Hair Hunter
Which Long Distance Phone Card Should I Use?
What are long distance calling cards?
Prepaid international calling card plans are a low-cost alternative to your regular cell phone. It is a great way to connect with your family and friends, inside and outside the US. Prepaid international calling card plans offer from lowest cost international calls to not so low rates, so you should take a good look before you pay. Prices are different per country, too. With a well selected plan you can start saving a lot of money on your long distance or international phone calls.
Why should You use a prepaid calling card plan?
Tired of overpaying for long distance calls? Having to re-purchase phone cards time and time again? Frustrated with getting cut off mid-conversation because your phone card ran out of money? If you make long distance phone calls, either domestic or international, a prepaid calling card is the inexpensive solution for your calling needs.
You do not need to cancel your current long distance carrier. It is a different service than your current phone plan. By prepaying you know exactly how much money you are spending at any time. There are no surprise charges or excessive phone bills come month-end. Most significantly, however, regular long distance providers spend up to 1/3 of your phone bill for collections. With a prepaid calling card plan, these funds go for the purpose of lowering rates.
What is a "Monthly Fee"?
Most long distance phone companies charge a monthly fee for giving you with the services that they offer. This is typically a $4.00 - $10.00 sum per month. Also, other long distance providers charge an additional fee for calling to international locations. Prepaid cards offer you the services of other long distance companies, with fees ranging from zero to a dollar per week.
What does "No Connection Fee" mean?
If you frequently make international phone calls you have most probably paid a connection fee. Long distance providers, as well as some phone cards, will charge a connection charge that ranges from $0.50 - $3.00. With connection fees, every international call costs you an initial fee to connect to a foreign destination. Many prepaid cards do NOT charge any connection fees, some do.
What does "Minute Rounding" mean?
This is the span of time your call length will be rounded to. If a calling card plan has 2-minute rounding and you talk on the phone for 1 minute, you will be charged for 2 minutes. Prepaid phone cards offer diverse rounding options, usually 1-3 minutes.
Check out the best calling card rates for calling from your desired country to the United States and select other countries by using the Search Box located on the website.
Can another person outside the U.S. give me a call using my card?
There are companies that provide this service. In order for a friend or family member to contact you using your phone card you must give them your PIN. The person calling from another country then dials the global access number of the country they are calling from, enters your PIN, and then dials your phone number.
The Automatic Refill option allows YOU to define the amount that your card is refilled when your balance drops below your refill level. You no longer have to aggravate about getting cut off mid-conversation with your loved ones.
Using your calling card from a payphone has a 99¢ charge.
Some calling cards let you use the service from other countries. These countries would have a toll free number that you would call to access the service. Most of the phone cards expire between 30 days and 2 years from the last time you used it. Most companies have 24/7 phone customer service.
