Though it is true that calling cards can be used for making phone calls to domestic destinations, yet they are said to be more useful when used for making calls to international places, especially while you’re traveling to places abroad. You may buy calling cards either online from vendors like NobelCom or you may even get them in person from convenience stations or gas stations, airport terminals and even in vending machines. You’ll be rather happy to know that calling cards are available at a denomination which is as less as $5 but the value of the card is as high as hundreds of dollars. Ideally, vendors only accept cash in lieu of prepaid calling cards.
Calling cards and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
Whenever you use calling cards, you should know that they come armed with personal identification numbers for safeguarding your identity and improving security. Majority of the card companies demand you to enter the PIN before they give you access to the funds of the calling card. The PINs are usually printed on a piece of paper which you will find within the packaging of the card. As soon as you make your first call, there are some companies which will eliminate the option of entering PIN to accelerate the process of calling. In case the PIN is written on the card, make sure you change the PIN online for better security.
Instructions to follow
Majority of the calling cards offer instructions on usage of the card and these instructions lie within the packaging. Regardless of whether you’re making domestic or international calls, start off by dialing a toll-free number and then enter the PIN when you’re prompted to do so. This way you’ll get to know about your account, the total amount that is left on your card and then you will be prompted to dial the number whom you want to call. Make sure you research on the country codes before making the calls to other nations. There are some nations which don’t accept the usage of calling cards and hence you also have to research on the guidelines before using them.
Points to know before using them
Though there are plenty of rechargeable calling cards available which let the customers to add value to their card, yet there are few companies which even incur the cost of recharging. Stay aware of the rounding increments of the card. For instance, if your phone call ends within 34 seconds, the card can round up to charges to one minute. Calling card companies list charges by nation online or by the packaging. Some hotels add amount for using in-room phones, even the toll-free numbers.
Perks of calling cards
Calling cards allow you to save money and maintain a budget for your phone calls, especially when you’re traveling. When you provide a toll-free number, you can typically cut down costs which you accrued while placing phone calls to international places. Calling cards do away with the need of activating long-distance plans like weekend rates and these aren’t applicable to prepaid cards. Irrespective of the time of the day, costs will remain the same.
A word of caution
The FCC alerts you against all sorts of scams and illegitimate business practices which are related to calling cards. You need to maintain a record of all sorts of activities in case the company charges you poorly for incomplete calls.
Therefore, if you’re wondering about how you can use calling cards to make cheap international and domestic calls, you can take into account all the above mentioned facts on using cards.
