Minsk Phone Calls

[robobond]

Can I get some first hand references re: calling Minsk using a phone card?

Thx in advance.

Bob

[Sunny]

... in response to Minsk Phone Calls, posted by robobond on Jun 24, 2003

My fiancee lives in Belarus so I have much experience with your question.  Belarus continues to be one of the most expensive European countries to call.  There are few telephone rate bargains to be had.  As far as phone cards, I use cards advertised on www.phonecardonsale.com.  The best ones for Belarus are Himalaya and New Super Dial.  18-19 cents per minute with no connection or maintenance fees.  Making a connection during busy times can be a problem.  Sound quality ranges from fair to excellent.  Whenever I experience problems getting through on phone cards, I use Startec (10-10-719).  Startec charges 22 cents per minute with a 15 cent connection charge.  Easier making a connection with them and very good sound quality.  I hope this helps!

[robobond]

... in response to Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by Sunny on Jun 26, 2003

Thx, Sunny.  I appreciate the help.  Based on what you say plus what I've found on the net, sounds like 18-22 cents is about the going freight, so now I shop for sound quality.  Your input is valuable.

I read your bio & you mentioned a good agency in Belarus -- how about sharing the name...

Bob

[Sunny]

... in response to Re: Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by robobond on Jun 28, 2003

Hello Bob,
         I am pleased that my Belarus telephone information was useful to you.  The agency I am using is A Belarus Bride.  Just delightful people to work with.  The agency is run in the U.S. by an American and his Belarussian wife.  In Belarus (town: Vitebsk), the wife's sister and mother.  Some men might complain about their $950 membership fee. But for me, it was the best money I've ever spent!  This agency has always been very supportive and patient with all my questions.  A great agency for shy men.  I plan on sharing my experiences on the Board soon.   Bill

P.S.  I am making my third trip to Belarus in August.  I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Belarus.

[robobond]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by Sunny on Jun 30, 2003

Bill,

I am familiar with this Agency/Greg & Nina -- fact is, I'll probably be flying out to Ohio about the same time you're flying out to Vitebsk!  Send me your e-mail address & let's correspond a bit...

Bob

cc: ABB

[don1]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by robobond on Jun 30, 2003


I've never had much luck with the phone cards calling Belarus . They've worked OK once or twice for me and then crapped out . Usually end up using 10-10-220 or 10-10-719 most of the time . Call Vitebsk at least once a week .

Will give the phone card Sunny mentioned a try . ( Thanks , Sunny ! )

Can also vouch for ABB/Greg and Nina . Found my fiance with their help . 3 trips to Belarus with no problems , they've been great . Good people .

Good Luck

gotta go

don

[Sunny]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by don1 on Jul 3, 2003

Hello Don,
        Thanks for your input on A Belarus Bride and Greg/Nina.  Yes, they are very nice people to work with. I am very, very pleased with my ABB fiancee.  She is the best!  

The phone cards that I mentioned work well in terms of sound quality.  It can be difficult making a connection during busy times (e.g. Saturday evenings in Belarus) I have found you must be persistent. Sometimes it requires several dialings over a 15-20 minute time period to make your connection.

Are you aware that 10-10-220 recently raised their prices?  At 37 cents per minute, they are no longer a good deal.  I only use 10-10-220 as a last resort whenever I can't make a connection with phone cards or 10-10-719.

Wishing you a great 4th of July weekend!        Bill

[don1]

... in response to Re: Minsk Phone Calls  Hello Don, posted by Sunny on Jul 3, 2003


Thanks for the phone card info . And thanks for the info about 10-10-220 , I didn't know they'd raised their rates .

Greg and Nina have been extremely helpful and accomodating for myself and my fiancee throughout this whole process . Great people , they're the best . Nice to hear from other people with loved ones in Vitebsk .

I'll check out the phone cards and use Startec in the meantime . Thanks again , you saved me a few bucks .

Hope you have a great holiday weekend

Best Wishes ,

Don

[Sunny]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Minsk Phone Calls, posted by robobond on Jun 30, 2003

Hello Bob,
         I have sent you my email address via your robobond aol address.  Hope to hear from you soon!   Bill