Does anyone know if AIM (Instant Messaging) will work in Germany? Has anyone used it while over there? We leave on Friday for Germany and are taking both laptops. I told my son he would need to use email or instant messaging cause our cell phones are .99 to 1.29 a minute if we use them over there. Will probably rent a phone from Eckhard if he still has one available. But I know if my son can IM on the computer to keep in contact with his friends, he will be perfectly happy. lol

Only 5 days till we leave and still have a lot of things to do. The main, most important things are all wrapped up. Would be easier if my nerves weren't totaled.

if one has a internet connection aim should work i don't see y it wouldn't.
chuck
ps keep in mind if you are using wireless there is a roam charge involved.

Hi Susan, Yes, I agree, I would think it would work. Didn't try it ourselves but likely it would. Where we stayed in Straubing for my recovery after discharge the hotel charged $25.00 a day for internet connection, but it was well worth every penny of it. It was a lifeline for us, also brought us the news, which were not available at the hospital tv's. Will be thinking of you. Best of luck. Before you know it, you will be in recovery. What day is surgery again? Keep us posted as best as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Surgery is May 22nd. I will be admitted the day before. They are planning on 6 days in the hospital. We fly over on the May 18th, arrive on the 19th. Will keep you posted once we get over there.

AIM should work fine. Eckhard doesn't charge for internet use and he and Gaby must be the most accomodating, helpful people on the planet. There is a quirky, very nice, black-haired waitress in the dinner restaurant, too. A lot of nice people at the Roemhofer. Hope your surgery and stay in Germany go really well. I was overwhelmed with how lovely the people were. You can use your laptop in the hospital too, no charge.

Another good thing to do is purchase phone cards that can be used internationally. We purchased one for each child and it worked great. My husband also purchased one when we got to Austria. When we checked into the hospital he called them to tell them the number in the room and set up a time for them to call since there was 6 hour time difference.
We found this worked out real well and it really did not cost much at all versus the cell phones.
Judy

There is a internet cafe in Bogen for those there. It is a smoking cafe and stinks of it even when no one is smoking in it but we were able to survive exposure for 10 minutes a time to check email.

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful ideas. Well, we leave tonight for Germany. I should be sleeping but I am just way too anxious. We have an overnight flight, so I figure I can catch up on my sleep then. Will keep you posted when I can. A big thanks to all.
Susan