Skype was indeed revolutionary when it launched in 2003. Free calls over the Internet, were a starting alternative to significantly expensive international calls over the phone. Yet, by the late 2010s the world embraced smartphones, and I too switched to mobile-first phone apps like Yolla.

I actually wrote about Yolla in my 2020 Guide for Stranded Nomads. Skype under Microsoft rein became a sluggish app, with a confusing blend of corporate subscriptions and social media attempts. Therefore, I researched and tested all the alternative apps. In May 2025, Microsoft is officially shutting down Skype, forcing 36 million daily active users to move on.

Indeed, when billions of people use WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage and other chat apps, why would anyone need another communicator?

The narrow use case of VoIP (voice over IP) apps in the digital nomad setting

As a millennial, expat, and digital native, I default to writing. It's simply the most practical communication method. Yet, once in a while I hit a wall of a legacy entity, that forces its customers to call them. So how can a Polish in Malaysia call a Chinese airline via their US number? You can think about any combination of a citizen of X, within country Y, calling a country Z. This is a common digital nomad scenario.

I definitely won't use my Polish mobile number on international roaming in Malaysia, to call an American call center. For the 40 min I spent on hold with China Eastern, I'd pay around 84 USD. Via VoIP, I paid for that call 0.4 USD. That's 210 times cheaper!

Excessively expensive rates of international calling in roaming

Other entities that would require a traditional phone call include:

  • embassies and consulates
  • immigration departments and other gov institutions
  • restaurants
  • museums
  • hotels
  • taxis – especially in regions whiteout hailing apps

Why prepaid is better than subscription for VoIP?

Both Google and Microsoft are aware that many businesses still need to call legacy phone networks. That's why they offer specific subscriptions in their Workspace and Teams. For a time, even I, used prepaid Google Voice, when it was still possible via their Hangouts app.

Yet, for Big Tech, the maintenance of VoIP only makes sense when companies pay hefty monthly fees. I am a free roaming solopreneur who calls a landline phone maybe once a quarter. And only as the last resort.

Therefore, I'm glad to only pay for the actual minutes I'm spending on VoIP.

What are the VoIP benefits of Yolla app?

Many readers of Nerd on Tour are from the US. For them, Yolla may not be compelling, as they have low international calling via Google Voice or their mobile operator. However, if your primary mobile number is from any other country, Yolla is the best VoIP solution. Especially, if you used Skype until now.

Yolla uses your mobile number to register the account. Thanks to that, your number is displayed on caller's device. If the number is saved in their contacts, your name will appear. Nifty solution, when you need to call grandma's flip phone from abroad.

The call rates start from $0.004 per minute, and there are no subscriptions. They only offer top-ups in predetermined amounts. However, the lowest 4 USD top-up gives you around 400 minutes to US numbers. Most importantly, it's valid forever.

Extra Yolla features

I've been using Yolla for years, and it never failed me. Moreover, I turned on the auto top-up, to ensure that my call won't be cut in the middle. Many of my nomad friends also use Yolla, so it's good to have an alternative channel during WhatsApp outages. Lastly, it's possible to send an SMS from Yolla to any number. Feature that I use the least, as SMS delivery is, in general, unreliable.

Most importantly, the mobile app works fine. And doesn't force you to make a paid call every few months to keep your balance. Like Skype used to.

Yolla call summary with price amounts is very affordable

How long will Yolla exist on the market?

The oldest phone numbers still in use are about 100 years old. First Skype, then many other VoIP providers, including Yolla have been on the market because of these legacy phone networks. People continue to use the bridge that connects the current digital age with the previous analog system.

This outdated telecom to telecom arrangement is the reason the international phone calls are two orders of magnitude pricier than the digital call. Yolla, and other VoIP, will exist for as long as there's such economic incentive to offer cheaper services. And for as long as legacy entities won't offer calls via WhatsApp.

This article is not sponsored. Nevertheless, if it was useful, then consider using my Yolla referral to get a 3 USD bonus to your 1st top-up.

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