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Information & Chat => FSU Service Providers and Useful Resources => Topic started by: dcguyusa on May 04, 2016, 05:49:27 PM

Title: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 04, 2016, 05:49:27 PM
Hello
This is my first opening topic that I have posted.  I did not find another topic that seemed to provide the answer to the question that I have.  If it was addressed earlier, please provide me the link.  Thank you in advance.   tiphat

My question is about what options are available to communicate with someone overseas?  There are the obvious ones - email, phone, video chat, postal mail, and a face to face meeting.  I have a lady who I got off from the agency site and corresponded with her by private email.  She said that she uses a wifi public connection to get online sometimes, so it would not be convenient for her to use video chat (such as Skype and Viber).  She provided to me her cell phone number to call her.  For international cell phone calls, the cellular company often tacks on a heavy surcharge for those calls whether you call out or receive the call.  I think the land line service will only bill the calling out side, but not sure if she has a land line phone or not.  She asked her cell phone company about international service and the cost was rather expensive (based on the local currency).  Does anyone have a suggestion to any cheap communication alternatives for someone in Ukraine?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: AvHdB on May 04, 2016, 06:08:07 PM
Hello
This is my first opening topic that I have posted.  I did not find another topic that seemed to provide the answer to the question that I have.  If it was addressed earlier, please provide me the link.  Thank you in advance.   tiphat

My question is about what options are available to communicate with someone overseas?  There are the obvious ones - email, phone, video chat, postal mail, and a face to face meeting.  I have a lady who I got off from the agency site and corresponded with her by private email.  She said that she uses a wifi public connection to get online sometimes, so it would not be convenient for her to use video chat (such as Skype and Viber).  She provided to me her cell phone number to call her.  For international cell phone calls, the cellular company often tacks on a heavy surcharge for those calls whether you call out or receive the call.  I think the land line service will only bill the calling out side, but not sure if she has a land line phone or not.  She asked her cell phone company about international service and the cost was rather expensive (based on the local currency).  Does anyone have a suggestion to any cheap communication alternatives for someone in Ukraine?  Thanks.

Sorry there is a basic disconnect from reality.

I have dated numerous women and am now married to a woman who lives in Kiev. We communicate for more less free with Skype and Viber, as well as Message service of FaceBook. Again all are free. She has one device that I gave her and two devices that she bought with her own money to do this. In fact all the devices cost less than if acquired in Western Europe or North America. If a woman, man, French poddle or ewok refuses to communicate via these above methods there is something rotten.

If you want a low cost service I would look at the T-Mobile international plan, I think about $60 unlimited calls in and out per month, but again you/she does not really need it. The reason I have this service is because some people I speak with need a recording of the conversation.

But all what you describe is wasted effort and money until you say what date you will be on the plane to Ukraine or Russia.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: MBS01 on May 05, 2016, 08:24:16 AM
Back before Skype etc. and continuing to the present time we use a local "International Calling Card" to call family in Ukraine.  For land lines a $5 CDN card will provide 30 minutes local time in Ukraine.  For Cell phones it gives about 5 minutes air time.  This is a simple way to connect and see if the family is available to connect on Skype.

When calling to Russia the available time expands to about 10 times what is provided in Ukraine!

As far as I can tell there is no cost to the receiving line in Ukraine or elsewhere for such incoming calls.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 05, 2016, 08:31:50 AM
Whats up! Its totally free to make calls all over the world.. I think days of women only having access to public WI Fi are over.. Everyone has internet at home now?? Its like 200 roubles a month in our block to get going, its nearly free!!
Even all the old babushkas have internet at home today?
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 05, 2016, 11:04:33 AM
Whats up! Its totally free to make calls all over the world.. I think days of women only having access to public WI Fi are over.. Everyone has internet at home now?? Its like 200 roubles a month in our block to get going, its nearly free!!
Even all the old babushkas have internet at home today?

Do you have 'social Internet packages' over there?
We do. They are designed so that even poor folks can go online. Dead cheap, and service is as good as top end was half a decade ago. Internet for grannies and unemployed. Mind you, these days even that is probably no longer really necessary. I now pay €4 per month for the following, on my fone:

3000 minutes Telia network
3000 SMS or MMS Telia network
1 GB Internet
Package price € 4

Set your darling up with a Skype account from your end, keep it funded for a few dollars a month and she can jibber jabber away to your heart's content for, effectively, free.
If your bint is putting up objections then she is not real, or if real, is not interested in you. Same thing really!
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 05, 2016, 12:28:04 PM
Whats up! Its totally free to make calls all over the world.. I think days of women only having access to public WI Fi are over.. Everyone has internet at home now?? Its like 200 roubles a month in our block to get going, its nearly free!!
Even all the old babushkas have internet at home today?

Do you have 'social Internet packages' over there?
We do. They are designed so that even poor folks can go online. Dead cheap, and service is as good as top end was half a decade ago. Internet for grannies and unemployed. Mind you, these days even that is probably no longer really necessary. I now pay €4 per month for the following, on my fone:

3000 minutes Telia network
3000 SMS or MMS Telia network
1 GB Internet
Package price € 4

Set your darling up with a Skype account from your end, keep it funded for a few dollars a month and she can jibber jabber away to your heart's content for, effectively, free.
If your bint is putting up objections then she is not real, or if real, is not interested in you. Same thing really!

I use three internet providers each one is about 500 roubles a month and includes 100 tv channels as one is for the kids.  But you you can get a basic package for about 100Roubles with 50 tv channels so everyone can afford it!
We never use any text or phone calls , just use Whats up for everything. I think Skype has had its days now they need some serious marketing cos they are loosing their market share to whats up fast.. just like texting.. who uses texting today? Nobody hardly..

Since I have been in Russia I have yet to visit any household that doesn't have internet access..




Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: yankee on May 05, 2016, 12:44:26 PM
Whats up! Its totally free to make calls all over the world.. I think days of women only having access to public WI Fi are over.. Everyone has internet at home now?? Its like 200 roubles a month in our block to get going, its nearly free!!
Even all the old babushkas have internet at home today?

Do you have 'social Internet packages' over there?
We do. They are designed so that even poor folks can go online. Dead cheap, and service is as good as top end was half a decade ago. Internet for grannies and unemployed. Mind you, these days even that is probably no longer really necessary. I now pay €4 per month for the following, on my fone:

3000 minutes Telia network
3000 SMS or MMS Telia network
1 GB Internet
Package price € 4

Set your darling up with a Skype account from your end, keep it funded for a few dollars a month and she can jibber jabber away to your heart's content for, effectively, free.
If your bint is putting up objections then she is not real, or if real, is not interested in you. Same thing really!

I use three internet providers each one is about 500 roubles a month and includes 100 tv channels as one is for the kids.  But you you can get a basic package for about 100Roubles with 50 tv channels so everyone can afford it!
We never use any text or phone calls , just use Whats up for everything. I think Skype has had its days now they need some serious marketing cos they are loosing their market share to whats up fast.. just like texting.. who uses texting today? Nobody hardly..

Since I have been in Russia I have yet to visit any household that doesn't have internet access..

I know of several that do not have internet access
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 05, 2016, 12:51:00 PM
Whats up! Its totally free to make calls all over the world.. I think days of women only having access to public WI Fi are over.. Everyone has internet at home now?? Its like 200 roubles a month in our block to get going, its nearly free!!
Even all the old babushkas have internet at home today?

Do you have 'social Internet packages' over there?
We do. They are designed so that even poor folks can go online. Dead cheap, and service is as good as top end was half a decade ago. Internet for grannies and unemployed. Mind you, these days even that is probably no longer really necessary. I now pay €4 per month for the following, on my fone:

3000 minutes Telia network
3000 SMS or MMS Telia network
1 GB Internet
Package price € 4

Set your darling up with a Skype account from your end, keep it funded for a few dollars a month and she can jibber jabber away to your heart's content for, effectively, free.
If your bint is putting up objections then she is not real, or if real, is not interested in you. Same thing really!

I use three internet providers each one is about 500 roubles a month and includes 100 tv channels as one is for the kids.  But you you can get a basic package for about 100Roubles with 50 tv channels so everyone can afford it!
We never use any text or phone calls , just use Whats up for everything. I think Skype has had its days now they need some serious marketing cos they are loosing their market share to whats up fast.. just like texting.. who uses texting today? Nobody hardly..

Since I have been in Russia I have yet to visit any household that doesn't have internet access..

I know of several that do not have internet access

Obviously you and me mix with different social circles  ;D
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: BCKev on May 05, 2016, 04:02:18 PM
We use voipwise for calling to Ukrainian landlines or cellphones.  Skype also has an option for placing calls to landlines or cell phones but is a bit more expensive last Time I looked. 


.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 05, 2016, 04:29:47 PM
Thanks everyone for the information and suggestions.  Note that not everyone here in the USA has internet service and many not for profits and working poor have difficulties with getting reasonably priced internet access.  Cable, satellite, and FIOS are not cheap.  :money: Dial-up is the only really cheap service, but it is SLOW.  I do not have a Voip service line, but will look into the online services that use that technology.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Tom Cat on May 05, 2016, 04:59:23 PM
I have never had an issue communicating with anyone in the FSU.
Moldova, Ukraine ,Russia Tajikistan all had internet access.
Maybe 10 years ago it might have been an issue but I find it difficult to believe a young woman in Ukraine would not be able to access the internet without a problem.
IF you used a  pay to play dating site to find this woman you need to ask yourself  how she accessed her account?  And how often she was active on the site during the time you first started communication?
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 05, 2016, 05:52:22 PM
I have never had an issue communicating with anyone in the FSU.
Moldova, Ukraine ,Russia Tajikistan all had internet access.
Maybe 10 years ago it might have been an issue but I find it difficult to believe a young woman in Ukraine would not be able to access the internet without a problem.
IF you used a  pay to play dating site to find this woman you need to ask yourself  how she accessed her account?  And how often she was active on the site during the time you first started communication?

Accessing the internet was not a problem for her, it was the cost associated with using international call on her mobile phone that was the issue.  Like for my T-Mobile phone plan, it is extra to make out of the USA calls.  There are probably calling plans that include international service, but it is extra cost.  She said that she accessed her account at a public wifi location.  Her profile was not that old on the dating site (I think about a few months).  After she provided me her mobile phone number, her profile has been inactive since that time.  She does email me through her private email (yandex.ru account) after her profile has been inactive at the dating site.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Tom Cat on May 05, 2016, 06:17:04 PM
I'm sure you should be able to find discount phone card service.
I used the link below to get super low rates to Russia.
Ukraine has to have something similar.

https://www.allorussia.com/?_language=en&gclid=CjwKEAjw3qu5BRC-0uCw8O6Y5zcSJAA_WtdLwtV2KLkclhf0jIanhzCcnW2pvHbB0paiMS-LbkfT9RoC0uPw_wcB


http://allorussia.com/apps_voice?gclid=CjwKEAjw3qu5BRC-0uCw8O6Y5zcSJAA_WtdLktz1quTdgTXyIA4WOSVKOxEpBqvbk9CBRXKJBK6F-BoC0gLw_wcB
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 05, 2016, 06:42:20 PM
I'm sure you should be able to find discount phone card service.
I used the link below to get super low rates to Russia.
Ukraine has to have something similar.

https://www.allorussia.com/?_language=en&gclid=CjwKEAjw3qu5BRC-0uCw8O6Y5zcSJAA_WtdLwtV2KLkclhf0jIanhzCcnW2pvHbB0paiMS-LbkfT9RoC0uPw_wcB


http://allorussia.com/apps_voice?gclid=CjwKEAjw3qu5BRC-0uCw8O6Y5zcSJAA_WtdLktz1quTdgTXyIA4WOSVKOxEpBqvbk9CBRXKJBK6F-BoC0gLw_wcB

The rate shown to call to a Ukraine mobile phone line is almost 32 cents per minute.  I think I can find a lower rate.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: yankee on May 05, 2016, 06:52:30 PM

Skype charges to Russia from the US

land line  2.3¢/min† 

cell phone   10¢/min†
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 06, 2016, 09:59:54 AM
Thanks everyone for the information and suggestions.  Note that not everyone here in the USA has internet service and many not for profits and working poor have difficulties with getting reasonably priced internet access.  Cable, satellite, and FIOS are not cheap.  :money: Dial-up is the only really cheap service, but it is SLOW.  I do not have a Voip service line, but will look into the online services that use that technology.

I thought everyone in the US is wealthy , there is no poverty? The land of milk and honey, democracy and freedom ...
Sex and the City and all that   :)
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Ste on May 06, 2016, 10:14:43 AM
Thanks everyone for the information and suggestions.  Note that not everyone here in the USA has internet service and many not for profits and working poor have difficulties with getting reasonably priced internet access.  Cable, satellite, and FIOS are not cheap.  :money: Dial-up is the only really cheap service, but it is SLOW.  I do not have a Voip service line, but will look into the online services that use that technology.

I thought everyone in the US is wealthy , there is no poverty? The land of milk and honey, democracy and freedom ...
Sex and the City and all that   :)

The richest country in the World is Ireland, cos it's Capital is always Dublin.

Geddit?

Shall I get my coat?
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 06, 2016, 03:28:22 PM

Skype charges to Russia from the US

land line  2.3¢/min† 

cell phone   10¢/min†

International costs for calls and text messages vary by country. For example, calls to Ukraine cost 13.7 cents per minute, while text messages are 6.6 cents per message. Calls to Germany are 2.3 cents per minute, while text messages are 12.7 cents per message. Calls to North Korea are 70 cents per minute, while text messages are 9.7 cents per message. Both domestic and international call rates are cheaper if you purchase a monthly Skype subscription.

Spend 70 cents per minute to wish Kim Jong Un the best in the Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.   (:)  :bow:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Markje on May 06, 2016, 04:09:12 PM
Hello
This is my first opening topic that I have posted.  I did not find another topic that seemed to provide the answer to the question that I have.  If it was addressed earlier, please provide me the link.  Thank you in advance.   tiphat

My question is about what options are available to communicate with someone overseas?  There are the obvious ones - email, phone, video chat, postal mail, and a face to face meeting.  I have a lady who I got off from the agency site and corresponded with her by private email.  She said that she uses a wifi public connection to get online sometimes, so it would not be convenient for her to use video chat (such as Skype and Viber).  She provided to me her cell phone number to call her.  For international cell phone calls, the cellular company often tacks on a heavy surcharge for those calls whether you call out or receive the call.  I think the land line service will only bill the calling out side, but not sure if she has a land line phone or not.  She asked her cell phone company about international service and the cost was rather expensive (based on the local currency).  Does anyone have a suggestion to any cheap communication alternatives for someone in Ukraine?  Thanks.
Get on a plane, figure out if you like her.

If you do, start paying for her internet @ home & laptop, its the cheapest option in the long run.

My wife skypes with my mother in law daily. She lives in Crimea, works like a charm.

Mark
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 07, 2016, 05:08:54 AM

I know of several that do not have internet access

I'd venture to suggest that you know several (whats?) who TELL you they do not have Internet access - that's a different thing. ;)
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 07, 2016, 05:13:16 AM
Matey, if she has a mobile phone then she isn't telling you the truth!

The reason I suggested Skype up thread was that she can call you, on your mobile, form her mobile - through Skype which is ubiquitous in availability and dead easy to use. If she is unable to figure out how to call you for free through Skype than you can fund her calls to you through Skype credit, or, do as I do and get yourself a local phone number again through Skype, so she can call a local Ukrainian number.

But, still, I am pretty sure that if she has a mobile phone then you are being lied to.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: yankee on May 07, 2016, 06:25:23 AM

I know of several that do not have internet access

I'd venture to suggest that you know several (whats?) who TELL you they do not have Internet access - that's a different thing. ;)

Perhaps you misread what I wrote?  Two examples are my MIL and my wife's best friend.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Czenny on May 07, 2016, 07:26:40 AM
One may call from Ukraine to USA using Kievstar mobile company, it is not expensive at all, here is a link
http://www.Kievstar.ua/en/kr-620/mm/international/ : Profitable calls abroad with the service Favourite countries.

Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 07, 2016, 07:31:55 AM
I didn't misread. So,  neither of these people has a mobile phone?
Even in Ukraine that's very unusual.

The chances are that they may choose to not use that which they have. As I am sure you'd agree that's not the same as not having the thing,  right?

Back in 2013 Internet access was over 75% of the population and mobile usage over 90%. As you know, these days, it is hard to have a mobile phone without Internet access. Such phones seem to cost more money than a cheap smart or feature phone.

I think we can agree that if these good people you know are genuine and have no phone that they are very unusual and from the very poorest, most disadvantaged section of society. I hope that you are generous enough to ensure that they have enough food to eat.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 07, 2016, 10:05:57 AM
I didn't misread. So,  neither of these people has a mobile phone?
Even in Ukraine that's very unusual.

The chances are that they may choose to not use that which they have. As I am sure you'd agree that's not the same as not having the thing,  right?

Back in 2013 Internet access was over 75% of the population and mobile usage over 90%. As you know, these days, it is hard to have a mobile phone without Internet access. Such phones seem to cost more money than a cheap smart or feature phone.

I think we can agree that if these good people you know are genuine and have no phone that they are very unusual and from the very poorest, most disadvantaged section of society. I hope that you are generous enough to ensure that they have enough food to eat.

Don't forget all the young women in Ukraine, you know the ones in the expensive photo shoots with the latest clothing brands nice watches and manicures ... non of them have internet access on their phones.. :laugh:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 07, 2016, 10:20:22 AM
To be fair Yankee's examples probably don't fall into that group. Kinda like my dad - will not use the Internet on his fone. Happy as a clam with his tablet.

If we want to we can always find an exception to every case. However, I'd get rich betting against the proposition that any particular Ukrainian did not have Internet access, at a minimum using their mobile.

That's the issue with the OP's case. He is being led a dance and some here are helping him to justify his delusion. That's just not helpful or fair.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Tom Cat on May 07, 2016, 10:28:54 AM
I didn't misread. So,  neither of these people has a mobile phone?
Even in Ukraine that's very unusual.

The chances are that they may choose to not use that which they have. As I am sure you'd agree that's not the same as not having the thing,  right?

Back in 2013 Internet access was over 75% of the population and mobile usage over 90%. As you know, these days, it is hard to have a mobile phone without Internet access. Such phones seem to cost more money than a cheap smart or feature phone.

I think we can agree that if these good people you know are genuine and have no phone that they are very unusual and from the very poorest, most disadvantaged section of society. I hope that you are generous enough to ensure that they have enough food to eat.

Don't forget all the young women in Ukraine, you know the ones in the expensive photo shoots with the latest clothing brands nice watches and manicures ... non of them have internet access on their phones.. :laugh:



The OP, does not seemed concerned about red flags.
Some men seem to think that the FSU ,is not yet in the 21st century.
Until they have visited, and spent time in country, they will tend to believe untruths, instead of sound advice.

This endeavor has many expenses, communication should be the least.
Again, in the last few years, I have been able to contact and communicate with only my smart phone. The cost other than my standard phone bill is zero.

If a woman is interested she will do her part to keep in touch.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Czenny on May 07, 2016, 10:43:48 AM
I can not say anything of small towns or villages in Ukraine but normally we have no problems with internet access at home (Wi-Fi), in the cafe, and certainly we have mobile internet (cheap enough) on smartphones or iPhones.
Much depends on material conditions of the family if you meet a very young girl. But I see young girls and boys speaking their smatphones on the streets. Ukrainians used to speak too much and loud. :laugh:

I think if some romantic feelings began between the two and they have some money problems it is naturally to use an ordinary post office, I mean --to write letters on paper. Why not? If it is love... people try to use everything, one may send letters every day.  :)



Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 07, 2016, 11:31:02 AM
Czenny, you're about right. A rule of thumb here is this: if a person makes communication difficult then either the person isn't real or the 'relationship' is not. There's even less excuse now than 15 years ago but it was as true back then as it is today.

What gets my goat is this: I can understand that a bloke who knows nothing knows nothing but when his cluelessness is supported by people who do know better, well that's annoying.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: msmoby on May 08, 2016, 03:40:36 AM
Matey, if she has a mobile phone then she isn't telling you the truth!



But, still, I am pretty sure that if she has a mobile phone then you are being lied to.

Andrewfi whilst you MIGHT be correct I'll bet you never thought to think .. does this woman have a smart phone ?

Until SC inherited an 'old' Samsung Note 2 from me ..in May 2015 - she quite happily existed on an ancient Alcatel - no internet, no Skype....

I see plenty of ladies with 2G phones - with no SKYPE facility.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 09, 2016, 05:30:42 PM
Matey, if she has a mobile phone then she isn't telling you the truth!

The reason I suggested Skype up thread was that she can call you, on your mobile, form her mobile - through Skype which is ubiquitous in availability and dead easy to use. If she is unable to figure out how to call you for free through Skype than you can fund her calls to you through Skype credit, or, do as I do and get yourself a local phone number again through Skype, so she can call a local Ukrainian number.

But, still, I am pretty sure that if she has a mobile phone then you are being lied to.

I was not aware that you can obtain a foreign phone number through Skype.  That is something that I will look into.  BTW, I have not given her my phone number, so the calls will likely be made from my end and not by her.  Since I was going to make the call on my end, I was trying to determine how a foreign person with a mobile phone could minimize the access cost of a phone call from international origination.  For land line service, these calls would be totally free for international residents.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 09, 2016, 05:41:04 PM
I didn't misread. So,  neither of these people has a mobile phone?
Even in Ukraine that's very unusual.

The chances are that they may choose to not use that which they have. As I am sure you'd agree that's not the same as not having the thing,  right?

Back in 2013 Internet access was over 75% of the population and mobile usage over 90%. As you know, these days, it is hard to have a mobile phone without Internet access. Such phones seem to cost more money than a cheap smart or feature phone.

I think we can agree that if these good people you know are genuine and have no phone that they are very unusual and from the very poorest, most disadvantaged section of society. I hope that you are generous enough to ensure that they have enough food to eat.

I am one of those very few residents who do not have a mobile phone with internet access.    :o   Cost has nothing to do with it.  I choose not to stare down at a tiny screen while getting whacked on the head by a thief.   :scared0005:  It is very easy to have a mobile phone that just makes emergency calls when you need to.  I cannot say if I am from the most disadvantaged section of society in this country.  But, I will say that the work that I do impacts a very large segment of the population in the country.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Manny on May 10, 2016, 01:31:43 AM
Since I was going to make the call on my end, I was trying to determine how a foreign person with a mobile phone could minimize the access cost of a phone call from international origination.

Nobody pays to receive international calls any more.

Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 10, 2016, 02:18:58 AM
dcguyusa, however, mising the point entirely...
Data analysis lessons needed here too.
And maybe some help with the paranoia (persecution complex)?
You must live in a very disadvantaged environment if fear of violence for simply using a phone affects your purchase choice. There's loads of good reasons to not use a phone for Internet access, the reason why better off parts of the world tend to use larger screen devices.

You quite obviously are not bereft of Internet access though are you?

What kind of phone do you have, as a matter of interest?

Cue made up stories about secrecy, security, national interest etc etc. ;)
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: msmoby on May 10, 2016, 02:50:20 AM

Nobody pays to receive international calls any more.

Manny, you DO know that there are plans in the US and other nations whereby RECEIVING calls / texts DOES eat into one's per minute allowance at a local rate...  ?

..and there are far cheaper methods than Skype to communicate using a normal mobile -with clearer lines - One can buy a Moscow number for 3.5 USD / Month or a Ukraine number for 2 USD / Month and use a smart phone or PC to make receive calls where you have internet connection ... There's plenty of packages in UA / RU that are dirt cheap. We pay 5 USD for unlimited internet [ 4G where available] - no roaming within Russia , and a chuck of minutes / sms [texts] 


I have a Moscow and UK number and my smartphone shows me which number is being used to call and who is calling - as long as they do not withhold.

I also have a free of change NY area code number.

The only popular wife hunting nation that is awkward is Belarus.... I can get a mobile number there - but it costs 20 usd / month for the number - but thereafter all calls to other mobiles and land lines are free.

Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Manny on May 10, 2016, 11:17:07 AM

Nobody pays to receive international calls any more.

Manny, you DO know that there are plans in the US and other nations whereby RECEIVING calls / texts DOES eat into one's per minute allowance at a local rate...  ?

We are talking about the FSU and the civilised world, not "plans" in the US.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 10, 2016, 05:16:09 PM
Since I was going to make the call on my end, I was trying to determine how a foreign person with a mobile phone could minimize the access cost of a phone call from international origination.

Nobody pays to receive international calls any more.

OK.  I will inform any international contacts that they do not have to worry about extra charges.

This is from my mobile calling plan.

"Unlimited calls and text to and from any number, including mobile phones, in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. PLUS use your monthly 4G LTE data in Mexico and Canada like in the U.S., at no extra charge."

There is a $15 per month option to call unlimited international destinations and there is a 20 cents per minute billing.  If you do not subscribe for the monthly fee plan, the per minute cost is $2.69 per minute.  :money:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 10, 2016, 05:22:42 PM
dcguyusa, however, mising the point entirely...
Data analysis lessons needed here too.
And maybe some help with the paranoia (persecution complex)?
You must live in a very disadvantaged environment if fear of violence for simply using a phone affects your purchase choice. There's loads of good reasons to not use a phone for Internet access, the reason why better off parts of the world tend to use larger screen devices.

You quite obviously are not bereft of Internet access though are you?

What kind of phone do you have, as a matter of interest?

Cue made up stories about secrecy, security, national interest etc etc. ;)

Mobile phone thefts are very common on public transportation locations. One guy was beaten and stabbed to death while riding during the afternoon hour.  I have internet access, just not on a mobile phone.  I have many relatives who have them (smart phones and tablets).  Some older than I am.  I have an outdated Nokia phone (small screen).  The kind that was popular in the early 2000s.  Back then, the internet access was usually free, although slow (ad sponsored).
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Markje on May 11, 2016, 01:17:23 AM
We are talking about the FSU and the civilised world, not "plans" in the US.
The USA is Surprisingly enough, very backward when it comes to phones/internet etc.

I shake my head silently, when I hear what the USA pays for simple internet access and that they even have a 'data limit' on their lines.

I pay Eur-40 , for a 1GB unmetered no-limit internet line with my provider. On a normal month i do about 20 terabyte on the internet in data usage.

And my business does about the same , but more expensive, cause business line with uptime etc.
(http://www.speedtest.net/result/5316207793.png)
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 11, 2016, 01:36:57 AM
I can only, once again shake my head in disappointment and disbelief and thank whatever deity that might guard over me that I live in over here in civilisation.

If I were so worried about my fellow citizens that I was scared to use a mobile phone then I think I'd understand that I lived in the wrong place and surrounded myself with the wrong people.

Time to be moving on from the Home Of The Brave and toward a civilised society.  :'(  :plane:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 11, 2016, 01:40:06 AM
Mark, during peak goggle box hours USAians watching Netflix account for over 30% of all Internet traffic in the Land Of The Free. Somebody has to pay for that,  somehow and I doubt that the volume is going to decrease.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Markje on May 11, 2016, 01:51:25 AM
Mark, during peak goggle box hours USAians watching Netflix account for over 30% of all Internet traffic in the Land Of The Free. Somebody has to pay for that,  somehow and I doubt that the volume is going to decrease.

Tis part of the bigger problem yes.

My provider also only provides IPTV, I don't even have a choice , except for the Sat-Dish providing me with some missing channels.

So, if my provider can cough up the money to provide ONLY iptv , how on earth is it possible that USA providers  can't.

2 words: Maximize profit.

I am sure peering-data in Europe is equally less expensive than it is in USA. + 1 Good ISP took up the glove and fought the giants and won. (Xs4all). But then they were bought by a Dutch phone company (KPN) and I switched to the new hero: Tweak.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 11, 2016, 02:13:12 AM
Yeah but over here, in civilization, we are not quite so firmly glued to the boob tube. Maybe one day, but we will still be behind the curve, playing catch up to USAians who have TV screens embedded into their eyeballs. ;)
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 11, 2016, 05:35:02 AM
I use my Russian phone where ever I go and have no need ever to change sim cards what ever country Im in and all the time it costs me nothing :)

I use Whats up for everything, never send text/sms messages no need for those, they are history!!

Phone calls are free where ever in the world, just need a Wi Fi point ... If you can't find Wi Fi every few meters well..

If I need to make a phone call without using whats up I will do so, but very seldom need to.

Even Skype is becoming outdated..

I cant think of any better option than Whats up at the moment.. and now its available on desk top to check photos/videos/messages who needs anything else  ;D

https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000621/Introducing-WhatsApps-desktop-app
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: AKA Luke on May 11, 2016, 05:57:44 AM
I use my Russian phone where ever I go and have no need ever to change sim cards what ever country Im in and all the time it costs me nothing :)

I use Whats up for everything, never send text/sms messages no need for those, they are history!!

Phone calls are free where ever in the world, just need a Wi Fi point ... If you can't find Wi Fi every few meters well..

If I need to make a phone call without using whats up I will do so, but very seldom need to.

Even Skype is becoming outdated..

I cant think of any better option than Whats up at the moment.. and now its available on desk top to check photos/videos/messages who needs anything else  ;D

https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000621/Introducing-WhatsApps-desktop-app

Sounds not too dissimilar to WhatsApp. Is yours the dodgy Russian bogeyman version?
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 11, 2016, 06:19:13 AM
I use my Russian phone where ever I go and have no need ever to change sim cards what ever country Im in and all the time it costs me nothing :)

I use Whats up for everything, never send text/sms messages no need for those, they are history!!

Phone calls are free where ever in the world, just need a Wi Fi point ... If you can't find Wi Fi every few meters well..

If I need to make a phone call without using whats up I will do so, but very seldom need to.

Even Skype is becoming outdated..

I cant think of any better option than Whats up at the moment.. and now its available on desk top to check photos/videos/messages who needs anything else  ;D

https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000621/Introducing-WhatsApps-desktop-app

Sounds not too dissimilar to WhatsApp. Is yours the dodgy Russian bogeyman version?

No its just me.. a simple person from the countryside  :laugh:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: andrewfi on May 11, 2016, 07:24:20 AM
Skype may be 'old hat' having been around for yonks but there's one service that I can always use, always contact people on and always works without me needing to use more than one service provider - Skype.
The network effect is huge, especially now that they are integrated into Facebook.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 11, 2016, 07:37:56 AM
I think WhatsApp   Are bringing video chat in soon. They have already nearly killed off sms/texting over less than 24 months..

Todays news is old news very fast.. I used to use ICQ about 14 years ago, loved it..they could of gone a long way. Not sure if it was a Russian company. Lack of investment and spending the profits probably ended that. I think Mail.ru own it now.

The next big thing will be wearable technology.. The Ukrainian women will be in your pocket all day..thats probably better than your wallet though.
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Ste on May 11, 2016, 09:06:32 AM
I think WhatsApp   Are bringing video chat in soon. They have already nearly killed off sms/texting over less than 24 months..

Todays news is old news very fast.. I used to use ICQ about 14 years ago, loved it..they could of gone a long way. Not sure if it was a Russian company. Lack of investment and spending the profits probably ended that. I think Mail.ru own it now.

The next big thing will be wearable technology.. The Ukrainian women will be in your pocket all day..thats probably better than your wallet though.

Old Chestnut time!!

Englishman, American and an Irishman playing golf, suddenly a phone rings, and the Englishman points his thumb to his ear and his little finger to his mouth and starts having a phone conversation.

After it's over he is asked, what was that? He says "Latest British technology, speaker implanted in my thumb, microphone in my litle finger.

All seem impressed then a phone rings again, the American just starts talking and after he's finished the others ask what was that?

The American says "Latest US technology, speaker implanted in my ear, microphone in my lip"

Again, all seem very impressed. Then a phone rings again, and suddenly the Irishman disappears into some bushes. Some minutes pass without his return so they go to investigate, and see the Irishman with his trousers round his ankles and toilet paper hanging out of his arse.

The Irishman says "Do you mind, I'm expecting a fax........"
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Gipsy on May 11, 2016, 09:11:51 AM
I think WhatsApp   Are bringing video chat in soon. They have already nearly killed off sms/texting over less than 24 months..

Todays news is old news very fast.. I used to use ICQ about 14 years ago, loved it..they could of gone a long way. Not sure if it was a Russian company. Lack of investment and spending the profits probably ended that. I think Mail.ru own it now.

The next big thing will be wearable technology.. The Ukrainian women will be in your pocket all day..thats probably better than your wallet though.

Old Chestnut time!!

Englishman, American and an Irishman playing golf, suddenly a phone rings, and the Englishman points his thumb to his ear and his little finger to his mouth and starts having a phone conversation.

After it's over he is asked, what was that? He says "Latest British technology, speaker implanted in my thumb, microphone in my litle finger.

All seem impressed then a phone rings again, the American just starts talking and after he's finished the others ask what was that?

The American says "Latest US technology, speaker implanted in my ear, microphone in my lip"

Again, all seem very impressed. Then a phone rings again, and suddenly the Irishman disappears into some bushes. Some minutes pass without his return so they go to investigate, and see the Irishman with his trousers round his ankles and toilet paper hanging out of his arse.

The Irishman says "Do you mind, I'm expecting a fax........"

 :bow: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 11, 2016, 05:00:48 PM
I can only, once again shake my head in disappointment and disbelief and thank whatever deity that might guard over me that I live in over here in civilisation.

If I were so worried about my fellow citizens that I was scared to use a mobile phone then I think I'd understand that I lived in the wrong place and surrounded myself with the wrong people.

Time to be moving on from the Home Of The Brave and toward a civilised society.  :'(  :plane:

Not going to go into a lengthy debate as to where the Utopian society is located.  Since the end of the Pax Romana, the continent overseas has been riddled with wars by numerous factions and competitions for control of resources and territory.   >:(   :fighting0025:   :GRRRR:

As for living in a particular location and surrounding myself with the wrong people, note that I have "ingrained myself" to this foreign land and do not have any close ties to any country on this planet.  The "wrong people" is the result of the "melting pot" of ethnic and cultural groups in this region.  Of course, it would be ideal to "eliminate" those type of hooligans or get away from them.   :whist11:  But unless you are moving to Antarctica, it will be difficult to completely avoid them.   :nod:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: dcguyusa on May 11, 2016, 05:15:12 PM
I think WhatsApp   Are bringing video chat in soon. They have already nearly killed off sms/texting over less than 24 months..

Todays news is old news very fast.. I used to use ICQ about 14 years ago, loved it..they could of gone a long way. Not sure if it was a Russian company. Lack of investment and spending the profits probably ended that. I think Mail.ru own it now.

The next big thing will be wearable technology.. The Ukrainian women will be in your pocket all day..thats probably better than your wallet though.

I used ICQ back when I first got online back in 1997.   ;D First IM service that I registered with that many users in chat rooms would use.  Also used AOL IM, Yahoo messenger, and MSN chat programs.  ICQ was owned by an Israeli company, Mirabilis I believe, back in those days.  Their website was among the most cluttered webpage that I had ever seen at the time.   :eeekk:
Title: Re: Options for overseas communications
Post by: Steveboy on May 12, 2016, 06:00:07 AM
Has anyone tried the "Tin can " phone.. I think thats FREE   :laugh: