Never be surprised at ANYTHING that occurs when talking to your FSU lady. I met my two Moldovans at the end of October, at which time they gave me their telephone numbers. While back in the States I called each quite a few times, having few problems. But after about January 15th, I kept getting "Wrong Dialed Number" in English, Moldovan and Russia or "The number you have reached is not in service." in English. I tried everything from cheap phone cards to expensive services but could never get through. Only today I discovered, while searching the web that an EXTRA "2" was added to each phone number as part of expansion by the Moldovan phone service. This change actually occurred on November 1, 2003 but calls to the old number were accepted until mid January. I immediately called both and they were as happy to hear from me as I was to finally get through to them. When calling a FSU country expect ANYTHING.
I bet I called the old numbers 500 times (speed-dial on my phone) at various times of the day and night (becasue it does make a difference)and except by sheer luck that I found a Moldovan webpage (.md) in English explaining the change - I would still be trying without success.