General
Travel Tips
Long Distance Phone Calls
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The
easiest way to make calls overseas is to simply pick up
the phone in your hotel room and give the operator the number
you want to reach (assuming the operator speaks your language.)
But that route is usually the most expensive because of
surcharges. There are several other alternatives.
Direct Access Numbers
You can access the big phone companies (ATT, MCI and Sprint)
directly from most countries. To place a call, just dial
the designated number for the country you're in, enter the
number you wish to reach, and dial your calling-card numbers.
A typical rate in Europe is about $3 for the first minute
and then $1.75-$2 for each additional minute.
You can save even more by signing up for a special international
calling program with your regular long distance company.
By making a monthly commitment to one carrier, you can often
get a fixed low rate whether you are calling to or from
a foreign country.
Callback Companies
These services provide U.S. international long distance
rates in countries outside the United States. The process
may sound a little bit confusing, but it's relatively simple.
When you call a callback company, you are assigned your
own phone number in the United States. You then tell the
service your number overseas. When you move, you call in
your new foreign number (your hotel, business contact or
wherever). You then tell the service your number overseas.
When you move, you call in your new foreign number (your
hotel, business contact or wherever). To place a call from
abroad, either to the United States or to another foreign
country, you call your assigned number. After the first
ring, you hang up. The computer at that number calls you
back with a dial tone so that you can make further calls
at American rates. (This section needs to be rewritten.)
Some callback companies:
Telegroup -- 800-338-0225
GlobalTel -- 888-595-5666
ITL Kallback --800.516.9992
Americom -- 800 820-6296
Calling Cards
Both local and long-distance carriers issue cards that can
be used from any phone. In the United States, you dial a
local access number or a toll-free 800-number, then punch
in your card number and the phone number you're calling.
Abroad, you call a local access number (the company gives
you a directory), which connects you with an English-speaking
operator who will connect the call.
Rates tend to be substantially higher than from your home
phone. Rates for calls into the United States from abroad
vary by country, and often have surcharges. Some foreign
hotels, notably in Asia, block access to calling card numbers
or charge several dollars simply to reach them. While blocking
is prohibited in the United States, but you may find some
hotels charge a fee to connect, even if the number is toll-free.
ATN (who is ATN?) offers its callers a list of access numbers
in the originating country that are never blocked.
Some companies offering a stand-alone calling cards:
AT&T -- 800-451-4341
MCI -- 800-444-1616
Sprint -- 800-877-4000
ATN -- 888-487-4732
ILD -- 800-888-8355
Premier Worldlink -- 800-609-2030
VoiceNet -- 800-274-0962 (no calls from abroad to U.S.)
Prepaid Phone Cards
These cards are bought for face value and inserted directly
into a pay phone with each use. They may be convenient,
but they can carry excessive per-minute charges. However,
prepaid cards can provide bargain rates internationally.
They're also convenient at pay phones and relieve foreigners
of the need to fiddle with unfamiliar coins. They're easy
to purchase in most countries where they'll make sense to
use.
Some American vendors of prepaid cards:
AT&T Prepaid Card -- 800-225-5288
Global Telecommunications Solutions World Card -- 800-995-9667
Sprint's Spree Card -- 800-366-0707
Western Union Cards -- 800-325-6000
Cellular Phones
There are cell phone plans that give you the ability to
make calls from countries all over the world. If you are
in the market for a cell phone, there is a site called Point.com
that allows you to compare rates in your area and find out
about other charges, such as activation fees and the cost
of the phone.
If you are looking for an overseas rental, we would suggest
that you try International Mobile Communications. This is
a reputable company and you can rental info and country
rates on their Web site. |
**Companies
or websites listed above are for reference only.
We do not endorse them or make any promises about their services.**
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