[JSET]

Hi just wondering how you folks already in NZ communicate with you family friends back home. We have been looking at Skype and Live Messenger. any advice on what you've used and been successful with would be greatly received.
Thanks
C

[Mickstim]

We use the phone to our sons in NZ most of the time. Really cheap from UK through Telediscount (2p per minute) and equally as cheap for them to call us. So an hour's phone call most weeks doesn't cost a great deal. And if there is anything we want to see (like our grandson singing to us) we use webcam.

[JSET]

Thanks for that. We want to set something up for our parents before we go and were wondering what people found most useful.

[holland]

My mum has already set up calls to NZ for 1p per minute....and we're not even there yet!!! I believe its a special offer with onetel

J xx

[Mickstim]

We used to use Onetel, which is also good but means a box attached to the phone jack - which was annoying for us with all our computer stuff plugged in (unless they have changed their method). With Telediscount it is charged on our BT bill and you dial an access code. We get the US for 1p a minute but they are obviously not as good as Onetel for NZ.

Bx

[swissmissdesigner]

I use free Skype between California and Norhtland/NZ and Tauranga.
We always have excellent clear reception.

[speckythecky]

MIL uses talktalkto phone us, no little box just add the code before your number and the call is free. you do need to sign up for their international 3 account which is £21 a month but includes broadband and all national calls as well as international to 30 countries as well as the line rental.

We used web cam and messenger last night to speak to my M&D and brother. First time to use it and it worked really well

[jackie m]

Spooky just got off the web cam on Skype from my mum (grandma) who is 63 & was a techno phobe till we moved here.:laugh. Also inlaws do the same most weekends. Very good clear pictures & sound. They actually got to watch the children open their presents on Christmas day which was a nice touch. As seeing them doesn't make them feel they are so far away.
Jackie

[M&J]

We use Skype and it works brilliantly with the webcam. We also use Ihug pay a fixed fee and all call to the UK are included.

My sister has signed up with a sky package in the Uk for £5 a month call to NZ are free.