Korean Job Discussion Forums

Cherbear · Joined: 17 Mar 2008

I'm a bit of a technological idiot so you'll have to forgive my ignorance, but...what is the best, cheapest way to call home. I've been here for two months and so far have only communicated via e-mail, but would like to be able to actually talk to them. I heard of the site Skype, but I don't really get it. How exactly do you talk to them using your computer? Do you need to buy a headset or a microphone? Or does it just use your computer speakers? Is there any cheap way to call home using your actual phone? Any help here would be appreciated.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

If you're from the US or Canada you can use earthcaller.com. It's free. Just type in the number and talk.

Atavistic · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject:

I'm guessing to use earthcaller you still need some headset?

OP, I use Skype. Download and install Skype. Buy a headset with a microphone, plug it in, talk.

hanguker · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Location: Korea

For the non tech-savvy, I'd recommend a long-distance calling card. I buy mine from a foreigner-friendly travel agent in Busan (Kangsantravel.com). It only costs about $0.05/minute and there is none of the "CB talk" you get with IP phones. You just use a code on your regular or cell phone. Note: cell phone calls are more expensive.

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject:

I just use the Ocean calling card-they are all over the place but I get it from the Foreign Store in itaewon across the street from the Nyph brothel place with the disgusting hags-they should wear brown paper bags over their sick disgusting faces; they might get more customers to walk in-but I digress.

Use a landline or a payphone, as it does make a difference for the people you are talking to back home.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

I used Skype all through last year and am continuing to use it since I have come back a month ago ...

I have just used headphones with mike built in and have honestly not noticed any real difference between using Skpe and using a normal phone ... Using Skype is free if you are calling computer to computer and 2.7cents a minute computer to landline (anywhere) ...

bourquetheman · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: Suwon

I've also been using Skype but now I just tried earthcaller and since it's completely free (for now) I'm switching to that. I've tried a few calls and all have been fine. Thanks for the link..........

hanguker · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Location: Korea

The only thing with these "free calls" is that the number of the person you are calling gets recorded by the website. Then the numbers are likely sold to a million telemarketers. That's how these guys make money. Nothing for free.

Read teh privacy statement VERY carefully.

bourquetheman · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: Suwon

Nice to point that out but really, all of 10 seconds it will take for my friends and family to hang up on telemarketers is no big deal. Something they can live with.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

If you're in the U.S. you can put your name on the no call list and it's illegal for them to call you. Then if you get called you can report it and they get a big fine or something.

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Can someone give me some info on earthcaller? I gave it a going over and was under the impression that you have to be in North America for it to work. ie: it calls your number in North America you enter, you then pick up your phone, then it calls then number you wish to connect to. I couldnt figure out how to use it using your internet. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

bourquetheman · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: Suwon

First sign up for an account, no vital info to give, just name and address and phone number. After that make sure you use Internet Explorer as that is the ONLY browser (so far) that it works with. Nothing really to download but it does use an Active X control which will prompt you to install the very first time. After that you simply put in the American or Canadian phone number you want, NO 1 is necessary before the number. Example: 555-555-5555

I called a few more people this morning without any problems. Good luck

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

Thanks for the help. I am running a mac and using safari so when I get home ill try and install an internet explorer for my mac and hope that works. Cheers.

camaroclow · Joined: 10 Apr 2008

i downloaded IE for os x and have the site up. I dial the number and nothing seems to happen. i wasnt prompted for active x control... not sure if that is the reason. anyone with a mac using earthcaller? thanks.