternative tools which is better? Tested and recommended these 4 types

1. Specialized call tools: low cost + high flexibility

SonetelThe company's website is called "Skype's perfect flat replacement" by the foreign media:https://sonetel.com/en/It also offers low-cost global calls and the ability to keep your original Skype number or apply for a new local number (for as low as $1.79 per month). More ruthlessly, it offers advanced features such as AI call summaries and customer ratings for efficiency-seeking foreign traders.
Google Voice: An overseas account is required, but the rates are transparent, with free calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers, for those who already have a Google ecosystem.
AntTone: Web site:https://www.anttone.com/The paid version of Google Voice costs $4 a month to make any phone call within the United States.
OpenPhone: Registration is simple, UI modern, comes with a virtual number, supports SMS + phone + CRM integration, cost-effective choice for small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises.
IntBell: Designed for foreign trade scenarios, it supports the display of local numbers in 200+ countries around the world, with call clarity upgraded by 60%, as well as the ability to batch push SMS and smart replies, which is suitable for enterprises that rely heavily on phone development.

2. Virtual Number Magic: Flexibility for Privacy

Ebtex: Hong Kong virtual number service, receive overseas verification code without worry, suitable for registering offshore platforms or protecting privacy, monthly fee as low as a few tens of dollars.
Hushed: Temporary number magic, support multi-country short-term number rental, suitable for short-term exhibitions or customer trial, the cost is calculated by day (about 2 USD/day).
Fongo Mobile: A Canadian free calling app that supports WiFi for international calls at affordable rates, but watch out for ad interruptions.
3HK/HKMobile and other Hong Kong cell phone cards: Hong Kong operators, providing the Greater Bay Area one card dual number (Hong Kong + Mainland), suitable for frequent travel to and from Hong Kong and Macao, foreign traders, traffic calls all-inclusive monthly fee of about 150 Hong Kong dollars.

3. Social software: free, but "people-oriented"

WhatsApp: A favorite of customers in South America and the Middle East, text+voice+video is a one-stop-shop, but requires the other party to install the app as well.
WeChat (overseas version of WeChat): Suitable for scenarios with many Chinese customers, but slightly awkward for non-Chinese customers.

4. Traditional program: calling card + local operator

international calling cardFor example, China Mobile's "Worry-free line" has higher tariffs than network calls, but the signal is stable, which is suitable for emergency "repair".
Local SIM card: Local packages (e.g. T-Mobile USA, EE UK) are available for long-term business trips to avoid roaming charges, but real-name authentication is required.

Third, the guide to avoiding the pit: these mines must not be stepped on!

Don't believe in "free migration".Although Teams can import data, its function focuses on collaboration rather than calls, and it is easy to be criticized as "unprofessional" by customers during business negotiations.
Be wary of balance trapsSkype Credits: Skype Credits balances can only be used via the web or Teams "Skype Dialer" and are non-refundable, so it is advisable to spend them as soon as possible.
Anti-harassment settings: If you need to bind your cell phone number to the new tool, remember to turn off the foreign call blocking (free blocking service from carriers) to avoid misplaced customer calls.

Fourth, the old bird private tips: let the customer feel that you never leave Skype!

The numbers are "shifted.": Apply for a local number similar to your old Skype number through Sonetel or Ebtone and send a message to your customers "Hi, my new number has been updated, call me anytime!". .
Recording + Translation Double Insurance: Automatically generate call summaries with IntBell or Sonetel's AI capabilities to avoid missing key information due to language barriers.
Multi-platform "Cunning"WhatsApp, email and alternate calling tools are added to important customers to spread the "disconnection risk".