A Skype number is a great solution for when you want to take calls through Skype, but your friends, family, or colleagues don't use it. You simply hand out a regular phone number and the calls come through to you on Skype.

We're going to tell you everything you need to know about a Skype number—what it is, how much it costs, how to get one, and more.

What Is a Skype Phone Number?

Someone usually needs your username to call you on Skype. In many situations, that's inconvenient. What if they don't have Skype, or they don't have enough internet data? What if you want to look more professional as a business, or don't want to give out your usual phone number?

A Skype number is like any other phone number, except it's linked to your Skype account. Anyone can call it from a mobile or landline and it'll come through on your Skype app (no matter where you are, no matter which device you're on). The caller won't know that you're using Skype; to them, it's like any other phone number.

skype get your second phone number

You can buy a Skype phone number in 25 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Mexico, and South Africa. A single Skype account can have up to 10 Skype numbers linked to it.

This means that if you travel a lot, or run an international business, you can have a different Skype number for each country. In fact, you can buy a Skype number in any country it's offered in, even if you don't live there. If the caller is in that country, they pay their local rate. All the calls, no matter the number, will come through to your Skype app.

Related: What Is a VoIP Number and How Can You Get One?

You can't use your existing phone number as your Skype number. When you set up the account, you choose from a selection of numbers that Skype offers.

Even if you're not signed in to Skype when someone rings, you don't have to miss the call. You can easily forward your calls elsewhere (perhaps a landline) or to voicemail so that you can call them back later.

How Much Does a Skype Phone Number Cost?

You pay for your Skype phone number on a recurring billing period in your local currency, regardless of where the number is.

skype number billing

You can pay every month ($6.50), every three months ($18.53), or every year ($52.26). The longer you choose, the greater discount you receive—a year represents 33% saving over the monthly cost.

Related: Skype vs. Zoom: Which Video Calling App Should You Use?

If you want to cancel, you must remember to do so three days before your renewal date. You can do this via your Skype account page.

Anyone who calls you will be charged their standard billing rate. For example, if your number is in the UK and your caller is too, they'll be charged for a local call. However, if your caller is in the US, they'll be charged for an international call.

No matter how many people call you, your cost stays the same. You just pay the flat subscription fee.

How to Get a Skype Phone Number

In most cases, it's quick and easy to get set up with a Skype phone number. Your number will activate as soon as your payment is processed.

However, some countries require proof of residence, which has to be verified by local authorities. This can take up to two weeks. Only once this process is complete, your Skype number be active. This impacts numbers in countries like Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland, and South Korea.

skype choosing your local phone number

To get a Skype phone number:

  1. Go to the Skype online phone number website.
  2. Click Get a Skype Number.
  3. Select which country you want your Skype number to be in.
  4. You'll be assigned a random number from that country. You can choose to Show other local numbers from the area selected, if you don't like the number given. Alternatively, you can Choose a different location to manually select a local area and dialing code. Bear in mind that you can only choose numbers from the options given—you can't assign your own.
  5. When you're happy with the number, click Continue.
  6. Choose your payment plan and click Continue.
  7. Chose your payment method and click Pay now.

Should You Get a Skype Phone Number?

The main benefit is that it's a single number which you can answer on any device you use Skype on. It's also great that you only pay a flat fee. If that sounds helpful to you, a Skype number is excellent, since it works efficiently.

However, the costs do soar if you want multiple numbers for different locations—but if you're a business, it's marginal.

Another consideration is that you're only paying to receive calls. If you want to make calls from that number, that costs extra through a Skype subscription or purchase of Skype Credit. You also don't get any internet data or perks, like you would through a mobile phone carrier.

Related: The Best Free Skype Alternatives for a Windows or Linux PC

Finally, be aware that the phone number is tied to your Skype account. Unlike a cell number that you can transfer between providers, this is bound to Skype. Stop paying the subscription and you lose the number. Even if you make a new Skype account, you can't transfer it.

Skype Is Full of Neat Features and Tricks

Skype has been around since 2003 and was once the top dog when it came to online calls. Owned by eBay in the past, now by Microsoft, Skype is still popular, but has hot competition from software like Zoom.

Nevertheless, features like the Skype phone number make the platform stand out. If you already use Skype for your personal or work life, a Skype number is a logical next step.

It's just one of the many neat features of Skype that you might not know about.