I recently wrote about setting up US and UK numbers for incoming calls even if you’re located outside of these countries, and judging from the hits (almost frontpage DUGG–entry was buried, though, because my site got fried due to the DIGG effect), there seems to be much interest. Hey, it’s free after all. The process basically includes signing up for a SIP (VoIP) account with Free World Dialup, installing an FWD client, and then signing up with IPKall and CallUK for US and UK numbers to redirect to your FWD account.

But here’s something more interesting. Remember that Skype is offering free calls to any mobile and landline within the US and Canada if and only if you’re located within these countries?

If you’re in the US or Canada, you can use SkypeOut to call any landline or mobile number in both the USA and Canada for free.

If you’re in the US or Canada and calling any other country, OR if you’re in any other country and calling landline or mobile numbers in the US or Canada, the standard SkypeOut rates apply.

Of course, Skype still does allow free calls to 1-800 numbers from anywhere. But the moment you try calling a non toll-free number, you will get the standard “SkypeOut credits needed” message (if you don’t have enough).

skypeout.png

There’s actually a workaround that lets you call the US and Canada free no matter where you are–and it’s so simple I can’t believe I didn’t realize it before. Use a VPN!

If you’re located in Europe, Asia, or anywhere for that matter, you can tunnel into a US- or Canada-based server and go online with Skype and Skype’s servers will think you’re calling from the US or Canada. You get to enjoy free international calls!

No VPN? Fret not. You can use iPIG, which has a free VPN software and has servers running on US territory. iPIG is actually meant for secure connections from any unsecure point of connection (such as a public WiFi hotspot). The basic concept is tunnelling using an encrypted connection thru their servers. Just the thing we needed!

How do I do it?

First, download and run the iPIG client.

ipig-client (Custom).png

Make sure iPIG is connected. The software usually says “Driver transparent” if it’s disconnected. If this is the case, click the “iPIG On” button to connect.

Once connected to the iPIG server, launch and connect Skype (download here if you don’t have a copy yet). You will notice that the flag beside the telephone number/Skype name entry box is an American flag (this changes according to the country your IP address is associated with).

Now start dialling US and Canada mobile and landline numbers–use the international format +1 (area code) (telephone number). See if you can connect.

skype-call (Custom).png

If you can connect, then the hack worked for you. Congratulations!

Enjoy your free calls!

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