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19 Jan 2008
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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I have not noticed a Skype thread here.
Hey guys, I have not seen a thread here yet about the free international calling company Skype. (Skype.com) Many backpackers use this program to make free calls over the internet. In order to use the program you must have a microphone, headphones, and the internet.
You have 2 options for calling people. You can call someone for free if they also have the internet, headphones/speakerphones, microphone, and have downloaded the Skype program.
The 2nd option of calling is much more practical but costs 2 cents a minute (to the U.S.). You still need to have the internet, microphone, and headphones but the person you call doesn´t need anything because you call them on their phone line. This option is a lot more practical for calling non internet savy people like my parents. You first need to buy Skype credit, but it is fairly easy to figure out how to do it. After you download Skype and become a member you go to their website to buy credit with your CC/Paypal.
-This program has saved me a lot of money and I just wanted to share in case you have not heard of it.
Geoff
JourneyRider.com
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19 Jan 2008
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
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Thanks Geoff :-)
There are also lots of add-ons you can get for Skype- things like
Pamela for Skype - Call Recording and a lot more!
which allow you to record your calls, or even automatically publish them to iTunes....
m
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19 Jan 2008
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
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In a link to the PC vs PDA thread, Skype's now available for PocketPC and Smartphone, so if you've got a WiFi enabled one of those you can happily Skype about without needing a PC. I had great fun chatting to my uncle in Australia the other day, for free, courtesy of my local McD's free WiFi.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
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22 Jan 2008
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Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
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Well Done that man!
It's a good idea to draw forum users attention to this excellent FREE resource.
I have been using it for about a year now and ALL my mates (not many I'm afraid) use it to keep in touch.
My advice is to download the program and get yourself a mic. Thats all you need....
Skype official website – free download and free calls and internet calls
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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
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22 Jan 2008
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Skype is a great cheap tool BUT its not free...its only free, IF the person you're talking to has a Skype account and is on the computer/web simultaneously.
One of the the nice unheralded feature so Skype is its ability to send text messages via SMS to friends cell phones...IF the bandwidth isn't capable of handling a call...BUT unfortunately, you can't receive a text message yet.
It also has a chat function when bandwidth is slow...with other Skype members.
Lastly, be carefule to not use Skype at Internet cafe computers as some of them have keyloggers etc. that will swipe your password. You'll find yourself with an empty account at the next cafe.
HTH
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23 Jan 2008
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Cheshire
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cheaper VOIP companies
I use a different VOIP company.
VoipStunt - The Other Free Calls Company
They do offer free calls even to landlines. You also don't require a headset and microphone as the software will call your landline first then dial your contacts number. I find it much eaiser and better siganl talking on my usual phone.
There is one catch you have to pay a quartly subscription with is 10 euros, but still not bad all the calls you want for 3 months for 10 euros. It last me around 8 momths cos after 3 months you get charged 'less than SKYPE', i don't make many calls so i spend around 15 euros a year)
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23 Jan 2008
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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VOIP - landlines - mobiles
It just goes to show why the mobile phone companies are running scared of these developments which have been around for a number of years.
I should have sold my shares years ago!!!!!
(I see that Matt, a few posts back, has got 4 of them).
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Dave
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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