Miscellaneous Calling Card Tips (Cont.)

Let's review the basics you should look for and be aware of when selecting and using your card:

• Look for a card that offers the most international options you need. If you will be traveling outside the US, do your research. Make sure you know whether your card will work in each country you visit.

• Some USA Phone Cards do not allow you to call back into the US when you are in countries outside of North America. Be sure you are aware of your ability to call back to the USA from the countries you will be visiting.

• Know the cost to call FROM each country and TO each country. By researching the rates ahead of time, you can find the best deals. Also don't forget to Ask about expiration dates to avoid losing unused/prepaid minutes.

• Find out whether you can add minutes to a rechargeable card when you are outside the US. Our AT&T phone card has this abillity. So you can add time when you are otuside the US and not have to worry about remembering multiple pins.

• Ask how long it will take for added minutes to be available whether you are in the US or abroad, and make sure you know what methods are available to add minutes wherever you will be.

• Find out if there are monthly fees.

• Know the increments for which you will be charged. These can go from real time to a minute minimum (even if you go one second over).

• Find out what the additional charges will be if you make a call from a pay phone in the US or abroad. In the US, payphones will all charge a payphone fee of about fifty cents so if you can, avoid using the card from a payphone.

• Know the cost per minute you are prepaying when calling from the US. For example, some cards offer one rate to most countries in Europe, but charge higher rates to the Far East.

• Know whether there is a per-call surcharge.

• Know about reciprocal agreements between international carriers.

Back to the first page of Phone Card Tips

View our Rates and Find the best Phone Card for Your Needs