Ahhh, the poor phone over there in the corner. With wireless phones proliferating the world, it seems that pay phones get little or no respect anymore. However, before you write them off, recognize that the pay phone still serves many needs. Unlike wireless phones, pay phones are plugged-in and are often available where wireless phones can only function as high-tech paper weights. On top of that, pay phones serve to equalize the masses, allowing everyone to make calls when not at home. So given that they're still around and often our only option, here's some important things to know about pay phones and their usage.

Dropping In The Coins Back To Top

There are a few things to know about when using a pay phone to place calls:

• Coin rates are set by the compaines that operate the phone and vary from location to location. Always read the signage to see what the rates are for local calls
• Long distance rates charged for dialing direct are determined by the operator of the phone
• Pay phone operators are required to allow access to tollfree and emergency numbers without requiring a coin deposit

Charge It! Using Calling & Credit Cards Back To Top

Credit Cards:

Pay Phones that allow you to insert a credit card charge rates determined by the operator of the pay phone. These rates may be significantly more than the rates charged by a third-party calling card or pre-paid calling card. In essence, you are simply using your credit card to pay for the call rather than endlessly dropping coins into the slot.

Calling Cards, Pre-Paid Phone Cards, & Dial Around Services

Pay phones provide access to third party billing options through tollfree access or dial around numbers. These are numbers you can call without depositing coins. You are then connected to the long distance provider associated with the calling card or service, which then handles the billing of the call.

• All providers are required to identify themselves before you place a call using their service. Be sure that the provider is the one you expect
• Long distance / alternate service providers are required to pay the pay phone operators a fee for each call recieved from a pay phone. Providers may pass bill you and/or pass this cost on to you in the form of extra charges to place the call. Be aware of your providers pay phone surcharges.

Click here to learn about avoiding pre-paid phone card scams.

Collect Calls Back To Top

So you like to test your relationships with friends and family. Collect calls put the burden of payment on those that you call, and that burden can be to the tune of - or more per call. So call thoughtfully when calling collect becuase there are scams out there.

If you place a collect call

• Dial carefully! A new scheme termed "fat-finger dialing" preys on people who have misdiled one of the heavily advertise collect calling options (1-800-CALL-ATT / 1-800-COLLECT). Get one of the numbers transposed or press a wrong number and you're sudenly using Hal's Extra High Cost Collect Calling Service* (*not a real plan)
• All providers are required to identify themselves before you place a call using their service. Be sure that the provider is the one you expect

If you recieve a collect call

• Know who is calling - get a clear name
• All providers are required to identify themselves prior to connecting the call. Be sure that the provider is the one you expect and/or recognize
• Check your phone bill to see what you're getting charged for the calls you accepted.
• Remember you can say "NO". If it's really important the caller will likely try again.