Keeping in touch while living in the USA

There are many ways WhatsApp Viber are the most common and cheaper mode of communication with relatives who live overseas calling form the US can be challenging because of the time difference the best time to call is on the weekends

For me, I use Skype a lot, and also Google Hangouts, and email.

I keep in touch a few times a week.

For making calls, I don't use a landline or mobile phone.  I use Skype for that.

And then regarding time difference, that is harder, since I am 5 or 7 hours difference in time.  So mostly Weekends, if I call via Skype.

Best way for all iPhone users are iMessages and FaceTime. Easy and free. Besides I use Skype to go. With a Skype account you can set up nine short dial numbers and calling them you only use up your American cell phone minutes. For a few years we had a Skype phone as well and a flat rate to Germany. I think we only paid $ 4.95 for unlimited calls to Germany. You can get flat rates for most countries. And we use WhatsApp to text with family and friends in Germany. You can also make calls with WhatsApp, but the quality isn't always great. But it's great for sharing photos and short videos of what's happening in your life. Due to the time change it's not always easy to talk to friends & family, but I know some people who use voice memos to keep in touch. You record a message it, send it  and the recipient can listen to it whenever.