Skype calls toll-free numbers in the U.S. or Canada for free. Google's GOOG-411 directory service is a toll-free number, and can connect you to any searchable business. Combine the two, and any business is accessible for free, from anywhere in the world.
We stumbled across this little connectivity hack while doing some Android research, and found ourselves surprised that it hadn't seen wider publication. Skeptical, we called 1-800-GOOG-411 from a Skype account that had used up all of its free SkypeOut calling credits, and the call went through. When Google's friendly automated operator asked, we said we wanted to be connected to the Salt Lick in Austin, TX. The listing came up, the robo-operator said 'I'll connect you,' and we hung up as soon as we got voicemail—it was, after all, about 5 a.m. in that time zone.
So next time you need to make reservations or chat up a business in the U.S. or Canada, whether from North America or anywhere in the world, try the one-two combo of Skype and GOOG-411. And if you encounter any restrictions or other complications, let us know in the comments—we're eager to report success, but also to prevent disappointments.
