How does it work?

Generally sign up for these phonecards are free - and you pay a lump sum to this company,
which is placed as credit on your virtual 'phonecard'.  When you place a call, you prefix the
number you wish to call with a code number given to you by the phonecard company.  So you
pay normal charge costs on your phone for a local call, but are toll charged at the phonecard
company rate.  For those of us wishing to speak to our nearest and dearest back home this is a
life saving on our wallets!  Below is a charge comparison table from a leading phonecard operator
and standard British Telecom (BT) rates.

Destination	Phonecard Rate (per minute)	BT Rate (per minute)
New Zealand	4p	49p
Australia	4p	49p
South Africa	14p	79p

Oh - and don't forget to read the fine print before signing on!  Many companies offer cheap rates, but
may not be the cheapest depending on HOW they charge.   ie: many charge the advertised rate
on the first few seconds, and then charge at minute increments thereafter.

Check out our Business Directory for Phonecard Company Contacts.