Whenever you're far from home, an expatriate missing family, or you could be a person on the go with lots of people to call and a business firm to manage. Whatever you do and wherever you may be, you will need a phone card to keep the lines of communication open.
Want to know how to purchase the right prepaid phone card online or over the counter?
The phone card market is a saturated market and it can be overwhelming when trying to select the right card with the many available choices. While most people would typically just choose the card that offers them the lowest rates, you have to realize that some of these cards may be those that come out expensive in the end. Learning to select the phone card that will best meet your needs will save you money in the long run.
1. Determine the rate the card offers to your calling destination ? Confirm rates before you call and remember that some rates may fluctuate. Also, calls made to international cell phones are generally billed at a higher rate.
Do the rates vary depending on the hour of the day? Be sure that the rate you receive remains constant throughout the entire day. Unless otherwise stated, the advertised rate should be constant no matter what time of day.
2. Consider the Minute Billing or Minute Rounding schedule for the card. Rounding (mintue billing) refers to the increments in which phone calls are billed. For example, with 3 minute rounding, a 4 minute phone call would be billed as a 6 minute phone call. With 1 minute rounding, the same 4 minute call would be billed as a 4 minute call.
3. Know in advance if you will be charged for attempting a call that does not connect. Confirm this with the carrier by contacting their customer service department.
4. Look out for any additional fees or taxes. Adding these fees allows carriers and retailers to to keep their advertised rates extra low. You can avoid many types of additional fees and taxes by using all of your minutes in one call. Remember... fees and taxes effectively reduce the number of minutes you'll receive. Further, not all phone card retailers are created equal. Many will not disclose all fees and taxes, so be sure to ask before you buy. A retailer using best business practices will reveal all known taxes and fees to you up front.
5. Make sure you can reach a customer service operator 24 hours a day. Being able to get ahold of your phone card's customer service department is important because they will be able to help you with any unforeseen issues that may arise at any time during the day.
6. Consider if the phone card has an expiration date. If yes, any remaining minutes on the card past this date will be lost.
7. Make sure you can trust the company. Most prepaid phone card companies do not offer any guarantee on their products. There are, however, a handful of companies that do. A guarantee will further ensure that you get the minutes you pay for. Also, look for signs of generating trust: Visible phone numbers, privacy policy, BBB membership, secure transactions, warranties and guarantees.
8. Find out how you will receive your prepaid phone card after purchase. Typically, if purchasing over the Internet, your phone card will be presented to you via email or right on screen pending a successful transaction and acceptance by your bank. Some companies may send you a physical card, but in most cases the delivery occurs by email or right on your screen.
The fees and charges are not at all bad, depending on your needs. If you are going to be a frequent phone card user for international calls, then it is suggested that you select a card that has no fees on it for while the rates may be higher, it won't be necessary for you to pay for connection or maintenance fees. On the other hand, if the card will be for a one or two-time use, go for the phone cards that provide the low rates.
Calls made on the card are charged based on minute rounding. There are some cards that charge on a two, three or four minute rounding. You can save the most with a card that uses one-minute rounding.
Before making any selection, research your options. It is also good if someone you know recommends a particular phone card that provides excellent service.
