[Ikara]

Mrs Ikara will be travelling through Europe in September. I'm staying home - bugga, isn't it football finals time? Anyway, I'm too tight to let her use her mobile O/S as I have just retired from a phone company and know how much they charge!!!

Has anyone had any experience with a useful, easy to use calling card? Preferably one that can be linked back to our home phone number, that way it saves having to top it up.

All suggestions gratefully received.

JB

[JohnK]

Have you looked at the Telstra PhoneAway calling card? Relatively inexpensive and can be used to call back to Australia from most European countries. You can also top up using the internet or BPay.

[albatross710]

I have had a Telstra phoneaway card for the past 5 years but the product is now relatively expensive because of the flagfall per call (44.5c+gst) and callings rates. Both have been increasing (despite of technology making telco services cheaper).

Unfortunately finding a similar product that works across borders will be interesting.

Make the most of Skype - free internet calls and cheap calls would be the most cost effective alternative but will require access to a PC or at least a wireless network. When I travelled to China last year I took a SPH101 Support Page which allowed me to make calls from any internet cafe with a wireless network..or even outside a Starbucks where they had free wifi. I would buy a grande americano and make my calls back to Oz using their wifi, so not exactly 'free'.

Another idea may be for Mrs Ikara to carry an Oz mobile with global roaming, she sends you an SMS with her details.."I am at 'otel La Swank ph +41 xxx, call me in 10 mins, Love you xx". You then use Skype from your home computer to make the long calls to her. She has the security and convenience of a working mobile.

My thoughts.

Alby

[futaris]

May I suggest PennyTel for long distance VoIP calls? Calls to most Western European landlines are only 8c/call.

Additionally they offer a Web Callback service:

The Web Callback allows you to establish calls online by entering the two numbers you wish to establish the call between. You can also schedule a web callback to call at a certain date and time. You will be charged for both legs of the call. ANI Callback can be used if you do not have access to the internet, where you can call the access number in which it will be a busy tone, and call you back immediately. You will not be charged for the call to the access number. Once you are called back you will be prompted to enter the number you wish to connect through to, or if set up, you can access your speed dial.

[Ikara]

Thanks for all the great advice on VOIP etc, however (how can I put this?) it is Mrs Ikara who is flying. She who continually asks, "now how do I switch the computer on again?" Hmmm, don't think that VOIP is an option. Besides, no laptop.
As it has turned out, one of the Telco's has been able to come up with a calling card for me - they were originally unable to do so for technical reasons, but have managed to produce a work around for me. May have something to do with the fact that I recently retired after 11 years with them.
Thanks agin for the responses.
JB