Jochram

Soon I will be a brand new Ex-pat arriving in the UAE in January. As I will be leaving family and friends at home I will need a good means of communication with the folks back home, Skype being the obvious choice. Before I get shot down in flames (I have read through previous threads on this topic) I would really appreciate some direct advice on the subject. Please could someone who is currently successfully using Skype in the UAE, PM me so that I can ask some direct questions? As I am still a newbie on here, I have a few more posts to send before I am permitted to PM myself.

Mogs

Download it to your phone/computer from the UK before you leave. It works fine if already installed.

You just can't download it once you're here.

Meow

What do you need to know apart from that it works, but you need to have downloaded it before you get here?

Jochram

I was under the impression that I needed VPN?

Mogs

not for skype

Jochram

That is good news, but I would need it for Brit tv etc.?

Mogs

yes

Meow

Usually, so you'd be wise to set that up to. Not complicated and can be done from here anyway,

Jochram

Thanks guys, you have been a great help

Welivehere

Jochram,

Were one to consider using Skype for any of the sevices that cost (ie calls to landline or mobiles) ensuring auto payment / auto top up is configured prior to departure would be a wise idea....

Jochram

Good advice Welivehere, thank you!

Irishbeekeeper

all above advice reiterated, just one more addition from me
I have a Du USB dongle for my office use which is pretty fast (8mbps with a 10GB limit) and i can have multiple calls on google talk on it but for some reason skype chat only works on it, skype voice does not. have tried everything down to changing computers as well
same laptop when goes home to Etisalat, works great on skype
so just telling you what I learned in the past few months here

Millhouse

not quite true, well in my experience anyway. On both Du and Etisalat, I have experienced:

Skypeout/ Skypein - you need a VPN
Skype PC-PC - you don't need it.

Personally, I find facetime more effective.

Set up skype and the VPN in the UK first.

Jochram

Hi all, thanks again for your advice, much appreciated. If anyone has a recommended VPN please can you let me know via private message.

bahrain saudi

You cant use skype in Dubai.

Need a VPN / Proxy