i am sure others people have different experiences but we went right to a mini mart or gas station and bought a "planet" international calling card for 10 or 20 euro. it works out to 10 cents a minute but there is a catch - you MUST call landline to landline. (payphone are fine for that too, but don't call his cellphone if you can avoid it).

with the time difference, it should be easy to call from your lodgings every evening or early in the morning (if calling the west coast of the US).

Enjoy the trip!