Freeserve in UK has guaranteed local call rate, FreeI in US seem to have nearby connections most over the US. Trouble is my "DialupNetworking" window has so many icons in it now!
Saudi doesn't seem too bad nowadays. Never had a lap-top checked in the couple of years I have travelled with one (but to be sure, make sure there's not a directory in C:root called "PornStuff" full of JPEGs and MPEGs !)
A laptop with an I/R port and matching mobile phone helps avoid hotel charges.
I just wish somebody could get a truly international system - with local or cheap calls in ANY country! (would get rid of all those different icons and POP3 settings to work around!!)
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Flight Sims, very expensive toys - but real fun to play with!