Hey all, trying to make "phone" calls to Dubai/UAE. Any thoughts on what's the most cost effective way to do this? They've got a block so that you can't use Viber, Whatsapp, Messenger, etc call functions which is a bit of a pain. And call cards can be effing expensive. I'm sure someone has this figured out.
For example, could use VPN at their end and then use Whatsapp?
Thoughts?
Cheers
How about FaceTime audio ?
Skype ?
Nope and nope
Skype is definitely blocked. Only recently (literally like 1 month ago)
Facetime is also blocked
Xbox / PS chat is interesting but that would require either of us to have one haha…
My info is pretty old, so not surprised that it's a bit outdated.
I bought my 360 specifically to play games online with a mate living there (now moved elsewhere in the ME with less restricted access).
Chat worked, but his internet was shite, so he was frequently pretty garbled at my end. Games were usually OK though.
You can pick up a 360 or PS3 dirt cheap here… Your friends in Dubai are likely on great money so tell them to cough up! :-)
I used skype yesterday morning, and have been for the last 7 months, no issues there, an without a vpn. Whatsapp rings through but with no successful connection once answered.
If they used a vpn on their end then they should be able to use any app. I only have experience in this with the Chinese firewall but i presume the same process applies.
Yes that was my thought as well. I have IPVanish account, so may as well make use of that
We spent first week of 2018 in Dubai. This is when the block came in. What worked for us was creating a hotspot using mobile data. It worked for Facetime video. I am not sure if it would still work.
I though I read somewhere that Indians simply use no name VOIP providers without a VPN. But if they use a VPN to conceal a crime (using a non-licensed VOIP provider), then I guess your friend will be performing 2 crimes at once :)
I can't imagine the Indian people I know spending a tonne of money on licensed providers (Du) to call home, so your friend will probably be fine. UAE is literally nothing without foreigners.
why not just use a telephone and get a pay card. how long you intending to speak for
Simple. Dont call them.
I used google hangouts last year. It worked okay. I think it was 18c a minute.
Interesting……..how does this work? It's an app yeah? Other person has Apple tho…
It is an app, but you can call a telephone number. I think it is a voip thing.
Yeah all the VOIP systems have been blocked. But can only give it a try!
PS for anyone looking for an update for future reference - their local provider Etisalat offers unlimited wifi calling for like $20 (AUD) per month. Definitely ended up being a reasonable option, much cheaper than pay card and the call quality was very good too, though the app was hella sketchy sometimes. Sometimes it would cut out like 10x in 5min, then other times it would work for 1hr
Skype works (or at least worked) provided they have a good Internet connection which is not guaranteed.
Xbox Live chat works (and so I assume Playstation chat works too)