What's the cheapest way to call home from Florida? In the past I have made short calls from my cell, but it's expensive and this year I have a brand new granddaughter, so I shall be calling much more frequently to check on her progress.

If you don't have a land-line in Florida, but do have a broadband internet connection, Skype may be an option for you. If the person you wish to speak to also has broadband (and Skype installed), Skyping is free. If not, Skype also lets you call landline phones for very reasonable rates.

www.skype.com

A prepaid phone card with an international option may be your best choice if you must use the telephone... there are hundreds of choices... just read the fine print....

Check with your cell phone provider as you may be able to temporarily switch your plan to one that includes free roaming and long distance in the US.

If you have a landline, look into AT&T's deals for international long distance. If you use them for your main carrier, you can get good rates to Canada for a small monthly charge. I'd guess the other landline carriers offer similar deals. AT&T's website has all the info on this option.

SO, your Daughter or son live here in Canada?
Ask them to get a 'call me' card.
I'm not sure if Bell still has them, but I got mine a couple of years ago. It's meant for family members away from home.
The only catch is the call must be made TO the same number.. the one that orders the 'call me card'.

I've given out the pin number to a couple of friends so they can call me from the USA. ( IT's not the same pin as you calling card.

Also meant to say, congratulations on becoming a grandmother! I don't blame you for wanting to stay in touch.

Also, I'm still using my 'call me' card, so hopefully Ma Bell is still providing them.

Me again!!
I just looked at Bell's sight and it refreshed my memory.
It's called the Family Contact card, and the charges go back to the home number, charged at whatever your long distance plan is.
FOr instance, I have the $5 a month for a 1000 minutes, bundle long distance plan... so any long distance calls I make or any I receive with the card are 'free' up to the 1000 minutes.