www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I want to setup a Skype account, both for calling C.R. from home and calling the States from C.R. Is this possible, and what is the cost?

I don't want to deal with a Skype account until I'm sure it will work cheaply for international calls. As a blind user, the skype software isn't enough; I'll also need to install special scripts for my screen reader software. The process is a pain in the buttocks, so I'm told.

Anyone with extensive Skype experience...let's talk about it! What have your experiences been?

TIA.

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

If you really want to save some time I would reccomend the SMC WiFi phone. it is only $99 and once you setup your account you won't have to worry about the scripts as all you do is use the phone like any other wherever you have a wifi connection. I can help you with whatever you need as far as skype goes, but this would be the easiest way to to deal with the program. you don't even need a computer with this phone anymore. it can even be setup to to automatically debit your account when your balance drops.

calls to the us are about 2.1 cents per minute
Costa rica land lines are 6.8 cents
cell phones are 8 cents

You can get calls for $60 per year or $18 for 3 months. this is a service called SkypeIn where you are assigned a real phone number. it is not required but your skype phone will ring wherever you have WiFi access.

http://accessories.skype.com/servlet/Co ... D=90547800

I used this phone on my last trip and it worked beautifully wherever there was WiFi access.

My wife uses Skype to call her family in Managua all of the time. It is the least expensive means of calling Central America that we have been able to find. The connection is usually excellent and it is easy to refill your account with a credit card. The rates for calls to all countries are listed on skype.com.

The only glitch that we get on our computer from Skype is when I am on Ebay, a warning notice from my Norton Anti-Virus will always pop up saying that Skype is trying to access the program. I’m not sure what that is all about, but it only happens when I’m using Ebay.

If the person you are wanting to call has a computer, use Windows Live Messenger. It is absolutely free to anywhere in the world and the sound quality is actually good.

if the person on the other end has skype, you can use that. all skype to skype calls are free.

DDream wrote:


My wingman and I used Skype wi-fi phones to keep in touch on our last trip to CR. We put the voice mail feature to good use because we weren't always both within a hot spot. I also recommend getting one.

Well, if the phone can be used COMPLETELY without eyesight, I might consider it. I went to the link D-Dream listed above, and part of the description described a Skype interface built into the telephone. Therefore, it might not work for me. At least the PC will talk, and with the proper scripts installed my screen reader will be able to access every control used in Skype, including the Skype Watch, conference call list and so on.

You guys who own the SMC phone, why not try it out for me? Close your eyes and try to do everything without peeking. If it works, let me know.

I just downloaded Skype and am looking at the documentation about getting set up. I'll report back if/when I get it up and running!

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

right. once you login once, it saves all your login info. anytime there is an open network it automatically logs in for you. all you have to do is dial. if you don't want to use that, then i'm sure the computer will work out fine for you.

El Ciego,
Once setup you could use the phone for making and receiving calls, however you would not be able to use many of the phones features, such as it's address book, caller ID, etc. You might also have a problem signing on to your first visits at hotspots or even be able to confirm that you are at an unsecured hotspot. I'm sure a helpful CRT member would assist you with the latter when in CR though.

you fat phucker, let us all know your Skype handle.

then, we can call you whenever we are both online.

mine is dc_johnny1

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Fat Phucker!? Fat Phucker? You skinny little turd! Looks like you were strained through a sheet on your way into Momma's fallopians. Bitch!

Yeah, I'll be sure to let you know. It looks pretty good, and from their fee schedule, looks like calls to most places in Latin America are wa-a-ay cheap. Except Cuba at nearly $1.75/minute.

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

I wish I understood all this. I used to have my long distance through ACCXX out of Tampa at a pretty low rate. Then it became Telerite and now all of a sudden it's 25 cents per minute. I need to make a change, so if anyone knows of a good long distance service with a low rate; please let me know.

_________________
My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming...." MAN....WHAT A RIDE!!!!"

Skype works great from CR. I stay at the Amon Plaza (Clarion) and use my laptop everynight to the US. EC is right, its only 2.1 cents per minute and sure beats the DR payphones as I have recommended in the past. I haven't tried calling the other way US to CR yet, But I will as soon as I get time to download it to my home PC. I might try the cell phone deal, only problem, will need 2 phones to stay in touch in CR. 1 for me and 1 for my wingman. There is a guy that rents cell phones in CR for a think $9.00 a day for local use only. This might be another cheap alternative. Tman should have his number since I met him at Casa Vino in May.

_________________
"You can only keep a secret between two people if the other one is dead." Ben Franklin

LK.

Here is the guy who rents cellphones, it is 9.95 per day, free incoming and outgoing within CR and free voice mail.

http://cellulartelephonerentals.com/

There are others, but Rico meets me at the hotel of my choice and is very convenient, I have used hm multiple times without incident, just an FYI, I use my own unlocked TriBand phone and just rent the chip from him

His numbers from the states is 1-800-769-7137 and his local cell is 845-4427.

GringoMalo

I am also a loyal Skype user for about 2 years now. The rates from US to CR 6.4 (Land) 8.0 cents (cell) per minute...CR to the US is correct at 2.1 cents per mnute...Also very good rates to other countries as well, you can look this up on the www.skype.com website

I have always stayed at either SL, Amon or Amistad and have never had trouble with finding a connection.

Other long distance I have used in the past when away from computer is the CRT sponsor www.tel3advantage.com, I forget the exact rates but $20.00 gives me somehing like 4-5 hrs from US to CR


Hope this helps

Well guys, I'm Skyped.

Paul.Ciego01 is my skype ID. Give me a shout sometimes. Frankly, the interface is not easy to navigate, even with the JAWS scripts I'm using. So... much to learn.

Thanks to all for advice.

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Another option might be a T-Mobile WiFi Cell phone. I know from experience, they work from here in Costa Rica if there's wifi, and a bonus is that they work at home as well, same cost. One phone number.