tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post2951468736465003361..comments2023-12-24T08:02:36.605-05:00Comments on Betsy Transatlantically: The Cost of Living in London / Financial Diary (II)Betsy Transatlanticallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04953626122327472245noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-34365078247604957152012-02-13T11:36:20.170-05:002012-02-13T11:36:20.170-05:00A couple of things on the phone situation:
1) We ...A couple of things on the phone situation:<br /><br />1) We happen to have a landline and pay 10 quid a month for unlimited calling to the US and Canada. <br /><br />2) Viber, as long as both parties have the app, is free<br /><br />3) Google voice allows you to have a free US phone number. I can text via Google voice for free anywhere in the US and people can text me for free b/c it is a US number.<br /><br />Also, when I'm in massive moneysaving mode, I schedule walks in the park with friends instead of drinks or coffees (this is better during the summer obviously) but it gets me outside AND I get exercise and a visit.Sarah Bhttp://www.texpatsabroad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-39499667094021529722012-02-05T12:50:33.748-05:002012-02-05T12:50:33.748-05:00I've really got to start bringing lunch to wor...I've really got to start bringing lunch to work rather than buying at Eat or Pret every day. Probably makes quite a big difference in the long run...I'd say your spend is pretty average, though I've never taken the time to actually write mine out! Maybe I should this week for kicks. I'd probably scare myself. Haha...Stephhttp://littlelondonobservationist.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-86132274373585301222012-02-05T07:20:45.995-05:002012-02-05T07:20:45.995-05:00It doesn't mater what phone you use. It could ...It doesn't mater what phone you use. It could be iPhone, blackberry from any country or not a smartphone. It through skype not your phone or providerAshleyhttp://www.hopskipjumpashley.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-10512911812114717582012-02-05T06:55:34.203-05:002012-02-05T06:55:34.203-05:00I use rebtel for free calls to the US. It allows y...I use rebtel for free calls to the US. It allows you to register your uk phone number, and then gives you local phone numbers to contact your international friends and family using VOIP technology. check it out at rebtel.com, or by using their iphone app. I highly recommend it!Katihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00768093749044999529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-12887477988305509552012-02-05T06:42:25.014-05:002012-02-05T06:42:25.014-05:00Another option is something I've used ever sin...Another option is something I've used ever since I got here called Top Up Discount. It's basically a text service that you register with and you pay £5 (top up) and get £5 credit with them to call the US (and other countries) for 1p per minute. It's annoying because you call an access number then have to dial whoever you're calling, but it's great for the long family chats. The Irishman uses Skype as well but I find Skype unreliable. Also, overall mobile - most companies give employees discount offers - I've never paid full price for mobile service, I get 30% off with O2 through my Friends & Family discount. Talk to your HR people - you can use Jon's too if he gets it. There are deals to be had - you just have to find them :) good luck!Daniellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11156583827571013584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-7980784413638756212012-02-05T06:22:00.823-05:002012-02-05T06:22:00.823-05:00Ashley, isn't that only for iPhones over here?...Ashley, isn't that only for iPhones over here? I looked for it on my English Blackberry and couldn't find it, though it was on my American Blackberry. (Another reason to switch to an iPhone!)Betsy Transatlanticallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04953626122327472245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-2049716597165746622012-02-05T05:55:00.189-05:002012-02-05T05:55:00.189-05:00Look into Skype-To-Go on your mobile. I pay $5 a ...Look into Skype-To-Go on your mobile. I pay $5 a month and can call any US number just using my UK mobile minutes from my plan. I'm sure there is a plan you can pay in GBP if that is necessary. The only annoying this is no one can call you on this plan but as long as I can call them I'm happy.Ashley @ Hop Skip Jumphttp://www.hopskipjumpashley.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442709270787168376.post-39028692460067556232012-02-05T05:50:48.461-05:002012-02-05T05:50:48.461-05:00Ahh, I want your rent/utilities bill! :)
I know ...Ahh, I want your rent/utilities bill! :)<br /><br />I know you said you were in save mode this week, but your personal spend seems really reasonable to me. I am going to have to start minding my expenses, because at the moment I spend indiscriminately, which often means £8 lunches and £25 dinners out or ordered in. Not good.<br /><br />Thank God for cheap, healthy (if you want), delicious Subway. :)Karen {Overpaid, Oversexed, and Over Here}http://www.andoverhere.comnoreply@blogger.com