| How many times have you complained about high | | | | So here are the steps you need to take to get |
| long distance costs and phone companies | | | | the best out of your calling card purchase: |
| overcharging you? Did you try to do anything | | | | |
| about it? Did you search for alternate | | | | - Find a reliable website (this means no |
| solutions? Calling cards might be the answer. | | | | weird pop-ups, no advertisement of Viagra on |
| Their low rates to any destination make them | | | | the website - you get my point). |
| the perfect buy for domestic and | | | | |
| international calls. | | | | - Take a look at the available calling cards |
| | | | and rates. |
| For a few years now, the calling cards | | | | |
| business is booming. Everywhere you go, | | | | - Check out any details of calling cards: |
| everywhere you search you might find one: in | | | | usually, next to or underneath the picture of |
| WallMarts, grocery stores, newspaper stands, | | | | the calling card there is a link that will |
| vending machines in coffee shops. But the | | | | take you to a "Details" page. Look for |
| place you can find the most of these long | | | | maintenance fees, rounding, any other |
| distance alternatives is the internet. A | | | | surcharges, expiration dates. |
| quick search on Google, Yahoo or other search | | | | |
| engines will reveal thousands of websites | | | | - If you intend to make a lot of long calls |
| that sell calling cards. So, it's an easy | | | | over a short period of time, choose a card |
| pick, one might say. Well... not quite. | | | | with a maintenance fee. This means that a |
| According to the FCC, almost 70% of the | | | | certain amount will be deducted from your |
| calling card businesses are fraudulent. | | | | balance each week/month until you use up the |
| Meaning mostly that they get your money but | | | | card. But if you plan to make so many calls, |
| you don't get the calling card. That means | | | | you'll probably use the card up by the time |
| that you have to be very careful when | | | | the maintenance fee is deducted. Calling |
| choosing a website to buy from. On top of | | | | cards with maintenance fees also tend to have |
| that, calling cards vary in number and | | | | lower rates. |
| features, so you have to choose the one | | | | |
| appropriate to your needs. Their low rates | | | | - If you use the card just once in a while, |
| however, come with a price at times. | | | | choose a card with no maintenance fee. These |
| Companies selling calling cards use VoIP | | | | cards usually have higher rates, but you |
| technology and other third party carriers to | | | | don't have to worry about your balance going |
| complete their calls. While not as expensive | | | | down if you do not use the card. |
| as a satellite connection (hence the low | | | | |
| rates), this technology is at the beginning, | | | | - Look for a Customer Service number. |
| so problems may occur from time to time. This | | | | Reliable companies have Customer Service, in |
| is why calling cards are not usually | | | | case their customers have questions or |
| recommended for emergency calls. For calls | | | | problems. |
| within the United States however, calls made | | | | |
| with calling cards (also known as phone | | | | After this, get the card you this is best for |
| cards) have a good quality and connection | | | | your needs and wait for it to arrive in the |
| rate, given that you have found a good | | | | email. Unless otherwise specified, you should |
| supplier. | | | | be able to use it immediately. Good luck! |
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