Travelling yourself or to keep in touch with someone abroad, esp when working on a project, requires sometimes instant communication. I believe that video/ calling should be affordable and funny way to connect globally.
However, telecommunication companies with their roaming fees try to prove me wrong ...
First of all, I am sure everyone is pretty comfortable with how to get access to internet - at low rates: sipping hot chocolate in an @caffè, via public WiFi-hotspot, using local prepaid SIM card with gratis data allowance, etc. Obviously, communication via internet costs close to nothing in comparison with standard international GSM rates.
Even on weak coverage, instant messaging offered by all the popular social network provider ( FB messenger, Google Talk, WhatsApp,...) still make it possible to exchange texts between / among simultaneously users on the same platform, even to leave a message when the contact is absent at a time.
The next level - to see and talk with your contact uninterrupted (video chat), ask for a constant reliable signal from network provider and headset with mic and camera. Thus services like Google Talk and Skype (owned by Microsoft) turn the distance hurdle into irrelevant.
Well, but what if it is only you who is online and you desperatly need to pass a message on someone who is remote? In this case, let´s hope they have at least a handy - fully charged! Top-up on their phone is not necessary as it is only the innitiator of the call who will be charged.
My preferred solution would be Google Voice, unfortunnately, this is available only for US sim card holders. But similar idea, to make calls/ send text mesages via internet to GSM number among others, offer for example:
Skype:
Really cheap rates to call GSM mobile or landline from desktop PC, mobile app on smartphone or tablet. Free Skype-to-Skype Instant messaging, voice and video calls. Helpful feature is to share your screen, sharing files possible either.
Furthermore, for a mothly fee you can be accessible (whenever online) on an unique Skype Online Number, with additional services (including: call barring - blacklist).
Skype offer for even ordinary members complimentary 20 video messages. Unlimited service just for premium members, which includes group videocall, group screen sharing - however, available only from desktop version. (Mentioned by +Caschys Blog ) To be honest, as now in possesion of Microsoft, I moved my attention to Google HangOut - which for me as android user offers a seamless experience...
Fring:
long ago established platform now present on all mobile platforms, do very much the same: free group/ video/ call and messaging among online "fring friends".
To reach anyone offline, on their GSM phone, I personally use fringOUT with exceptionally favourable rates with pays as you go (better than Skype - in my opinion). Top-up follows over PayPal/ credit card.
However, mind that the quality of reproduced voice strongly depends on signal strength on both sides and there is no "unique number" which will be displayed as caller ID.
Google HANGOUT:
The most favourable product comes from google: interact with all your Contact either in instant messaging, voice or video talk. In mobile app Talk swipe sideways to switch among several ongoing conversations. Sharing content or links anytime possible; moreover, every piece of info can be retrieved as it is saved continuously and automatically.
Video communication tool - Google HangOut brings a fresh air into online interaction. For deeper instructions for geting the best out of it follow +Ronnie Bincer on #googleplus.
Wish you would be able to communicate all the important details instantly and to the right ear!
Good luck
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