I live in the UAE where the local carriers block Skype to an extent. Here, you can run Skype, do Skype-to-Skype calls, but if you try to use Skypeout you get cut off as soon as the other end picks up. Hence, you'll see users in places like UAE, Oman and other East and Middle East countries using Nimbuzz. Somehow, Nimbuzz makes it possible for Skypeout calls to connect successfully.


The alternative is to run a VPN and then use the integrated IM which I agree is very good. I am just starting to look at the best way of running a VPN so if anybody has any tips or can point me at relevant material I would appreciate it.