Advice needed re. international calling on mobile USA-UK

[chocchipcookie]

I want to get an international mobile that works US-UK but the charges I have looked at seem really high, around $2 a minute US to UK. I also need it to call back to the US when I'm visiting the UK. Does anyone know of an affordable international mobile callplan? Thanks.

I use a calling card on my cellphone, so it costs less. I get mine in Walgreens but you might be able to get a better deal online. Maybe ask in or link to this from the People in the US thread - the others might know.

If you have access to the internet in both locations use SKYPE it's free to use and gives you VOIP. All you need are compatible headphones and download the free software. Other than that second mamama and get a calling card it's about the only cheapish option you'll get.

Oh yes, I second skype. But maybe not on a cellphone.

Do you spend most of your time in the USA? I go back and forth between the two countries and have the same dilemma.

I have been advised to have a phone number/contract in America and a pay-as-you-go in the UK. The theory is that you use the same phone, and simply change SIM cards according to where you are. Downside is that you've got a phone number for each country rather than the same number worldwide.

HOWEVER - I have not priced out this recommendation, so have no idea if it is practical/economical. Maybe someone can advise?

From my research on cell phones, I would agree that your suggestion sounds like the best one, earlybird. You can also look at the different companies and see what they offer - I didn't really look into anything other than the basic package so don't know much about the international calling plans they offer.

In the midwest, I would try AT&T (Cingular), US Cellular, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile... there are more but I have forgotten them!

Thanks, I'm looking at plans but they are so complicated...

I actually meant use a laptop and SKYPE, sorry wasn't clear. Actually just remembered though you can get a local SKYPE number which is cheaper and tied to a landline, you may be even able to get a a global SKYPE number I would look into it. "Look at this page