Mihai Moscovici

While in the US, I had a problem finding the best way to call home (Moldova) and talk to parents and friends.
Let me tell you how I found the best way till now.
Of course, if your parents or friends use a computer the best way to talk is Skype-to-Skype or any other chat program. My parents don’t use a computer and just few friends use this kind of programs. So I had to find another way
First of all I used different international calling cards. The ones you can find in any store. Cards are ok but all the time you get fewer and fewer minutes than you actually used. If I talk 30 minutes they would say I spent 60 minutes. This way is not good for me.
Second I used Skype. The connection is perfect. When using Skype I had the impression I’m next door to my parents and friends. But there are two problems with Skype: 1. Charging is made in Euro and I use USD for payment. This way I loose $2.5 at every 10 Euro purchase. 2. It is expensive to call to Moldova – for home phones $0.150 ($0.173 incl. VAT) and for mobile even more. I give up on Skype.
Third Jose told me about pincity.com It is still expensive for Moldova - $0.156 for home phones and $0.2 more for mobile.
Fourth (the last for now) I received a message on Muskie MD e-mail group from Daniela and she wrote she found pingo.com  It is really attractive. It is the cheapest service I even find for Moldova $0.11 for home phones and more expensive then ever for mobiles $0.19. I’m calling only to home phones so this is the best for me. Plus, pingo.com have a special promotion now. If you purchase minutes for $20, they give you $5 bonus. Then when you invite a friend and he/she refers to your account while registering you get another $5 bonus. When you sign up 3 friends pingo.com gives you $20.
I’m satisfied now, but never give up on looking for something better.
Keep the track for another good and cheap ways to call home.