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. |
