American consumers have many calling options available while on vacation. Find out about your options when traveling throughout America.



Public and Pay Telephones

These are often over looked these days but can be important when on vacation.

Local and long distance call rates charged from pay phones and phones in public places, like hospitals, hotels and motels, can vary. When using a public phone you will come across an Operator Service Provider (OSP). They provide the long distance service.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules require each public and pay phone provider to post, in plain view, on or near the telephone, the name, address and toll free telephone number of the OSP. Look at this printed information on or near the telephone to determine which Operator Service Providers (OSP) is providing service.

The posted information must also include a written disclosure that the rates for operator-assisted calls are available upon request, that consumers have a right to obtain access to the interstate long distance carrier of their choice, and that consumers may call their preferred carriers using that telephone.

In order to determine which OSP is handling your call, pick up the receiver and call your number. After you dial you will hear a message from the OSP, identifying itself. And by pressing no more than 2 keys the recording will also tell you how much your phone call will cost. You can either use this carrier or access your preferred carrier by hanging up and dialing their access code.

It is important at this point to note that using a calling card issued by your preferred carrier, will not connect you with that carrier unless you dial the access code first.

You are able to make toll-free calls from pay phones to an operator or to directory assistance without depositing a coin. You can also call other 800, 866, 877 and 888 numbers.

Emergency service calls to 911 are toll-free as are local calls to Telecommunications Relay Services. This service allows calls to and from persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled.

Phone Cards

Prepaid phone cards, allow you to buy time on a telephone in advance. Prepaid cards can be bought with a fixed number of minutes or a fixed amount. You place the call and when the time or money on the card runs out the call ends. These cards are very convenient and negate the need to carry coins.

These cards are sold in many locations including - post offices, newsstands, travel agencies, grocery and convenience stores. If you run out of credit on your phone card some allow you to ‘top it up' using your credit card.

One point to keep in mind is that a surcharge or connection fee may apply if you make a call using a pay phone.

Mobile or “cell” phones

Taking your cell phone with you on a trip is convenient, but it may not be cost effective when you are traveling outside of your home calling area, especially if you don't have a nationwide long distance calling plan.

Cell phone providers have their own service area, its own billing system, and fees for roaming. Before selecting a plan, make sure you understand your home calling area boundaries and your roaming fee plan.

Also, remember you pay whenever you place or receive a call.

If you plan to use your cell phone while traveling, call your carrier to ask about rates outside your home calling area, roaming rates and whether or not you can make international calls.

Call your carrier to find out whether pre-paid phone cards can be used with your cell phone. Some prepaid cards won't work with cell phones or it increase the per-minute call rate causing it to be very expensive.

One last note on safety. Several American states have laws prohibiting the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Make sure you know the rules.

Have a fun, safe trip and keep in touch.

With You in Technology

Adam White