Cheap long distance calling from Europe

Want to stay in touch with the friends and family back home for free or just a few pennies a minute?  Here's how. SKYPE.   http://www.skype.com.  Skype was actually founded in Tallinn in 2003, snatched up by Ebay and last year sold to Microsoft Corp.  Skype allows you to use your laptop, cell or smart phone to call over the internet free from PC to PC or for just under 3 cents to call from cell phone to land lines or other cell phones.  You can even do video chats on a laptop or smart phone.
Don't even think of trying to use your ATT, Virizon, T-Moile or other service providers to call (or answer calls) in Europe. If you do, be prepared for at lest $1.99 per minute + roaming charges.  With a wi-fi signal you can use Skype from anywhere.  In Tallinn, wi-fi is everywhere and free even in the streets of the old town.  The convention hotels both have free wi-fi throughout.  There are just a few things to do to get you started.  Once you've downloaded Skype you need to set up an account and use a credit card or Pay Pal and deposit some money in it which gets drawn down as it gets used. You start with $10 and either automatically have it replenished when it gets low or get an email request alert for a new deposit.  I have been using Skype regularily for over two years and am working on my second $10 reserve. If you have a smart phone (I-Phone, Android, etc) I recommend TURNING OFF your network data roaming (in the settings) while in Europe or you might get billed for roaming charges.  You can still leave your cell phone powered on and that way you can see who is calling.  Just dont answer and then return calls later via Skype.  If you want to use your cell phone at will like you do at home,  look into buying a local sim card or minutes from a European provider.  I've never done that so you'll have to do your own research.  I'll cover adapters for charging electronics, voltage concerns and texting in Europe in upcoming blogs.