Calling cards can be an invaluable tool when traveling, especially in remote
areas that do not have access to the Internet or a wi-fi
station to make Internet phone calls. Aside from being
able to use them wherever you are, the advantages of having
a prepaid calling card are numerous.
Most metropolitan centers have groceries, tourist shops,
and convenience stores, all of which are places that you
can buy a calling card at. These rates vary widely from
country to country, so it is important before traveling
to become familiar with various types of calling cards,
so that you know the best rate to look for on long distance
cards.
How do I use international calling cards?
While most calling cards are similar, some are slightly
different depending on the one you buy, but you generally
follow the same steps:
1.) Purchase your prepaid calling cards, online or in
person. On this card will be a certain amount of minutes
based on the per-minutes rate that you paid when you purchased
it.
2.) The access number will usually be printed on the
calling cards. It is usually a toll-free number but there
may be local access numbers as well.
3.) Your PIN number gives you access to begin using the
minutes on the calling cards.
4.) The last step is to dial the number you are trying
to reach as if you were on a regular phone
Once your call is connected, the credit, or number of
minutes that you have will begin to decline. Since you
are don't have to pay for the international connection,
all you have to pay for is the local connection. If you
have called a local access number, then you pay nothing.
You are saving between 70 and 90% compared to what you
would be charged if you weren't using calling cards. You
can do this research online before your trip, as well
as purchase prepaid calling cards online if you have enough
time before your trip. Cheap calling cards are another
great way to save even more on your phone calls.
Some of the biggest companies that have international
calling cards are:
Cellular International
This service never expires and there is no hidden fees.
Just pay the rate and that is it.
International
Calling Cards
PinPort
You can buy prepaid calling cards online based on the
country you want to call. The rates are very good and
can be purchased in 10, 25, 50 and $100 increments.
Cent Calls
This company has really low rates, like the 1-cent per
minute domestic calling card. The rates on their international
calling cards are excellent as well.
If you are going to a remote area you might find that
having one at all, especially if you buy it beforehand
so that it is there when you need it, to be an invaluable
resource. While some parts of the world may not sell international
calling cards, most destinations are within reach of a
phone, so you can connect as long as you have your long
distance card with you.
One way to avoid loss of your phone card as well as fraudulent
activity is to purchase the prepaid calling cards online.
You purchase these over the Internet and don't need to
have the actual card. Up on receipt of payment, you are
given your pin # and a calling card number with a set
number of minutes based upon your payment.
Travelers and visitors to other countries need to stay
in touch, for their own personal reasons and sometimes
for safety or emergency situations. Lonely and lost, a
tourist in a new place has only to reach for their international
calling card to instantly be connected to the person of
their choice. Using prepaid calling cards is a sensible
decision to make, and should be an accessory that every
traveler has.
