Elaine

My daughter is currently back-packing round some pretty remote parts of South America. We had originally hoped to keep in touch with her via mobile phone using Maxsim (http://www.maxsim.co.uk/) for much cheaper calls. However she and boyfriend were mugged after about a month and her phone was stolen. We have kept in touch instead by e-mail - I have been surprised how readily she has managed to find internet cafés, even in the most remote areas (e.g. the Atacama Desert).

Carrying a laptop may make your daughter a more attractive target for muggers (even in a country like Oz) and will certainly be an additional encumbrance when she will probably be wanting to travel light. I know it's good to talk and hear their voice, but it's also a pleasure to receive an e-mail, sometimes with photos attached.

I know this doesn't address your original point, but I thought you might find the personal experience (from a fellow Scot) helpful.