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General Travel Tips
International 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 English.) 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. |
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**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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