Buying Time: The Facts About Pre-Paid Phone Cards

February 13, 2009

<" alt="" border="0" />—[if gte mso 9]> < ![endif]--> Pre-paid calling cards represent telephone calling time you buy in advance. You pay from $2 to $20 or so to buy local or long-distance calling time; the amount of time you buy depends on the rate-per-minute charged. For many people, pre-paid phone cards are very convenient. You’ve paid for the phone time and you can use the card from any phone to make your calls.

But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says that some pre-paid phone cards can have hidden costs. As a result, they don’t deliver the number of calling minutes they advertise. Because you pay in advance, you may be out of pocket — and out of luck — if you discover a problem trying to use the card. That’s a big difference between prepaid phone cards and traditional long distance calling cards, where charges don’t appear on your bill until after you’ve made the call.

You can buy pre-paid phone cards at newsstands, grocery and convenience stores, travel agencies, retail stores, and on the Internet. People who regularly call overseas use them, as do travelers, students, and those who may not have long-distance telephone service. You can add minutes to many pre-paid phone cards, usually by charging the additional cost to your credit card.
(source of the article: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro04.shtm)

Who is behind YOUR calling card?

January 30, 2009

As popular as they’ve become lately, I doubt many people know where calling cards come from and what ‘hides’ behind the low rates.

The technology used for calling cards is called VOIP, and it stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. To put it in simple terms, it’s a bit similar to how Skype works, except you can be applied to making phone-to-phone calls.

Ok… so now there are some guys, called calling card providers, who talk to these other guys, called carriers. The carriers are people who operate the telecommunications system. Basically, they own a physical network. The calling card provides need the carriers to ‘carry’ their calls from one destination to the other. But since the calling card companies bet on getting a lot of clients, they buy traffic in the carriers’ networks in very large quantities, and so they get small prices.

So far, so good. Calling cards are now available to you, through calling cards providers. You can go right ahead and buy them. But what happens next? If you have any issue with your calling card, you can always call/e-mail the provider’s customer support – if they have one. You should check if they have customer support before you make a purchase, and if they don’t, you might want to avoid doing business with them. Personally, I don’t trust companies that lack a customer support department.

Ok… so now that you have the basics of who makes your calling cards work, go right back to enjoying your low rate international calls!

International Phone Calling Cards

January 9, 2009

Everyone has different needs including ways of remaining connected worldwide. International phone cards specifically offer long distance services to those clients that need to call various countries. The use of international calling cards is economical, practical and most-efficient without the hassle of billing. It is suitable to business travelers. Different international calling cards offer different features for calling. They are available in prepaid and post-paid categories. The rates of post-paid are higher as compared to prepaid but still offer low calling rates as compared to the regular call rates from mobile phones or phone booths. They are available in the market from various companies as well as through online bookings. Post-paid and prepaid share the same features of dialing international numbers. To make international calls, first the access number should be dialed corresponding to the country from where the call is being made. To continue the dialing process, dial the 10-Digit personal identification number (PIN) followed by the designated number. The only difference between post-paid and prepaid calling cards is that former are paid in advance before making calls and post-paid cards are paid after making calls. The details of the post-paid card is sent via e-mail or postal address whereas prepaid provides no such written details. Calls are restricted to a select city, country or continent. For example, Australian calling cards can make calls only in that region. Asian calling cards can be used for Asian contacts. International phone calling cards allow calls to be made in many countries.

Source: Ezine Articles

 

 

International Sim Cards - Keeping In Touch The Cheap Way

August 25, 2008

Are you constantly away from home, yet want to keep in touch but can’t because of the costs and hassle that it takes? Gone are those days. You no longer have to fall in line to get to a phone booth where you have to make sure that you have the exact amount of money to make a call; a call that will only last you a few minutes. No more having to worry about having heavy pockets because you carry around a handful of loose change just so you can call home. There’s also no more worrying about having to find a public phone where you can use that phone card. No more wondering about how much you credit you have left on your international calling card. No more having to have a conversation cut short because you’ve run out of credit.

All of this is possible with an international SIM card. With a global SIM cards, you can have network access on your mobile phone no matter where you are in the world. This makes it possible to be in touch with people all the time, wherever you are! International SIM cards serve the same function as regular SIM cards do, except they provide you with a roaming feature that allows you to make and take international calls and text messages whether you’re in Ibiza today and Singapore tomorrow. International call and text rates may vary depending on the mobile service provider but one thing is for sure: it will be a lot cheaper than standard telephone rates.

An international SIM card is a must have for everyone who frequently makes trips out of his home country. It is a cost saving way to stay in touch with the people and stay updated. Keeping up with the latest no longer has to mean putting a hole in your pocket.

Making Cheap International Mobile Calls - Easiest Cheap Calling Method Revealed

July 28, 2008

Making cheap international phone calls means spending more time talking to your closest, dearest people.

Usually you’ll get the cheapest international telephone call rates is by ‘dial through’ otherwise called ‘access number’ that you can just dial from your land line phone or mobile phone. Dial the prefix number and start talking without need pin number and credit cards details.

There are now several telecom companies that buy up large amounts of ‘talk time’ at a large discount and provide good service: cheap calls to Europe, America, Australia and all other international destinations.

For a long time now, many people have been led to believe that free or very cheap call rates (especially for mobile calls) are not possible unless it’s done using VoIP.

Wrong.

Free or very cheap mobile calls are very possible and a real without VoIP.

Many companies offer cheap mobile call rates that are easy to make.

You do not need to have any technical know-how like a VoIP user. You certainly do not need to pay through the roof to enjoy it. You only need your regular house phone or your cell phone.

It’s hassle free, simple and easy to use.

Calling Cards

Everyone knows about calling cards and have probably used one at one time or another.

Calling cards are convenient for making cheap international calls because they can be used almost anywhere. They allow making low priced calls and can be used from nearly anywhere.

Problem is – you need to first dial your pin code which contains so many numbers that it complicates the dialing process.

With advanced technology call service providers – there is no need for calling cards.

VoIP hardware

Most VoIP services require a combination of an adapter, modem and/or router and other requirements in varying degrees of rewiring in the customer in order for the VoIP service to be accessible for him.

Well – This is ‘old tech’ now.

Up to date technology allows making cheap international phone calls and cheap mobile calls with no changes from your current carrier. No complicated hardware to buy.

No monthly or sign up fees.

Including an unlimited calling plans, low rates and no PIN number hassle.

The New Technology

Based upon the ‘old’ VoIP technology, taking it one step forward are the companies offering cheap call rates from your land line or mobile phone without having to make any changes in your calling habits.

Just dial the number you wish to connect to and enjoy your conversation.

Using the ‘New Tech’ telecommunication solutions are truly a ‘No Brainer’.

Still you need to find the right provider that offers cheap calls using your cell phone.

On a quest for finding cheap mobile call rates world wide, Eyal Barzilay had researched the cheap call service providers and published his findings on Cheap Mobile Calls. He also added a Comparison Between The 2 Leading Companies.

Your Search Ends Here, Start Talking Now!

July 8, 2008

In today’s world telecom is one of the booming sectors – the fastest and the shortest way to communicate and day by day it is improving a lot. We all are aware of the charges when cell phones launched, but today, it is affordable to everyone!

Do not worry whether you are traveling or you want to talk to your friend who is in some other part of the globe. It is not so hard and expensive now. If you are searching for a better option to make international or overseas call this is the key which will help you reach to that person whom you are waiting for.

Though these cards are similar to each other, still they are different. Three types of cards are available in the market. Long distance cards, overseas calling cards and International phone cards. These are new gifts provided by the Telecom industry. Apart from your normal tariffs as per your bill plan, it is much better to use calling cards. The rates are pocket friendly.

If you need to make only international calls in cheap rates go for the International cards. By using this you are able dial international numbers but nothing else. Many of us need to make call one country of origin. Here is the best way to spread you voice through overseas calling cards.

Then what are you searching for? Ok, again you are confused what to do if you need to use all the facilities together. Now you are thinking you need to buy different keys to open alternate locks. No friends, here is an all-in-one which is named Long distance cards.

Long distance cards allow making local, international and overseas any kind of calling to any city situated at any continent. Any time you are able to interact by accessing these devices without facing any kind of restriction to any numbers. You are on your way for a long distance certainly you need to make an urgent call to the overseas. These cards will help you to fulfill your needs. Does not matter whether you drive or you are busy with your office schedules this is the solution of your problem.

It is very simple to use long distance cards. What you need to do just dial your country code and then put the telephone number and get connected. These cards can be purchased through online and all the information’s are secured. You will also get world wide travel phone cards with a facility of unlimited monthly calling. Science has improved a lot and time and situation both has changed. So we need to run along with the time.

BananaCall.com offers phone cards, prepaid calling cards and international calling cards for Russia, India, China & other countries at affordable prices.

International Calling Cards - Cheapest Way To Call Your Beloved

February 21, 2008

Now, calling your beloved ones that stays in different countries is made easier and cheaper. Thanks, to international calling cards for making international long distance call an easier affair. This is so; calling cards are based on VOip technology of packet switching over internet. Before availing card, user must focus on important points like phone rates, renewability, rollover minutes, hidden fees and quality of call. Usually, international calling cards offered by established providers like connect2globe are cost effective. Calling cards are considered as a blessing for handling international calls with proper and effective verbal and aural communication over IP network i.e. broadband connection.

International calling cards are pre-paid cards that come with pre-charged amount. These cards are easily available in every nook and corner of UK streets like grocery shops or user can even avail from online shops. Depending upon the calling requirements, international calling cards comes in affordable varied range from as small as $5 to as big as $100. The calling cards can be easily carried by any user as it is small rectangular shaped plastic cards. Well, compared to traditional mode of communication Public Switch Telephony Network or PSTN call charges are reduced. Well, this is made possible by lowering down per minute charges and amount for surcharge is also extenuated.

In order to save money on International calling cards user must compare rates and tariff plans offered by different providers. Moreover, user must look for other attractive features like voice mails, 3-way conferencing and ID caller. Well, operating an international calling card is an easier task as user just has to generate and manage the PINS numbers. Besides that, established provider also deals on online billing portals to manage different customers account. Lastly, while getting international calling card you can talk for longer time without much worrying about bills.

Use Prepaid Calling Cards in Making Calls Anytime and Anywhere

Nowadays, there are plenty of individuals who use prepaid calling cards in making calls to loved ones, family, friends and associates. Indeed, communications is important, so that’s to these cards; you can easily make calls any time and any where.

There are lots if ways to communicate and keep in touch with family and friends, you can send emails, chat with them, but nothing beats hearing their voices. So making calls is still a good way of communicating, but there are some who prevent themselves in making long distances calls because it can give them huge telephone bill. The good news is that, with the use of these phone cards, you can make international calls any time and any where, since these cards offer lower rates in long distance calls.

With the use of prepaid calling cards, you can manage your budget in making calls. You do not have to worry about enormous telephone monthly bills, with the use of these cards; you can cut your bill in half. In using these cards, you can make calls any time and any where, since you can make use of it in any regular phone, cell phone, pay phone and in hotels. Since these cards are handy, you can bring it along with you.

Prepaid calling cards come with different features, rates and services, there are no similar cards, each differ from each other, that is why you have to get the one that can suit your needs and your lifestyle. Check out few of these cards, to make it easier for you to do research, you can use the internet. Indeed, the internet is a good source for information, products and services.

With the use of the World Wide Web, you can gain information that you need about few of these cards. Pick up few cards and check them out. Gain information about each card and compare. In doing this, you can easily compare these cards and can quickly find the right card for you.

Yes, indeed, you have to get the right card for you. In buying card, you will spend money with it, and definitely, you want to get the best out of your money, so it is best to find the card that can suit you and give you satisfaction. There are heaps of cards out there, so it is just right to pick the card for you. You can ask for recommendations as well in finding the right card, ask your family and friends, certainly they will give you there assessments regarding the right card for you.

In finding the right prepaid calling card for you, you can try to purchase a small amount of the card that you are eyeing at, try it if it can give you convenience and satisfaction. If yes, then it is the right one for you.

International Calling Cards: Can They Save Money On Domestic Calls?

International prepaid calling cards are already pretty popular with millions of customers worldwide. They save money on long distance calls and are happy with it. However, many of us still stick to the usual telecommunication companies when placing domestic calls. But there are opportunities to save money by calling inside the USA with international calling cards. Did you know that? Well, now you do.

Calling cards providers offer plenty of various rates and destination packages to their customers trying to stay competitive on the overcrowded market. This is great for the customers as they have a plethora of choices. Those calling card companies, who are into a serious business, usually give their detailed rates on the official websites and these rates are final, therefore making a customer able to choose the offer that fits him best.

It is not an easy task for a prepaid phone card user to dig the rates and other features which are important in evaluation the provider’s offer. However, if the job is done right, chances are high to have your savings maximized and connection problems minimized.

Some companies offer US-Call-Back services, some give PIN-less accounts and some offer special bonuses and rewards if you call to certain countries on a frequent basis. If you know all these special offers and opportunities, it is possible for you to design a sort of a ‘combo’ where each call you place will be the optimal choice if to consider the price and reliability of the service.

Some people claim it is impossible to save on domestic phone calls with the help of prepaid long distance products. This is not true as many calling card providers offer special rates on calls to the USA which are sometimes significantly cheaper than those from your local provider. Yes, you heard it right – if you call to the neighboring state as if you’ve been calling from abroad, it may appear to be cheaper than using your standard telecommunication operator.

Information is crucial to make the process of calling cheap and pleasant. And while millions of people believe this is true only for the long distance international calls through prepaid calling cards, we now know there are additional opportunities to save money and still have a reliable and high-quality phone connection.

How To Reduce Your International Phone Bills

Technology is developing so fast these days that people sometimes miss the opportunities to reduce their long distance calling costs by using VOIP or traditional fiber optic lines. Since the deregulation of telecom markets in the Unites States in the 90s, people have started to benefit from low US telecom rates. International callback has become the cutting egde technology to help expatriates, international travelers, and individuals living in highly regulated telecom markets drastically reduce their cost on international calling. By routing all international calls through the United States, specialized service callback providers make the lower rates of the U.S. phone system available directly to any phone in the world. Call back service has been popular in different countries including Japan and African countries.

So, how the system works? Callback is for customers living outside the U.S. Callback service offers low international phone rates by initiating all calls in the U.S. You can trigger a callback using your phone, web browser, email, or cell phone with SMS messaging. Callback is easy to use. Callers only need a touch-tone phone. The procedure is simple: – To initiate a callback, the caller must trigger his or her phone number. There are several methods: Callers may post their trigger number on the website by webcall trigger. Callers may dial a pre-assigned phone number and hang up after the first ring. The call is never completed so the caller is not charged for that portion of the call by the local phone company.

Calls may be triggered from cellular telephones using SMS messages (Simple Messaging Service) or using email. Within seconds after triggering your call, the system calls you back. Upon answering, the caller is instructed to dial the destination number. Most companies will only bill you for the call if the call connects. Another advantage of callback service is that it is billed in 6 seconds increments after initial 30 seconds which saves you an extra 10%. After finishing the call, the caller simply presses** and hangs up or presses ## on the phone keypad to place another call. The entire process adds about ten seconds to normal dialing. Callback also works with cellular phones and fax machines. There is no need to change your existing long distance provider.