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International Phone Cards
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Information about International Phone Cards
Staying in touch with family and friends is important to international students who may be away from home for the first time. This can be quite expensive if a regular phone system is used. International phone cards are a cheaper alternative to staying in touch.
Benefits of Using the Phone Card
International phone cards save money. The popularity of these cards has grown considerably since they first became available. These phone cards have lower rates available for that international call, as well as any domestic calls made. The service and the connection quality is the same as or even better than any regular phone service. There is no long term contract to sign, and no monthly bill or fee. This allows the user to be in total control over how much is spent.
Getting Started and Using the Phone Card
The international phone card is ‘loaded” with the minute amount chosen at the time of purchase. A PIN, or personal identification number, is assigned to the card, along with access codes needed to complete a call. There will be an 800 number on the back of the card, and voice instruction after this is dialed. The pin number can be entered at this time. The prompt will inform the user as to how many minutes are left on the card. Listen carefully to this part so that the call won’t be disconnected if the minutes run out. Now, dial the number of the person at the other end, wait for the all to be answered, and stay connected.
Shop Around
It is highly recommended to comparison shop when buying an international phone card. Although these cards can be purchased in retail stores, drug stores, and supermarkets, often the best price can be found online. There are even promotional deals attached to some cards. For example, a particular card may offer free additional minutes, while another may offer a dollar amount off the next purchase. It pays to shop around for these bargains, especially if the student is on a limited budget, but still wants to stay in touch.
Phone Card Complaints
Nothing is without complaints of some type, and international phone cards are no exception. Some of the more common complaints are that the PIN or the access number doesn’t work. The access number seems to be busy a good share of the time, or the connection can’t be made. The quality of the connection is poor or there may be a lot of static. Calls may be ‘dropped’ requiring the process to be repeated. Charges may occur even though the call was not completed, and more.
Read all instructions and related information each time international phone cards are purchased. Don’t automatically assume that all phone cards are the same, because they aren’t. Make sure the toll-free number to the customer service department is printed on the back of the card should there be a problem. Ask friends or family if they recommend any certain card.
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