[PDLM]

Where are you wishing to call? For calling off-net (skype-out) skype is nothing special in terms of its rates (particularly to non-USD countries given where the exchange rate has gone).

Some companies (including, for example, IDT1529 (click "Sample Rates") have stable rates which are generally at least as good and often better than skype-out, with telco quality rather than internet).

[MovingIn07]

- i just don't know how much it costs! And nobody seems to want to tell me! Really odd.

[PDLM]

IDT1529:
From HK mobile: HK$0.28/min to Aus fixed, HK$1.68/min to Aus mobile
From HK fixed line: HK$0.38/min to Aus fixed, HK$1.68/min to Aus mobile

With per second billing, rounded only to the cent, not to 10 cents or $1 as other operators do.

[MovingIn07]

and looking at the rates I note that the rate from my landline is 0.38/min and from my mobile is 0.28/min ... is that for real? cheaper to dial FROM a mobile phone than a landline? never come across a situation where that was the case before!!!

[PDLM]

Yes it is - in Hong Kong if you call from a landline the IDD operator has to pay a higher origination charge (known as the LAC, Local Access Charge, which is regulated) than if you call from a mobile (which is a freely negotiable amount and normally lower than the LAC).

(And enjoy your $28 sign up bonus - if all you do is call Australia fixed from your mobile then the next 100 minutes are free )

[MovingIn07]

aus and uk where mobile phone use is the quickest way to bankrupcy I shall have to start changing my habits! i usually avoid using the mobile for calling and always try and use a landline..... gets very complicated when you have to remember one rule for one country and another rule somewhere else....

thanks for the advice anyway. i would have put your id in the box for the 28 referral bonus had I known it - but get the impression you might not be a normal customer so it might not have been valid! thanks anway.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by MovingIn07

i would have put your id in the box for the 28 referral bonus had I known it - but get the impression you might not be a normal customer so it might not have been valid!

I wonder what gave you that idea? I think there are actually a few other happy 1529 users here as well.

Remember that although the IDD charge is less from your mobile you will be using some of your mobile airtime. If you have a package where you have more than you will ever use then no problem, but if it takes you over the limit then incremental airtime can be VERY expensive - much better in that case to get a bigger bundle.

[MovingIn07]

but since I have a business plan and I use about 10 minutes a month on the phone I expect i will be ok. Although, that was based on the theory that mobile phones were expensive so it could jump rapidly!

[emmie]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Yes it is - in Hong Kong if you call from a landline the IDD operator has to pay a higher origination charge (known as the LAC, Local Access Charge, which is regulated) than if you call from a mobile (which is a freely negotiable amount and normally lower than the LAC).

(And enjoy your $28 sign up bonus - if all you do is call Australia fixed from your mobile then the next 100 minutes are free )

Hm, thought I might learn something "new" today skimming Geo... So, IDT1529 offers cheap calls from HK mobile to US fixed AND mobile lines for HK$0.18 per second!

Pity zee bucks I've been missing all this time using PCCW 0060... And putting up with the uneven reception quality using Skype to UK. How long has this 24-hr flat-rate promo been running?

Will sign up; especially as calling from HK mobile to UK landline's also a bargain My phone bills are credit card auto-paid, so easy to neglect checking the fine print for current rates, so your info's real handy.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by emmie

How long has this 24-hr flat-rate promo been running?

HK$0.18 (per minute, not per second!) from HK mobile to USA (fixed or mobile) and UK fixed isn't a promo. IDT1529 doesn't do promo rates - it's been like that since it was launched in late 2006. And it's per second rounded to the cent, not per minute rounded to the 10 cents or dollar.

The HK$28 sign up bonus gets you the first 155 minutes free if those are the only places you call.