Traveling to Japan: Purchase Skype International Calling not AT&T

If you have access to wireless services in Japan, via your hotel room or you guides wireless router (hallelujah!!) then consider using Skypes inexpensive call and text plans in Japan!

I was googling international texting and came across a post from 2010. Basically I purchased Skype credit for $10 for testing to any mobile I. The U.S. I added an unlimited calling feature for $2.99. It's a monthly subscription you can cancel anytime. Texting rates for this trip are 0.112¢ per text. Compare these rates to AT&T who wanted $30 for just unlimited calls. I didn't even get to the texting package.

Great article on FREE wifi text email talk when abroad. http://triphackr.com/how-to-use-your-iphone-for-free-abroad

Upon arrival in Japan my Husbands cell phone data was still "on," I quickly turned it off. But AT&T quickly slid in a text to us soliciting an international data package. If I didn't know about Skype / or forgot to turn on international service I'd be pleased to see this service: 

Thanks AT&T but LOOK.AT.THOSE.RATES!! Not competitive with Skype at all!!

Apparently when in Japan data rates are insane if you fail to call your mobile provider in advance and purchase a package. The travel coordinator warned us. So upon airplane take off we are turning off our data service in addition to airplane mode. Upon landing airplane mode will be off, but we should e able to work things wirelessly.

Skypes website walks you though the logistics of texting internationally and calling. There's also an easy to use Skype in the go number when you:

1. register your phone number and 

2. add a contact you'll be calling. So you don't have to keep dialing the international country code (convenient!!). 

If this doesn't work you can all laugh at me! However, we will keep you posted on how it goes :-)