Actually, we planned to have Irfan's birthday party a little bit later.. but since his dad had to go back to Malaysia, we just bought a cake and celebrated it with Nurul's family during a UTEM gathering.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Saturday, 11 April 2009
:; What is the cheapest way to contact Malaysia ::
Of course there are many options, but which one is the cheapest and the most convenient to us? For my 'analysis', I would like to categorise all those mechanism according to VOIP, calling cards and direct call (UK-Malaysia). Some brief explanation of these categories:
Category 1. VOIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks (wikipedia). A few VOIP-based applications are: Skype, VoipStunt, and many more. Lets investigate a few of these applications.
In order to use the features, you need to install the VOIPStunt application. Then, enter your own home or mobile phone number in the 'Your phone number' field (under the 'Phone2Phone' tab).
Then enter the number you want to call in the 'Destination phone number' field (or choose a number from your contacts phonebook ). And finaly press 'CALL'. I wonder whether we can directly call using our mobile/landline phone. hmm... maybe we can..
Use your credit for regular calls
Tips to enter shortcut.
In order to buy the credit, if you use PayPal, the min is 10 GBP. Some important FAQs..
Another significant communication tool that most of us use for pc-to-pc chat. The min rate to top-up is $10 USD (approx. 6.82780281 British pounds). The rate to call Malaysia is:
You need to make the call using your yahoo messenger software. Can we call directly from any ym-based application like skype? Hmm.. still need to investigate.. Another service that you can get for free call to Malaysian mobile is using LowRateVOIP, and the landline call is cheap too. The features are similar to VOIPStunt features.
So, whats the catch here?
Category 2. Calling cards
Yes, its true that you may have seen hundreds types of calling cards. Ive just came across a leaflet from callmeonline. The company claims that with a 10 GBP calling card you can have unlimited calls to Malaysia landline and mobile for 30 days. Check the rate here. However, you still have to dial to a 0844 number and then enter the number that you want to reach. Hence, you are still being charged for the calls that you make from your mobile or landline to the 0844 number (vary according to your provider). If you can estimate that you may benefit from this calling card, you can have a go.
Category 3. Direct call (UK-Malaysia)
Apart from using your local provider (e.g., Orange, o2, T=mobile etc.) we can try another option that is Localphone. Actually, you can also create a VOIP account for free and use the VOIP features.
Here are some proofs:
Another alternative is to use 0844 numbers. Here are some of the 0844 numbers:
And for malaysia mobile numbers, you can use these 0844 numbers:
On top of this, you will be charged by your provider. If you are using O2 mobile(contract or pay as you go) you will be charged 25p/min. Remember that the above list might be changed. You need to check at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/malaysia/mobile/ regularly. Calling 0844 numbers are more cheaper by using a landline number. Some simple calculation if you need to call Malaysia from your mobile/landline, you will be charged 0.265p/min (i.e., 1.50p(call to Malaysia mobile, if you manage to get the cheapest one) and 0.25 ((may vary accordingly) to be charged to your UK mobile).
However, if you use any VOIP phone services(i.e., Vonage), the charges might be cheaper. Let me check my bill and analyse it here. My package is unlimited UK landline calls.
The max rate for calling 0844 number is 0.0007 GBP p/min. How much is this? So for a 9 min call the charge is 0.39 GBP. Maybe this is a call to a mobile number. hmm just look at my localphone billing history to compare.
Conclusion
So which one that best suits your usage? Pick one and try them. Let me know if you think you can contact Malaysia with a better and cheaper way. Cheers.
Category 1. VOIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks (wikipedia). A few VOIP-based applications are: Skype, VoipStunt, and many more. Lets investigate a few of these applications.
- Skype Using Skype to call another person who also has Skype is totally free. The greatest advantage of Skype is that you can install the application (iSkoot (
| Destination Malaysia | calling rate/min £ 0.014 | |
| Malaysia-Kuala Lumpur | £ 0.014 | |
| Malaysia - Mobile | £ 0.038 |
- VOIPStunt
| Malaysia (Landline) SuperDeal! | FREE* |
| Malaysia (Mobile) | 0.041 | |
In order to use the features, you need to install the VOIPStunt application. Then, enter your own home or mobile phone number in the 'Your phone number' field (under the 'Phone2Phone' tab).
Then enter the number you want to call in the 'Destination phone number' field (or choose a number from your contacts phonebook ). And finaly press 'CALL'. I wonder whether we can directly call using our mobile/landline phone. hmm... maybe we can..
Use your credit for regular calls
Use your credit now via your regular and mobile phone calls via our access number:
| Select your country: Access number | |||||
| | |||||
| |||||
Here's how it works:
1). Add your home and/or mobile phone number in your personal details
2). Select your country
3). Call the local access number and dial the international number you wish to call.Tips to enter shortcut.
In order to buy the credit, if you use PayPal, the min is 10 GBP. Some important FAQs..
How long does my credit last for calls?
At VoipStunt, your credit will NOT expire.
What's the deal with the Freedays?
Buying credits entitles you to 120 Freedays (unless stated otherwise). This means you can call all countries in the free* destinations list for 120 days at no costs. When the 120 days are over, you will keep your credit, and the normal rate will be charged for these destinations.
| Malaysia (Landline) SuperDeal! | 0.018 |
Another significant communication tool that most of us use for pc-to-pc chat. The min rate to top-up is $10 USD (approx. 6.82780281 British pounds). The rate to call Malaysia is:
Malaysia $ 0.022 0.0150211662 British pounds
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur $ 0.019 0.0129728253 British pounds
Malaysia, Mobile $ 0.049 0.0334562338 British pounds
| Malaysia (Landline) SuperDeal!** | 0.010 | |
| Malaysia (Mobile) SuperDeal!** | FREE* |
How long does my credit last for calls?
At Lowratevoip, your credit will NOT expire. Thats good.
What's the deal with the Freedays?
Buying credits entitles you to 30 Freedays (unless stated otherwise). Compare this with VOIPStunt. This means you can call all countries in the free* destinations list for 30 days at no costs. When the 30 days are over, you will keep your credit, and the normal rate will be charged for these destinations.
Personally, this sounds perfect. But we have to try this out first.- Others
Call rates for dial prefix     0060173116622 - malaysia mobile: | ||
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#1 | ||
 Provider web site | www.future-nine.com |  |
| Destination | malaysia mobile | |
 Cost per minute | $0.033 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#2 | ||
| Provider web site | www.phonepower.com |  |
| Destination | malaysia-cellular maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.034 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#3 | ||
| Provider web site | www.axvoice.com |  |
| Destination | malaysia - cellular maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.03692 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#4 | ||
| Provider web site | www.callcentric.com |  |
| Destination | malaysia mobile - all carriers | |
| Cost per minute | $0.0429 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#5 | ||
| Provider web site | www.voip.ms | |
| Destination | malaysia maxis mobile | |
| Cost per minute | $0.0471356 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#6 | ||
| Provider web site | www.teliax.com | |
| Destination | malaysia mobile | |
| Cost per minute | $0.04785 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#7 | ||
| Provider web site | www.voipjet.com | |
| Destination | malaysia cellular maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.0506 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#8 | ||
| Provider web site | www.vitelity.com | |
| Destination | malaysia - cellular maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.0512 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#9 | ||
| Provider web site | www.voipyourlife.com |  |
| Destination | malaysia mobile | |
| Cost per minute | $0.06 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#10 | ||
| Provider web site | www.voipo.com | |
| Destination | malaysia-cell maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.0764 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#11 | ||
| Provider web site | www.hyperdogdigital.com | |
| Destination | malaysia-mobile | |
| Cost per minute | $0.08 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#12 | ||
| Provider web site | www.vonage.com | |
| Destination | malaysia cellular and premium | |
| Cost per minute | $0.08 | |
| | ||
| VOIP RATE :#13 | ||
| Provider web site | www.viatalk.com | |
| Destination | malaysia-cell maxis | |
| Cost per minute | $0.09 | |
Category 2. Calling cards
Yes, its true that you may have seen hundreds types of calling cards. Ive just came across a leaflet from callmeonline. The company claims that with a 10 GBP calling card you can have unlimited calls to Malaysia landline and mobile for 30 days. Check the rate here. However, you still have to dial to a 0844 number and then enter the number that you want to reach. Hence, you are still being charged for the calls that you make from your mobile or landline to the 0844 number (vary according to your provider). If you can estimate that you may benefit from this calling card, you can have a go.
| How To Dial £10 Calling Card |
|
Category 3. Direct call (UK-Malaysia)
Apart from using your local provider (e.g., Orange, o2, T=mobile etc.) we can try another option that is Localphone. Actually, you can also create a VOIP account for free and use the VOIP features.
Localphone Direct - "the best way to make international calls from your landline or mobile"
We will give you a unique, local number to dial for each contact that will connect straight through. No account numbers, no PINs, and if nobody answers you won’t be charged. The min credit is jut 3 GBP, however, if you use PayPal the min is 10 GBP. When you make any calls to the registered local number which is linked to the Malaysian mobile or landline number, you will only pay for the local call. If you have extra unused free minutes, this is the best choice. As you can see from the proofs below, the call charges from your mobile or landline number to the local numbers are not shown. In my case, it will be deducted from my free minutes. So its free anyway...may not be for your case, but still a lot cheaper compared to call Malaysia directly.
Here are some proofs:
| Date | Time | Number | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 11 Apr 2009 | 11:56 AM | +60 44477476 | 00:13:28 | £0.1680 |
| Sat 11 Apr 2009 | 09:03 AM | +60 126477874 | 00:02:30 | £0.0810 |
| Fri 10 Apr 2009 | 10:24 AM | +60 133968394 | 00:05:04 | £0.1620 |
| Fri 10 Apr 2009 | 06:36 AM | +60 194626104 | 00:07:03 | £0.2160 |
| Fri 10 Apr 2009 | 06:33 AM | +60 126477874 | 00:01:38 | £0.0540 |
| Thu 9 Apr 2009 | 08:31 PM | +60 133968394 | 00:02:45 | £0.0810 |
Another alternative is to use 0844 numbers. Here are some of the 0844 numbers:
| Access Number | p / min |
|---|---|
 0844 869 2583Talk2Save | 1p |
| 0844 861 28 28 Dialwise | 1p |
| 0844 861 88 88 Telestunt | 1p |
| 0844 861 35 35 Budgetcom | 1p |
| 0844 861 21 21 0844 Calls | 1p |
| 0844 861 62 62 Best Minutes | 1p |
And for malaysia mobile numbers, you can use these 0844 numbers:
| Access Number | p / min |
|---|---|
| 0844 300 33 33 Cheapest Calls | 1.50p |
| 0844 462 34 34 Dialaround | 2p |
| 0844 462 30 30 Dialwise | 2p |
| 0844 462 28 28 Telesavers | 2p |
| 0844 462 27 27 Best Minutes | 2p |
| 0844 747 70 30 1p minute | 2p |
| 0844 462 38 38 0844 Calls | 2p |
| 0844 747 80 20 AbroadCall | 2p |
On top of this, you will be charged by your provider. If you are using O2 mobile(contract or pay as you go) you will be charged 25p/min. Remember that the above list might be changed. You need to check at http://niftylist.co.uk/calls/to/malaysia/mobile/ regularly. Calling 0844 numbers are more cheaper by using a landline number. Some simple calculation if you need to call Malaysia from your mobile/landline, you will be charged 0.265p/min (i.e., 1.50p(call to Malaysia mobile, if you manage to get the cheapest one) and 0.25 ((may vary accordingly) to be charged to your UK mobile).
However, if you use any VOIP phone services(i.e., Vonage), the charges might be cheaper. Let me check my bill and analyse it here. My package is unlimited UK landline calls.
| Date: | Time: | To: | Rate: | Duration: | Amt: |
| 30/3/09 | 2:38 PM |  | £0.0007 | 00:09:43 | £0.3900 |
| 31/3/09 | 9:32 AM | | £0.0007 | 00:00:31 | £0.0200 |
| 31/3/09 | 9:34 AM | | £0.0005 | 00:01:06 | £0.0300 |
| 31/3/09 | 9:35 AM | | £0.0007 | 00:01:14 | £0.0500 |
| 31/3/09 | 9:37 AM | | £0.0007 | 00:01:03 | £0.0400 |
The max rate for calling 0844 number is 0.0007 GBP p/min. How much is this? So for a 9 min call the charge is 0.39 GBP. Maybe this is a call to a mobile number. hmm just look at my localphone billing history to compare.
Conclusion
So which one that best suits your usage? Pick one and try them. Let me know if you think you can contact Malaysia with a better and cheaper way. Cheers.
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