Skype is a great way to communicate.. I prefer it over other programs as it better suits a travelling person.
(Phone->Computer). This is called SKYPE IN. This is a VERY convenient service. SKYPE IN (www.skypein.com)allows you to reserve a phone number in a country of choice. The cost is 30 EURO a year, or 10 EURO for 3 months. This allows you to hand out a local number to friends / work collegues in a different country (so they are charged only a local call), and when they call you, your SKYPE on your computer will ring (no matter where you are in the world!). This is handy if you want to have a number on your business card for a country that you do not reside. The only cost to you is the yearly rental of the number, and the caller is charged a normal phone call charge.