You can call UK landline from Skype and use either a subscription based payment or Skype credit (which is one off top up). This is known as "Skype Out".

You can also pay for a UK Phone Number linked to your Skype account. So you parents can call a UK phone number and it will route to your Skype account. If your Skype account is not logged in then you can have voicemail (free if you have subscriptions). This is known as "Skype In"

So for example, using Skype In, you have a 0121 XXX XXXX number (there are a few dialing code options). Your parents ring the 0121 number and either your Skype account rings on your PC or it goes to voice mail. The cost of the call to them is the same as ringing any 0121 (Birmingham number). Again there is a limited choice on dialing codes that you choose from when you set this up.

Using Skype Out, you can call phone numbers based on your subscription or credit (depending on what you have set up.........subscription is cheaper). If you have a Skype In number then that is the number that appears on Caller ID of the phone you are ringing.

If you want an always on Skype phone in your accomodation, then you can either leave your PC on or buy a Skype PC-free phone which connects either by Wifi or Ethernet cable to your broadband router/modem. They are not readily available in shops so you have to use the internet to buy one (Ebay is best). They take about 1 Gbps of data per month so that has to be factored into any usage on internet contracts. If you want more details let me know.

JB

thank you so much for that information. years ago that bought a phone out that you could ring abroad and see the person you were speaking to but they phased that out.
thanks again

Lindabey - just to add to the paragraph above that JB wrote. You can also set your Skype In Phone Number to forward to a normal phone.

For example: I have a UK Skype In number (we chose one to start 020 as we come from london). If one of the family phone that number it will come through to my computer when I am 'online' with Skype.

If i am busy when this happens the call will go to my Skype Voicemail. Skype emails me to say I have a voicemail.

When I am 'offline' i have ticked the box in my skype settings to send the call to my mobile phone. I believe it uses some money off my Skype Out Credit.

This is very handy! It takes a little while to get used to. But once you know it you will sound like JB and I.

BBUK

Hey Niki- looking forward to it.

I am flying out with Air Canada at first, and then back for a wedding in June, then a one way with Air Transat (i think!).

I always use this travel agent: Southall Travel. They either find the cheapest flight or match the cheapest flight. I found a cheap flight with the right dates on Canada Affair and they put it through for me. Of course you could just go through Canada Affair. It was just easier for me to work with my agent as i had numerous back and forth flights to arrange.

I will be staying in Burnaby from Tuesday for a few weeks - i will report back! I am looking for somewhere to rent in Deep Cove, West Vancouver, Kitsilano... but don't know if i will be successful with my budget! If not Burnaby providing i like it.

The wiki on here has some links to vacation type rentals for short term renting. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Rentin...tal_properties

Claire

Hi Claire,

Thanks for the link and info. I'll have a look later today. Good luck with your family goodbyes. Let me know how you get on.

Take care and see you soon

thanks very much for this info. much appreciated

Hi Claire

Sorry I've not replied earlier, I ave a two year old that decided she won't sleep this week,so as well as excited/stressed etc I am exhausted, would be nice to meet up at some point (we fly end of June) I'll PM you tomorrow to say more, having an early night tonight,

Juliet C

P.S My husband is the same, he wants a garage and my son wants somewhere to practice his music......alll on a budget!! Men!

Hi

The Skype PC-Free phone aka always-on phone is something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RTX-Dualphone-...item4aa8f349ba

It connects to the internet/broadband router. We have on in the house and relatives without a computer use our Skype In number


Note - Any Skype phone which connects via USB is a PC dependant phone.....and needs a PC to be on to work.

I did forgot to mention call forwarding feature of Skype which BubblebeeUK mentioned.

Cheers

JB

Excuse my ignorance but what on earth is Kübler-Ross model of immigration ?

Kübler-Ross model is also known as The Five Stages Of Grief