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Calling Cards for India Calls
Pre-paid calling cards or phone cards are a frustrating subject because almost everyone who has used them have something bad to say about them. Considering this fact, remember that we provide the following links as a service. We do not recommend any of the companies mentioned or their products and ask that you carefully evaluate each company before using it's product. In addition to the companies mentioned below, check out your local Indian grocery or other store where you can buy calling cards for cash or check.
What to look for when buying a pre-paid calling card:
- What is the cost per minute? Anything from 48¢ to 99¢ per minute is common among the various discount calling card retailers. Usually these cards are available in denominations of 20$, 25$, 40$, 50$, etc. giving you a fixed amount of calling time.
- Is the billing on a per minute basis or on 6 second intervals?
- Is there a per-call surcharge (connection charge)? Most companies charge 1$ or more on each call as a connection charge.
- What all counts towards the time of the call (is the actual connection time also included)? Many times it seems like you attempt a call, get a busy tone and the next time you try the call, some minutes have been used up though you've never made the call.
- Is there a minimum charge per call?
- Are the rates different based on when you call (day-time, weekends, etc)?
- What is the 800/888 (toll-free) number to dial to make your call? You usually use the calling card by first dialing a toll-free (800/888) number which connects you to a automated message system that then walks you through the process of making the call.
- What is the identification number (PIN) that you need to dial to make your call? This is the number that identifies your user account. Also called an access code.
- Is customer support available to handle issues that you may face? Does this customer support have a 800/888 (toll-free) number? If general experience is anything to go by, this is an essential feature to have.
- Is the card rechargeable (can you extend the card over the phone using your credit card)?
- Is there a charge for making the call from a pay-phone?
- When does the card expire? Most cards expire in about 6 months from the first call made.
- Is there a additional charge to use the card beyond a initial period of use? Some cards have an additional charge for each month after the first month of use.
- What have been others experiences with the card? Check with your friends and online discussion boards.
Some online calling card retailers:
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