Things You'll Need:
- Prepaid cell phone
- Instant messenger program
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Step 1
Use up the balance on your current calling card. Most calling cards do not refund the monetary balance on the card. If you are unsure of how much time is left on your calling card, dial the toll-free customer service number listed on the back of the calling card and provide your card number and pin, also listed on the back of the card.
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Step 2
Talk to your current landline phone service provider about long-distance calling plans and add-on options. Some providers include discounted budget bundles that let you group together various phone utility services for a single flat-rate. This may be cheaper than using a calling card to make long-distance calls.
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Step 3
Invest in a prepaid cell phone plan that charges you only for the minutes that you use. Such plans are offered by most cell phone companies. This is ideal for individuals who were previously using calling cards while traveling or on-the-go. The rates for prepaid cell minutes may be cheaper than your calling card and allows you to make calls anywhere, instead of just at wired phones and payphones.
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Step 4
Use voice-over IP technology to make calls over your Internet connection. Various technology companies offer free or paid services that may be significantly cheaper than standard landlines and calling cards. Example services include Skype and Vonage. Some instant messaging programs, such as iChat and MSN Messenger, also allow individuals to make computer-to-computer calls for free.
