How to Save Money on Long Distance Phone Bills

Whether you do a lot of long distance calling or just a little, the money that you are spending can add up over the month. Fortunately deregulation laws coupled with advancements in technology have provided today's consumer with a lot of opportunity to save money on their long distance phone bills. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start with your local phone company. Find out about any calling plan options that they offer. See if any of their plans will help you to save money with your particular calling patterns. Also ask them to tell you the lowest possible per minute rate they can give you for long distance calling if you do not choose one of their plans.
2. Solicit best long distance rates from several different phone companies so you can compare all of the rates for the best money saver.
3. Look into dial around services offered in your area. These are the companies that publish a code that you can dial before dialing your destination number which allows them to carry that call for you at their stated rate. Typically these are 10-10 codes followed by another number.
4. Price prepaid calling cards. Watch for them on sale in the store flyers. Sometimes calling cards go on sale or the store offers a buy one get one free option. Using prepaid calling cards purchased on sale can often help to save money on long distance calling.
5. Consider using a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) offered by several companies which allows you to talk unlimited long distance over the Internet for a set charge each month. Technology is relatively new but works well and is priced very competitively.