Even if I was in the same city as the other developer I would just talk to them on the phone. I think the 'in person' meeting would usually involve enough time

Even if I was in the same city as the other developer I would just talk to them on the phone. I think the 'in person' meeting would usually involve enough time wasting to defray the benefits of the small increase in direct communication. If you are going to be doing a lot of work together it can be nice to meet the person but it isn't necessary just to clarify something.