Quite often, when I’m planning a trip I have to call some hostels and tours around the world to ask specific questions or request more information and I always end up using Skype for this process. Once you have the program installed on your computer, use the function ACCOUNT and you can put money on the account with a credit card. The rates are very reasonable and it’s easy to use. The program Skype can be downloaded for free here: īesides using Skype to call family or friends who also have Skype, I use this program to call landlines and cell phones anywhere in the world. Once everything is ready you can start talking as much as you want about you trips, gossips and so on, including being able to use video conferencing. Once all this is done, just open a free profile on Skype and both people should add each other as contacts (you can search by username or email). You can also use a smartphone which accepts Skype.

The only downside is that both speakers need have access to a computer with internet and Skype installed. Therefore, this is the one I use most often. In my opinion, this is the best option to talk to anyone anywhere you are in the world. If you want to keep using your cellphone’s 3G network while abroad, the loss will be completely yours!! I will mention here the one option I consider the cheapest and most suitable for backpackers and budget travelers to call back home. Nowadays, there are still these two options but also a few others brought by the blessed internet. Unfortunately, monopoly leads to poor service and high prices. When I started traveling, there weren’t many options besides paying stratospheric values for a calling card or making a collect call via an operator. Are you starting to get home sick? Nothing better than a long conversation with family and friends at home when this happens.

How much for skype international calls