Calling Cards

Moorland Gentleman

12/04/2012 at 13:28

I used to carry a BT chargecard in case I needed to ring out without any mobile signal/battery and to avoid getting stuffed on payphone charges in pubs.

Now like mos right-thinking people I've given up on BT and get my phone from someone. So does anyone use a calling card and if so which one? My googling has generally shown up international stuff only.

Metric Kate

12/04/2012 at 13:33

Nope. tbh, I can't remember the last time I used a public phone, certainly not this century!

Thus, such is the unlikelihood of me having to use one, I just wouldn't bother.

Edited: 12/04/2012 at 13:33

geekinthesticks

12/04/2012 at 13:34

I think that you can use Skype to Go for this:

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/features/allfeatures/skype-to-go-number/

There are two disadvantages:

* You can only call a predefined number.
* You must have some Skype credit to pay for your call.

Another alternative is to get yourself an 0800 number. I had one of these several years ago. At that time you only paid for the cost of the calls, there was no setup fee or rental. Note this only redirects to a single number and don't tell anyone else about it, or they will use it to call you and run up huge charges for you.

Here you go:

http://0800.uk2numbers.co.uk/?src=google&kv=47729714

Edited: 12/04/2012 at 13:40

Paddy Dillon

12/04/2012 at 14:24

I used to use a BT Chargecard, but often found it was little use in rural areas. Phones marked on my maps had either been disconnected or completely removed. The last one I tried to use was a few years ago on one of our most popular National Trails. I opened the door and could literally hear masses of spiders webs tearing in the process. It was like something from a horror movie, and it was clear that no-one had opened the kiosk door for a very long time. I wasn't surprised to find that the phone was dead.

I should also point out that some time ago I made use of a 'free' number to call someone. It was all set up on their account, so that I could call free, and they would be billed for the call. I was surprised to find, after using it on a hotel phone one evening, to be presented with a bill for £2 for a connection charge. Seems that the hotel didn't want anyone calling for 'free' if they could screw a couple of quid out of them! Just be warned that you might get charged the same way no matter what set-up you use!

Edited: 12/04/2012 at 14:27

Zuma

12/04/2012 at 14:32

Yeah public pay phones are soooo 1990-ies. and that free calling on someones elses charge (the receiver) is called a collected call. You call a special locally toll-free collected calls number and give the number you want to have dialed. The receiver gets called and asked if he wants to accept the charges. If so you get put through with the receiver. If not tough luck but no charges. You must use this service from your own phone or a public phone. Hotels too much like to charge you anyway.

Chris89

13/04/2012 at 10:59

Edit:nevermind...

Edited: 13/04/2012 at 11:00

no longer the 'office manager'

13/04/2012 at 17:37

Most BT call boxes these days take credit/debit cards to avoid being broken into for the cash.

Failing that use 'collect' calls as they say in the states. Here its a Reverse charge and you used to be able to get it from a BT box by dialling (there's an odd term for the push-button age) 0800 REVERSE (I think)

Paddy Dillon

13/04/2012 at 20:25

no longer the 'office manager' wrote (see)

...dialling (there's an odd term for the push-button age)...

Even better are those emergency phones you find in some coastal areas. They have a very clear notice saying that you should dial 999... but the keypad only has a single button with '1' on it!

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