As long as you keep your calls, video chats, and messaging strictly between fellow Skype users, you won't pay a penny for the service.
Whether you're chatting with a friend two towns over or an uncle all the way around the globe, Skype-to-Skype communications are completely free.
Skype is typically free, but certain Skype services will cost money
Skype is not free when a Skype user goes outside the platform, using the app to call a mobile phone or a landline. But hey, considering Skype effectively turns your computer or smart device into a phone that can call anyone in the world, it might be worth a bit of cash.
And "a bit" is the operative phrase — just $2.99 per month gets you a Skype subscription that allows up to 2,000 minutes of calls within the US; after that it's an extra 15 cents per minute.
For $6.99 a month, you get 2,000 minutes of calls to all of North America, after that it's 35 cents per minute.
You can also get 800 minutes worth of calling to India for $7.99 per month — after which it's $1 a minute.
Not sure if you will make enough calls to justify a monthly subscription? Then, you can pay for Skype credits in increments as low as $5. You'll also need Skype Credit to call anywhere in the world outside of the US, North America, or India, since Skype's subscriptions only cover those regions.
Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:
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How to uninstall Skype on your Windows 10 computer in 2 ways
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How to add contacts on Skype to quickly make calls and start chats, on desktop or mobile
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How to delete your Skype contacts on a computer or mobile device
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How to change your Skype display name, to make it easier for friends or employers to find you
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How to make a Skype call on your computer or mobile device, or start a group call
