Prices
There are a large number of prepaid calling cards available today. These cards seem to be the best thing to talk to your loved ones, especially when you are away on a holiday. But you better make sure that you know what these ‘cheap’ calling cards are truly costing your pocket. In this article, we will view some of the hidden costs that you must keep in mind while purchasing a phone calling card.
Also, calling from payphones costs you an extra surcharge. This charge is irrespective of the fact that whether your call actually gets connected or not. So use payphones to the minimum while placing calls through a prepaid calling card.
Then there is also the expiration date of the calling card to be considered. There can normally be two types of expiry dates on a calling card – either the expiry date is general and the card will expire on a certain date, irrespective of whether it is used or not.Alternatively, there are cards in which the expiry date is determined depending upon the day the usage begins, such as 30 days expiry after the card is used for the first time.
So make sure that you check out the expiry date before choosing your calling card, as you will no longer be able to use your card after the expiry date even if there is calling time on it.
In addition to the above, there is a maintenance fee that is a hidden cost on a calling card. This is charged every fortnight or on a monthly basis. So, before you purchase a calling card, please read the fine print so that you know what you are paying for. If the card has a maintenance fee, then you must try and utilize the card before the specified time period.
Pulse Rate – How long is it ?
To start with, it is very important to note the pulse rate, i.e. in some cards the pulse rate is every 60 sec. This means that whether you make a call for 20 sec, 40 sec, or 60 sec.; you will be charged for a 60 sec. call only. In some cards, the pulse rate is every 6 sec. so even if you have to pay more for every pulse, it might be cheaper for you if your calls are generally of a short duration rather than going in for a 60 sec pulse rate calling card.Payphone Calling- You pay a Surcharge
Also, calling from payphones costs you an extra surcharge. This charge is irrespective of the fact that whether your call actually gets connected or not. So use payphones to the minimum while placing calls through a prepaid calling card.
Expiry date – Please take a look
Then there is also the expiration date of the calling card to be considered. There can normally be two types of expiry dates on a calling card – either the expiry date is general and the card will expire on a certain date, irrespective of whether it is used or not.Alternatively, there are cards in which the expiry date is determined depending upon the day the usage begins, such as 30 days expiry after the card is used for the first time.
So make sure that you check out the expiry date before choosing your calling card, as you will no longer be able to use your card after the expiry date even if there is calling time on it.
Maintenance fee
In addition to the above, there is a maintenance fee that is a hidden cost on a calling card. This is charged every fortnight or on a monthly basis. So, before you purchase a calling card, please read the fine print so that you know what you are paying for. If the card has a maintenance fee, then you must try and utilize the card before the specified time period.