Best way to keep in touch internationally?

[Alyssa]

Looking for some advice!

DH is going to Latvia next week, for 3 weeks. We are looking into the least expensive option for keeping in touch, since the last time he was away internationally it was $ to chat. (Dur!)

He will not have a laptop and we're not sure how wired the hotel is.

I have downloaded Skype and am looking into SkypeIn to see if I can get a local number in Riga. (I don't have my password yet. :dunno: ) Not sure how well that will work anyway. Does anyone know any other services, or have you purchased any good calling cards for international communications?

[Dennis]

Have you tried calling your long distance company? Usually you can get a decent plan for a specific country.

[Angelina]

1010719 Startec company. You just dial this number, then 011 (international dialing), then Latvia's phone area code and the phone number you wish to dial. Then you get billed by Startec in your usual bill, they just contact your company.

http://www.startec.com/startec/us/newstartec.nsf/1010719_minfo

Or buy the phone cards, they are the cheapest, let me find some rates

http://www.ldpost.com/cards/EuroMAMA-Phone-Cards.html

look there

[Angelina]

Have you tried calling your long distance company? Usually you can get a decent plan for a specific country.

It's always too expensive. She can find better deal.

[Dennis]

It's always too expensive. She can find better deal.

It's worth checking out. My ex-girlfriend was from Poland and she was able to get a really good rate that way. There might be cheaper options, but it's worth giving them a call.

[Suzi]

Look at 1010987 (http://www.1010987.com/) When we travel internationally, we use 10-10-987 because the rates are MUCH cheaper than anything I've found (to the places we've used it anyway).

Latvia is just .26 per minute...I bet most long distance companies can't/don't come close.

[Angelina]

Look at 1010987 (http://www.1010987.com/) When we travel internationally, we use 10-10-987 because the rates are MUCH cheaper than anything I've found (to the places we've used it anyway).

Latvia is just .26 per minute...I bet most long distance companies can't/don't come close.

1010719 20.9 cents a minute! :)

[Alyssa]

Have you tried calling your long distance company? Usually you can get a decent plan for a specific country.Nope. So you just call and say I need to call just Latvia, what can you do for me?

[Alyssa]

1010719 20.9 cents a minute! :)And cool..thanks for comparing!

Actually...for both you and Suzi...are those flat rates at any time?

Hmm...also, would Joe be able to call here then or would I only be able to call him? Would a card work either way?

[Angelina]

And cool..thanks for comparing!

Actually...for both you and Suzi...are those flat rates at any time?

Hmm...also, would Joe be able to call here then or would I only be able to call him? Would a card work either way?

Flat rate anytime, yes.

No, he can't use the same service in Latvia. Don't know about the card, BUT there are plenty of phone cards he can buy in Latvia and use them to call you. It will be cheaper than trying to call from there to US using the local international phone service...but anyway he will use it some, just going to the main post office and call from there...

[Alyssa]

Flat rate anytime, yes.

No, he can't use the same service in Latvia. Don't know about the card, BUT there are plenty of phone cards he can buy in Latvia and use them to call you. It will be cheaper than trying to call from there to US using the local international phone service...but anyway he will use it some, just going to the main post office and call from there...Cool...thanks for the information!