i am just back from hong kong and bangkok and had to deal with this. if you dial the att access number in the country you are in and then the exp number using the 1-800 prefix you will be automatically connected to the exp desk for free. this needs to be from a local phone because if you use a us cell you will be charged roaming rates for airtime. i have now added the att access numbers to my travelling package.

in addition, if you have skype, just dial the 800 number and it is 2 cents a minute.