Frequently Asked Questions
A calling card or phone card is defined as telecommunication credit card with an Identification Code for using a pre-selected long distance carrier when the customer is away from their home or office. Phone cards are now being used extensively for residential calls. Below are some of the FAQs:
Q) What is a prepaid card?
A) A prepaid card is exactly what the name implies. You pay a fixed amount up front which may be for units, minutes or Dollars. Typically the time based phone cards come in increments of 100, 300, 600, or 1000 minutes. Dollar based phone cards start at $5 and go up to around $300.
Q) What is a credit based phone card?
A) This is a phone card which is monthly billed. (Normally to your credit card.)
Q) What is a re-chargeable or re-usable phone card?
A) This is exactly what the name implies. It is also user friendly as you only buy the original card. You can instantly add more calling time using a credit card. Service providers have toll-free numbers or you can access their web sites. Certain cards allow you to prepay using wire transfers or cheques - this obviously has a time implication and users are advised that your recharge can take up to 15 days to clear and be activated. Many providers now also have an e-mail payment system like PayPal. You can e-mail your payment for your airtime.
Q) What is an instant PIN?
A) Certain providers will provide you with an instant phone card (often by e-mail) provided you pay for it up front either with cash or with a credit card. You don't get a piece of plastic. You just get your PIN number. These cards are normally low value and expire.
Q) What is an International Phone Card?
A) An international phone card is one which can be used from a whole variety of countries in the world. Each international calling card is different and will be restricted to use in the countries with which the phone card company has reciprocity. Be sure to check that your International PhoneCard works from the country you will be visiting before you go. International calling cards are also used to bypass a country's existing carriers and use the carrier of another country. (Often with immense savings).
Q) What else can I do with phone card?
A) Plastic calling cards are used for promotions, gifts, mementos, souvenirs and fund raising. Anything that can be printed can be put on a calling card. Custom-printed phone cards make great promotion gifts, general gifts and souvenirs. Remember a phone card is a valuable item so your customers and friends look at the card. Each time they look at the card they see your or your company's name. What better way to put the name of your company under their noses on a regular basis?