How to Use a Calling Card in Europe
Traveling to Europe is like traveling in the United States, except for having to go through customs, learn a new language and drive on a different side of the road. But using a calling card in Europe is also just like using a calling card stateside.
Instructions
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Get a card with the cheapest connection or maintenance fees. A card that charges neither is your best friend.
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Double check the allowed origination and destination countries and make sure that the card will cover your call.
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Look for the expiration date of the card. This might be printed on the card as an actual date, or the card might say something like this: "expires 90 days after first use."
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Know the format for telephone numbers. Different countries vary on this point, so find out before calling.
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Review dialing instructions before you make the call because the clock is ticking once you punch in your numbers. You can find the dialing instructions on the back of the card.
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Follow the dialing instructions and complete your call.
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Tips & Warnings
Just like a cellular service provider, your calling card might charge different rates for peak times.
Know your card's minimum billing increment. Many cards offer a one minute increment, which means that your call time will be rounded up to the nearest whole minute.
Don't forget about taxes. Calling cards get hit with them, just like your home phone.
Beware of changes in minimum increments. Some cards ramp up the minimum increment from one minute to three minutes after a short amount of time.
Calling cards can expire even if you have unused minutes.
