[](http://www.flickr.com/photos/streamishmc/244869958/)

From now until the 10th of June (next Monday), you’ll be able to text your friends in these countries for half the [normal price](http://www.skype.com/products/skypesms/rates/index.html?currency=GBP):

* Australia **now 2.8p**
* Austria **now 4.7p**
* Belgium **now 3.8p**
* Czech Republic **now 3.6p**
* Estonia **now 3.1p**
* Ireland **now 3.6p**
* Korea **now 3.1p**
* Russia **now 2.2p**
* South Africa **now 3.8p**
* Spain **now 4.7p**
* Sweden **now 3.1p**
* Taiwan **now 2p**
* Thailand **now 2p**
* United Kingdom **now 3.2p**
* USA **now 3.6p**

**Hint:** In most countries, you can set up Skype so that replies go straight back to your mobile, so that you can hear from your friends wherever you are.

To do this, you will need to validate your mobile number by going to Skype and clicking on Tools > Options > SMS Messages and following the steps described. When you complete these steps, you will receive a text with a verification code. Enter this code in Skype to validate your mobile.

*Photo by [JasonJT](http://www.flickr.com/photos/streamishmc/)*