If you’re like most people, the thought of international calling probably conjures up images of expensive phone bills. But there’s no need to worry – with a little planning and the right calling card, international calls can be very affordable. Here’s what you need to know to get the best phone card for your needs.
What is an international calling card?
First, let’s start with the basics. An international calling card is a prepaid card that you can use to make international calls from any phone – landline or mobile. You simply dial a toll-free access number, enter your PIN, and then dial the international number you want to reach. The call is charged to your card balance, which means you’ll only pay for the time you’re on the call – no expensive per-minute rates.
How do international calling cards work?
International calling cards work by routing your call through a local access number. When you dial the access number, your call is then routed to an international gateway, which connects you to the phone number you’re trying to reach. This process helps to keep costs low by eliminating international long-distance charges.
What are the benefits of using an international calling?
There are many benefits of using an international calling card, including:
- Cost savings: international calling cards can help you save money on international calls by eliminating expensive per-minute rates.
- Convenience: international calling cards are easy to use and can be used from any phone – landline or mobile.
- Flexibility: international calling cards offer a variety of features, such as the ability to make calls from multiple phones or to add minutes to your card balance.
What are the different types of international calling cards?
“There are 3 main types of international calling card but my recommendation is to go for a rechargeable, since they give you the same options as the other two but last a lot longer.” JT, phonecardchoice.com.
International calling cards come in a variety of types, including:
- Prepaid international calling cards: these cards are purchased in advance and can be used to make international calls until the card balance is depleted.
- Monthly international calling plans: these plans allow you to make a certain number of international calls each month for a fixed fee.
- Pay-as-you-go international calling cards: these cards allow you to pay for international calls on a per-call basis.
7 things to keep in mind before buying an international calling card
Now that you know how international calling cards work, let’s take a look at how to choose the best one for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the rates. This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a calling card. Make sure you know how much the card will cost per minute, and compare rates from different cards before you make your purchase.
- Consider the fees. In addition to per-minute rates, international calling cards may also have other fees, such as connection fees or monthly maintenance fees. These can add up, so be sure to take them into account when comparing rates.
- Check the expiration date. Many international calling cards have an expiration date, so be sure to check this before you buy. You don’t want to be stuck with a card that expires in a month or two – it’s better to choose one with a longer expiration date so you can use it when you need it.
- Read the fine print. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to read the terms and conditions of any international calling card before you purchase it. Some cards have restrictions on when or how you can use them, so it’s important to be aware of these before you buy.
- Find a card with no hidden fees. Some international calling cards come with a variety of hidden fees, including connection fees, disconnection fees, and maintenance fees. Avoid these cards if possible – they’ll end up costing you more in the long run.
- Consider the quality of the call. In addition to checking the rates, it’s also important to consider the quality of the call when choosing a calling card. After all, what’s the point of saving money if the call is full of static and dropped calls? To get an idea of call quality, ask friends or family who has used international calling cards in the past for their recommendations.
- Check for promotions and discounts. Many international calling card companies offer promotional rates and discounts, so it’s always worth checking for these before you make your purchase.
Conclusion
Buying a calling card can be a little tricky so keep these tips in mind:
- Check the per min call rates but keep in mind that you may not want to go for the cheapest because there are other factors to keep in mind as well like special fees like maintenance and daily service charges as well as connection fees.
- Be aware of the expiration dates, be sure to ask the retailer if you can get a refund if the calling card expires too early.
- Read the small print, this is the stuff that the phone card company has to disclose to the customer but would rather keep hidden.
- Check the billing rates, that is how often your call credit is deducted, this will outweigh the cost per min in a lot of cases because it is here where you can lose a lot of money, ideally you want to find an international calling card with a billing increment anywhere from 1 to 3 mins.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start shopping for an international calling card. Just remember to compare rates and fees from different cards before you make your purchase, and you’ll be sure to find the best deal.
