Kan Dail
If you frequently make international calls, then you know how expensive it can be.
And if you don’t have a plan that includes free international calls, the per-minute charges can add up quickly. One way to save money on international calls is to use an international calling card.
Calling cards are available for purchase at most convenience stores and supermarkets, and they can be used from both landlines and mobile phones.
“When you use a calling card, you’ll pay a per-minute rate that is generally much lower than what you would pay without a card, and the call quality is usually better sometimes saving you anywhere from 60-90% on your calls depending on where you’re calling to.” PhonecardChoice.com
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using an international calling card and how to find the best card for your needs.
What are international calling cards?
When making international calls, it can be expensive to use your regular phone plan. An international calling card is a great way to save money on your call costs. You can purchase an international calling card online or at many retail locations.
International calling cards provide you with a special number to dial when making your call. The number will connect you with the long-distance service provider that offers the best rates for the country you are calling. When you enter the number on your card and dial, the system will recognize the country you are trying to reach and bill you accordingly. This way, you can avoid costly long-distance charges from your regular phone service provider.
There are many benefits of using an international calling card. First, they can help you save money on your call costs. Second, they offer a convenient way to make international calls without having to sign up for a separate long-distance service. Third, they provide peace of mind knowing that you will be able to stay in touch with loved ones back home without breaking the bank.
The main benefits of using international calling cards
There are many benefits of using international calling cards. For one, they can help you save money on your phone bill. International calling cards typically offer discounts of up to 60% on international calls, which can add up to big savings over time.
Furthermore, international calling cards can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family members who live abroad. With an international calling card, you can easily make calls to any country in the world without having to worry about high long-distance rates.
Finally, phone cards do not use the internet so you can call anyone on their mobile phone or landline.
Who uses international calling cards?
If you frequently call friends or family who live in another country, an international calling card can be a great way to save money on your phone bill. Calling cards can also be a convenient way to make international calls when you’re traveling abroad.
The main types of people who use calling cards are:
Migrants to a new country who still need to stay in touch with their family and friends back home.
Travellers will also use international calling cards as a part of their communication mix along with calling apps, the benefit of course is that WiFi calling apps need reliable internet which most countries do not have phone cards give them a stable line to either landlines or mobiles.
People who need to contact banks or other services in other countries that their current telco provider does not cover on their existing calling plan.
How to choose the right international calling cards
When you are trying to decide which international calling card is right for you, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. The first is the rate that you will be charged per minute.
You will want to find a card that has a good rate so that you can save money on your calls.
The second thing to consider is the fees that are associated with the card.
Some cards have monthly fees, while others do not. You will want to find a card that has low or no fees so that you can save money on your calls. The third thing to consider is the expiration date of the card. Some cards expire after a certain amount of time, while others do not. You will want to find a card that does not expire so that you can use it for as long as you need it.
Select 1-3 billing increments if possible
When placing an international call, it is often best to choose a billing increment that will minimize the cost of the call.
Choosing a shorter billing increment, such as per minute, can help to keep costs down.
Some international calling cards offer different billing increments for different countries. For example, you might be able to choose between per-second and per-minute billing when calling India, but only per-minute billing when calling China.
When possible, it is advisable to select 1-3 billing increments that will work for the majority of your international calls. This will help keep costs down and ensure you are not overpaying for your calls.
Check for daily maintenance fees
When using an international calling card, it is important to check for any daily maintenance fees that may be associated with the card. These fees can add up quickly, so it is important to be aware of them before using the card.
Around 40% of international calling cards come with daily maintenance fees and my recommendation is to avoid them if possible since they add no additional benefit to you as a customer.
Are connection fees good or bad?
Connection fees are the fees your international calling card provider charges to connect you with your international call. These fees can vary depending on the provider, country you are calling, and time of day.
Many people argue that connection fees are necessary, while others believe they are unnecessary. Here, we will take a look at the pros and cons of connection fees to help you decide if they are right for you.
The Pros:
1. Typically speaking, connection fees reduce the per minute rate on calls.
2. In many cases, connection fees are very reasonable if your calls are longer in duration 40+ minutes. This is especially true when compared to the cost of making an international call without a calling card.
The Cons:
1. Some providers charge high connection fees, which can add up quickly if you make a lot of international calls. This can be frustrating and may cause you to switch providers in search of a better deal.
2. Connection fees may vary depending on the country you are calling, which can be difficult to predict in advance
Purchase from a specialist phone card retailer, not a general store
When you purchase an international calling card from a specialist retailer, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product. Specialist retailers tend to have a wide range of products to choose from but more importantly are experts in their field which means they will be able to match you with the right calling card for your specific needs and budget.
General stores, on the other hand, may not have the same range of products or expertise. This means that you could end up with a calling card that is not right for your needs or that is more expensive than it needs to be.
Key questions to ask the customer service rep before buying an international calling card
Before purchasing a calling card it’s a good idea to have a set of questions to ask just so the representative can match you with the right product, here are some questions to ask:
- How much money will be deducted from the card with each call?
- What is the billing increment for each call?
- How long will the card remain active after purchase?
- Are there any additional fees associated with using the card?
- Can the card be used for international calls to mobile phones?
Conclusion
An international calling card is a great way to stay connected with friends and family abroad. There are many benefits to using an international calling card, including the ability to save money on your phone bill, the ability to make calls from anywhere in the world, and the ability to connect with people in other countries. If you’re looking for a way to stay connected with loved ones overseas, an international calling card is a great option.