For many families, having one or both parents travel for work can be unavoidable. After several months of staying put, circumstances have arisen that require both my husband and I to travel on occasion. For years now, we’ve relied on Skype as a means of staying in contact with our friends and family members via video chat. With a computer, webcam, and internet connection, I can communicate with my husband and my kids when I’m away…for free! And there is the added bonus of being able to see and be seen by friends and family via webcam (as long as they have Skype), which is truly the next best thing to being with them.
But Skype is so much more than video calling. There are a ton of features that offer users flexibility in communication. For example, I recently downloaded Skype’s mobile app (for both my iPhone and my iPad) for those times when I don’t have my computer with me. With the app, I can have instant message, call or video chat with another Skype user for free over my 3G network or WiFi. If you’re trying to get in touch with a friend or family member who does not have Skype, you can still use the app to call and text at Skype’s lower rates using Skype Credit.
While I was in Montreal, I relied on Skype’s mobile app to keep in touch with my husband and my kids. I simply ensured I was on WiFi at all times during my stay to avoid excessive fees imposed by my service provider. Had I planned ahead of time, I could have purchased Skype credits, which would have allowed me to make calls to a mobile or landline for just 2.3 cents per minute. My service provider would have charged me 69 cents per minute!
Another feature I wish I would have made use of in Montreal is Skype WiFi. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you need internet access but it’s only available for a cost, you’ll appreciate this feature which helps you get online at over 1 million WiFi hotspots around the world. Simply use your Skype Credit to pay by the minute. Skype only charges for the time you’re connected. In order to avoid data roaming charges while I was in Canada, I had to purchase an additional 80 mb of data for $20. With Skype WiFi, there is no limit to the amount of data that can be uploaded or downloaded.
It’s been many years since my husband and I traveled abroad, and at that time, smart phones were not as prevalent as they are today. Skype is an easy, affordable way to stay connected to friends and family members overseas.
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.
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