Instructions on Calling International Using a Calling Card

What Kind of Calling Card Should I Get?

Many different varieties of calling cards are available for various regions of the world. However, some calling cards are better than others as far as cost, service and reliability are concerned.
The big service providers such as AT&T and Sprint all make calling cards. However, these cards tend to have a high per-minute rate. The plus side is the size of their calling networks, clear sound quality and customer service if something should go wrong.
Cheaper phone cards charge a low per-minute rate and are commonly sold to cover one particular geographical area. These cards might promise 85 minutes for $5 to Chile but only deliver 60 minutes by the time all fees and tariffs are subtracted. Yet, some of these cards end up being a great deal and are very easy to obtain.
Read the fine print before purchase, and make sure that there's an access number in your area to avoid long distance charges.

How to Make The Call

Scratch off the covering protecting the PIN code on the back of the card. This special code allows the company to track the call length and keep a record of your balance.
Check the phone numbers on the back of the card. Pick one that is a local call, not long distance. If using a public phone, use one of the toll-free numbers. Dial the number.
An automated system will pick up and announce the name of the company, along with several options for language or customer service. Select your language. You'll be prompted to enter the phone number that you're calling, country code first, followed by the pound sign. The voice will then repeat the number back.
You'll be prompted to enter your PIN code. The operator will say how many minutes remain on the card and then put the call through. You may hear silence or clicking during this process, followed by ringing. When the other party picks up, the operator might say, "Your call is connected."

During the Conversatoin

When the balance on the card reaches five minutes, the automated operator will break in and give you a friendly reminder. To hear how many minutes remain, you can disconnect by pressing the pound key, which will prompt the system to announce how much time is left.

Resources

• eHow: How To Use a Calling Card