Skype

Skype works very well here, I use it every day.

As far as Broadband, yes it is expensive. I pay 40 euros a month for 2mbs. Although there is a limit on downloads, I've never gone over the limit, and we have 3 computers hooked up to wi-fi, including a teenage boy who loves his MP3's (say no more )

Thanks for the info, Sarah.

Skype works very well here, I use it every day.

As far as Broadband, yes it is expensive. I pay 40 euros a month for 2mbs. Although there is a limit on downloads, I've never gone over the limit, and we have 3 computers hooked up to wi-fi, including a teenage boy who loves his MP3's (say no more )

Well 40 euros per month is expensive, but not as bad as I had feared.

I'm trying to see whether I could use an internet connection in Portugal for work purposes - basically running a fat email client (like Outlook instead of using webmail), and relying on Skype as my primary voice communications.

With an unlimited broadband connection here since ... oh, 1999 or so, I hadn't considered the bandwidth usage aspect of this plan.

Simon - what about the "international" internet charges - do you get them for using Skype? Or do you use a provider that doesn't discriminate, or do you have a separate limit for international that you still haven't gone over even using Skype?

Matthew - did you see my post on "the other" internet thread http://www.expatsportugal.com/phpBB2/vi ... .php?t=712 which included prices? There are three links which give specific details of limits, cost, etc. in Portuguese but that shouldn't be a problem for you, your wife could help out with the translation. I don't think the deals they offer here are too bad, definitely not Dark Ages, maybe check out the links.

There's also something on Yahoo about free phone calls which might be worth checking out.

Edited for typo.

Matthew

Not sure about the quality in Portugal but over here I have tried SkypeOut and the quality varies. We use it internally for work but would only use it in an emergency for clients as it can be poor.

When we come over we will be using the internet extensively as this is our area of business. The no-unlimited downloads is an issue for us and something we are going to have to look into in great detail.

My sister uses World but it doesn't appear to be unlimited - about 12gb.

If someone knows of any good ISPs which don't please let me know!

Thanks
Sarah

PS That Vodafone card mentioned sounds great - think I'll go and look at that.