Has anyone used Skype to communicate with someone in another country?

I’m looking in the App Store at the Skype and Skype WiFi apps for my iPad. Here’s some of the description of the Skype WiFi app:

It says to first connect to any supported public WiFi hotspot, then open the Skype WiFi app (not the Skype app yet) and tap the Connect button. Now you’re free to browse the web and check your email. Pay only for the minutes you use (you have to have “Skype credit” in your account).

But, can’t I browse the web and check my email at any public WiFi hotspot, for free without going through the Skype WiFi and “paying for the minutes I use”? Why would I need Skype for web browsing and email?

Now, if I want to call or message my friends, I understand that I would need the Skype app. And I need to pay for this service by going through Skype WiFi, right?

If you used this to call someone in another country, how did it work out? Was the service satisfactory? Was it very expensive?