[Magdaline]

Greetings Everyone, Sorry if this should be a new "thread" but my husband and I are moving to Australia in August and I was wondering if I should by a new "Skype" ready phone here while I am earning good money rather than use my static funds in OZ? We hope to be living on a houseboat so it may be difficult to call UK on board. Thanks for your help...feel free to move this post if I'm in the wrong place!!

 

[naoto]

Skype has "to go" numbers in Australia. Basically you get an absolutely free landline number which you call and than punch in any international number you wish. The number is personal i.e. only you can use it.
For local calls Australian providers are better and cheaper than Skype. I honestly think Virgin is even better than Skype. Their plans include international calls.

 

[nlc6899]

We use Skype here in Sydney and have not had any problems. You said that you were living on a houseboat, so keep in mind that for Skype you need an internet connection, and that the quality of the call will be determined by the quality of the connection, especially with video calling.

I have found that especially with video calling FaceTime on an iPhone or iPad is superior to Skype because there's less delay.

If you're going to do Skype or some other version of VOIP, I would get the headset. We don't have one yet, but it will definitely save the back as I have to hunch over my laptop in order to be close enough to the microphone for good call clarity. I have not priced them over here yet, but I would research whether they're cheaper there or here before you come.

 

[Colindp]

I use Skype on my iPhone, as mentioned an internet connection is required, I have a monthly subscription that allows unlimited calls to UK landlines, the call quality is so much better than trying to talk via the computer...

 

[Magdaline]

Wifii?

We use Skype here in Sydney and have not had any problems. You said that you were living on a houseboat, so keep in mind that for Skype you need an internet connection, and that the quality of the call will be determined by the quality of the connection, especially with video calling.

I have found that especially with video calling FaceTime on an iPhone or iPad is superior to Skype because there's less delay.

If you're going to do Skype or some other version of VOIP, I would get the headset. We don't have one yet, but it will definitely save the back as I have to hunch over my laptop in order to be close enough to the microphone for good call clarity. I have not priced them over here yet, but I would research whether they're cheaper there or here before you come.

I was thinking of Wifii or something similar...I know people on houseboats to use internet so I'm assuming that's what they use. I have also seen adverts for what looks like a "conductor" pole on boats? Thanks for the replies everyone. Much appreciated.

 

[Magdaline]

iphone

I use Skype on my iPhone, as mentioned an internet connection is required, I have a monthly subscription that allows unlimited calls to UK landlines, the call quality is so much better than trying to talk via the computer...

Umm....thanks for that. I have been thinking of maybe buying an iphone before we leave but then I would need a new sim for OZ...I think.