As I'm preparing to leave the country this week on my first trip to Europe, I've been working out little details of how I'm going to connect with my family back home. Using my cell phone abroad is an expensive option -- I believe the rate is $1.29 per minute, plus data charges. Skype has always been my go-to choice when I'm away to chat with my laptop, but while looking over Skype's additional calling options, I learned I can use Skype over my mobile phone with Wi-fi. This could be a total game-changer -- making my life easier when I'm away.
I downloaded the app on my phone, and as long as I'm in a Wi-fi zone, I can make calls back home for free, using video chat, or for pennies to dial another mobile phone in the U.S. The cool thing is it doesn't matter where you're dialing from, it's where you are dialing to. So even though I will be in Europe, I will be dialing a U.S. number, keeping my cost extremely low... from $2.99/month for unlimited calls! To do this, I plan on turning on (and keeping) my cell phone on airplane mode -- when I get to a Wi-fi location, I will make my Skype calls 🙂
This feature of Skype is new to me, and I have only tested it at home (with success!) -- it should work exactly the same when I'm away, but I will keep you posted on the results next month when I explore more of the uses of Skype for summer travel.
Technology is very much a part of my everyday life. But I'm not alone ... 95% of moms say, "technology makes my life easier". Here's an infogrpahic from Mom Central Consulting featuring the results of this poll:
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.
Penelope
Skype is everywhere now, I need to learn about it!
Karla
Have a great Europe trip!
Donna
Skype is a necessity for me!
Jennifer
I had no idea they have a mobile version!
April Decheine
I used skype years ago when it first came out really before smart phones, I should check it out again.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
Have a wonderful time! You'll be able to tell us exactly how to use Skye to the best advantage once you put it in place!
Notorious Spinks
Enjoy your travels and be save. I'm going to try this Skype feature. Sounds awesome.
Theresa
This Skype features sounds really cool!
Rachel @ following in my shoes
We love Skype for chatting with Grandparents!
Tammy
I use Skype for IM chat.
debrap
Have a wonderful trip!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy
Have a wonderful trip, Stefanie!
Lolo
Have a great trip!!
Kenda @ Remaking June Cleaver
We love using Skype to talk to our family down south. Then they get to see how much the kids have grown too 🙂
HilLesha
Love Skype!
MomStart (Ashley)
Cool to hear about Skype mobile... I'm a HUUUGEE fan of Skype!
Zipporah Sandler
Thank goodness for Skype!
Marcie W.
What a wonderful way that life is made easier thanks to technology. Next time we cruise, Skype is where it's at!
Colleen
Thanks! I need to look into all the features.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
I'm probably the only person on the planet that hasn't tried Skype, I'm so stuck in the stone ages.
Jenn @therebelchick
We use skype on our cells all the time!
Jenn
Perfect for an international trip. Have fun!
Kathleen
I really need to learn how to use Skype more.
Tammy
I like using Skype for instant message chatting.
Billie
I've only recently started using Skype, but I'll have to use it more with all these features.
Tricia
I skyped my mom when I was in California about a yr ago it was awesome
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV
What a cool feature!
Toni @ A Daily Dose
Skype is AMAZING!!