International Calling RUS -> US | US -> RUS

[scafidi454]

I have been using calling cards for about 10 months now in conjunction with a cellular phone plan that allows me $20.00 month included with my calling plan for international calls.


I would like to know if anyone here has any recommendations for calling plans, or which options are available, for my fiance and I if we want to call each other by mobile phone (not Skype, GTalk, Fring, etc.). I know that there are some VOIP services available, but that requires a data line (which has questionable quality) and can cost the same as a normal calling card.


I need to find something that the both of us can use, because I would like for her to be able to call me (I call at bad times, usually, and I don't have any other method of finding out if she's available). I can send international texts, unlimited, at no cost, but she has to pay some serious rubles. So, sometimes she doesn't use the SMS as often as she'd like.


Any suggestions?


p.s. we both have a Nokia E71 (unlocked)

[Gylden]

I don't have any advice about calling cards, but I will put in a good word for ip telephone service. I have been using an ip phone for years here and it works great! I can call as much as I like all over Europe and North America for the equivelent of 30 dollars. I can call Russia and Ukraine for no extra charge for an hour and a half every month and after that it is just some nominal amount per minute (I am not sure about the amount, but I could check).
 

[Faux Pas]

Two suggestions;


Look into Nobel.com and Skype calling plans. My wife uses them both talks often, to all her friends and family no matter whether landline or phone. Your fiance' to call you can use Skype as well

[scafidi454]

I have also been loking into a russian toll free number thF tranfers to my cell. I can get about 250 min a month for35$. I already get 20$ to call international at no extra chatge. I think it would be betfer than ip phones because of the necessity and unreliable qualitg of data networks.

[scafidi454]

I have been using a Russian toll-free number (on trial) for the past few days - It works great! It allows her to call me when SHE HAS TIME, not only leave the responsibility to me. Although, it's 60/month for 350 minutes...

[Muzh]

I can only recommend a plan that is on your end. World Discount Telecommunications (mywdt.com) is dirt cheap for calls to Russia.
 
Disclamer: No personal gain from this.

[scafidi454]

That is the main concern. We want forvher to be able to pick up her mobile and call me with the same quality as a normal call, at an afordable/reasonable price.

[Faux Pas]

That is the main concern. We want forvher to be able to pick up her mobile and call me with the same quality as a normal call, at an afordable/reasonable price.

Then you'll have to pay for it. Calling you from her cell without another calling plan is the snafu. For 60 bucks a month you should just look into her cell's international calling plan

[BC]

Do what they do here in Europe...

The one with only little money on their mobile account will just 'ring' the other, who calls back.  You'll usually see the caller ID and know not to pick up.  Then just call back on your plan.

[scafidi454]

I think that her plan will charge 35rubles a minute +connection fee to call here. My plan only includes 4 hours a month, but many times i call her when she is busy. Usually, she doesnt have a specific work schedule, so it can be daunting to guess. Anyway, we have arguments about this sometimes. Maybe the plan i am with now will just have to work until we find something new. There is no contract.

[BC]

Anyway, we have arguments about this sometimes. Maybe the plan i am with now will just have to work until we find something new. There is no contract.

I remember when mobile phones were rare and snail mail still a feasible way to communicate.

Don't let 'instant gratification' get the best of you.

Cheers!

[GoodOlBoy]

Anyway, we have arguments about this sometimes.

Sorry 454, but I have to ask the question.
Are you sure about this lady?
I can't even to begin to remember the number of telephone calls I made to my wife in Siberia (11 hrs. difference) when we started this process 7 years ago and EVERY TIME Marina was grateful to hear my voice.
 
Of course I never called her at 3 A.M. (her time) to "check" on her either.
 
I am just saying, if your telephone calls are "upsetting" her so much, maybe you should reconsider things.
 
Either way good luck!
 
BTW....I used (and still use) Nobel calling cards.
 
GOB

[scafidi454]

We dont argue about the fact that we are talking. We argue about the cat and mose of the calling. Btw, i dont expect perfection in my relationship. We answer each other at almost any time of the day in almost any circumstance.