I used to Skype a friend who was living in Australia and I loved it! She lives back in the states now, and now we just talk on phone. It would be fun to Skype with her, though, I never see her b/c she lives over 7 hrs. away. My sis just moved to Belgium so I am sure once she settles, we will Skype. Not sure I will remember how to log on! :P.
For me it just helps you stay in touch so when you do see each other, you have that continued connection. I don’t know why, but I typically only Skype people who live in a different country and I can’t call them easily.