when you are both in wifi - you can connect via FaceTime for free.
That is how my husband connects with us when he is working out of the country.

If skype isn't an option, then you could buy a cheap 3 band or 4 band GSM phone and SIM card to go with it.

You can skype from any device to any device... he can go to a coffee shop and use his app while you use your computer, or the app on your phone.

You can also go to 7/11 and get a calling card to call his hotel room. He can do the same. If it's just for a few weeks there's no need to sign up for any plan.

MSN messenger also does free calls from computer to computer.

VIP Communications

OP can't you use Skype on your laptop and he on this iPhone?

Download Skype on your phones now and test it. It's great over the wireless connection at the hotel. It's completely free so there's no risk to try it.

DS is travelling to Europe in the near future with a student group. I have heard that international calling on cell phones is very expensive but that it is possible to purchase some sort of temporary plan. Do I just call my provider (AT&T)? DS has I-phone 4 but I have I-phone 3, so I don't think Skype is an option. I am a real Luddite about electronics -- appreciate any advice.