First I would like to disclose I am not tech savvy. So if there is something out there better don't torch me too much

(This is only useful if you make phone calls to the US perhaps.)
I have gone without a phone for about a year. I just don't like them. Two minutes into a conversation and I am trying to think of an excuse to hang up. I prefer to communicate by text message, video chat or email. Alas, I had to get one last month for work purposes. I bought a Magic Jack at Radio Shack for $45 that advertised free local/long distance/international calling with voice mail. $20/year after that. It hooks up to your computer/laptop that hooks up to a land line phone ($7 at Wal Mart). You choose what ever US area code you want so it would be a local call from anyone who wishes to call you in that area. If you are living in Japan and your mother, who refuses to buy a computer and use Skype, wants to call you on her cell phone or land line, it is a free call. What ever country you travel to, if you can get an Internet connection, it can be used to make free phone calls.
I hate to sound line an info-mercial but it was something I desperately needed when I lived in Japan before. So if it is of use to anyone else...
http://www.magicjack.com

I would also like to put my stamp of approval on the Magic Jack. ^_^

I just got back from 5 months in Japan and before I left my mom's main concern (besides me arriving safely) was being able to contact me. She didn't have a web cam for her desk top and isn't really all that computer savvy ^^; She did some calling around to the different cell phone companies and actually, while on the phone with Sprint, had the guy that she was talking to recommend Magic Jack to her (he apparently used it for his home business) So she got it to check it out and we tested it while I was away at college. It worked well enough, but how well would it sound over seas.

The answer is that it was crystal clear. Both my parents and even my friends when I got a chance to call them couldn't believe how clear it was. We rarely had any problems with it but when we did it was only things like I could hear them but they couldn't hear me... and once or twice it did cut out.... but I think for the price and quality of the calls... it is totally worth it. The Magic Jack is a life saver when it comes to keeping in contact with home ^_^

That sounds pretty good. I usually use Skype; I have a Skype phone that I can make & receive calls on without having my PC on (it's just plugged in my router).

I haven't tried it but they have this SkypeIn feature where you can buy phone numbers that will map to your Skype account - and same story, you can buy a local number that your family can call you on for free. The price of the numbers is $18 for 3 months, or $60 for a year.