Author Topic: extended international telephone calling question (Read 293 times)

SAC69 · « **on:** August, 28, 2011, 02:45:15 PM »

I have a daughter studying in Italy this year and am wondering if anyone has experience with extended, international calling. We can skype but there is a chance her place may not have internet access so this may be the only way to communicate in real-time, unless it's through an internet-cafe.

There is a company called Lingo ($22/month + 0.25/minute) that offers telephone thru the computer (like Vonage?), anyone have experience with them? We'd be calling her European cell #. Thru Verizan, the charge is $4/month + $1.00/minute. Are there other suggestions?

Thanks for any info.

gotstang · « **Reply #1 on:** August, 28, 2011, 04:04:05 PM »

I use Skype with a subscription. I'm paying $3/mo to call US landlines through skype. I think the international subscription is less than $10/mo

SAC69 · « **Reply #2 on:** August, 28, 2011, 04:41:26 PM »

Quote from: gotstang on August, 28, 2011, 04:04:05 PM

I use Skype with a subscription. I'm paying $3/mo to call US landlines through skype. I think the international subscription is less than $10/mo

OK, Thanks, I can look into that. I wonder if they allow calls to a cell?

gotstang · « **Reply #3 on:** August, 28, 2011, 05:12:32 PM »

Quote from: SAC69 on August, 28, 2011, 04:41:26 PM

OK, Thanks, I can look into that. I wonder if they allow calls to a cell?

With my US subscription, I can call cell or wired phones...just so long as it's a US phone number. I think the international plan is the same.

gotstang · « **Reply #4 on:** August, 28, 2011, 05:31:52 PM »

Looks like unlimited "world" is $14/mo from skype. Unlimited Europe is only $9/mo and covers Italy so that should fix you up.

SAC69 · « **Reply #5 on:** August, 28, 2011, 07:11:49 PM »

I checked skype's site and the rates are pretty reasonable, looks like a minimal charge + a per-minute fee. Thanks for the tip.

Jonk67 · « **Reply #6 on:** August, 28, 2011, 07:49:21 PM »

I was in Italy last Oct. and the cheapest way for me to call home other than Skype was to buy a calling card in Italy. That may be her best bet for calling you, otherwise I'd probably use the above skype subscription to call her.
Jon

Sacbill · « **Reply #7 on:** August, 29, 2011, 12:11:03 PM »

Quote from: SAC69 on August, 28, 2011, 02:45:15 PM

We'd be calling her European cell #. Thru Verizan, the charge is $4/month + $1.00/minute. Are there other suggestions?

I had a similar conversation with the folks at Verizon today and the rep I talked to suggested that if one uses an international calling card (which you prepay through another company that sells such a service), then all that happens is Verizon counts the minutes you're using the phone (like normal) and there are no additional charges.

You might want to check in with Verizon on that option. If you didn't already, make sure your daughter's phone works on the cell network in Italy. BTW, Verizon will give a free loaner that WILL work on the Italian network, if you need it. No charges.

SAC69 · « **Reply #8 on:** August, 29, 2011, 07:07:37 PM »

Quote from: Sacbill on August, 29, 2011, 12:11:03 PM

BTW, Verizon will give a free loaner that WILL work on the Italian network, if you need it. No charges.

Drat, that useful info is 5 days too old. She left her Verizon phone here since we knew it'd not work abroad and she's renting a European-capable unit for the time she's there.