You can check on the ATT website how much your per minute fee is going to be in each country for phone calls.

Text messages are always $0.50, which I find the best way to go. Get a text, find a place to use Truphone, of go back to the hotel and use Skype.

Always turn data off. As you found out very expensive. Even just to load VIPS a check in is a lot of coin. Not worth it, wait to get to the hotel.