Telephones

Telephone calls in England are more expensive than in the United States. All local calls are timed. Pre-paid phone cards are widely used, and can be a great deal. The programme director has had good luck with “America First” phonecards which may be bought in increments of ?5 and which are available at small convenience stores throughout the UK.

All long distance phone calls should be done with an international calling card. There are several kinds of calling cards readily available in Britain. In addition, many U.S. long distance phone companies offer a special international phone service. Some examples are AT&T USA Direct (0800 89 0011), MCI Call USA (0800 89 0222), or USA Sprint Express (0800 89 0877). Utilization of these programs often provide a less expensive way to place international calls to the U.S.

You can also purchase an international calling card from the US that will allow you to call home inexpensively. For example, NobelCom offers an international calling card for $20 that you can use not only in the United Kingdom but all over the world. Alternatively, since you do not pay for incoming calls in Europe, your parents can purchase a card with low rates to the United Kingdom and they can call you for as low as $0.03 per minute. Cards can be purchased on their web site at: www.nobelcom.com

NOTE: Often the rates to call a cellular phone are higher than to call a landline. NobelCom is just one example of a calling card provider. Always read the small print when purchasing a phone card. NobelCom offers a lot of different calling cards but it is best if you buy cards that bill in one-second increments rather than the seemingly cheapest card.

 

During the 2003-2004 year, many students in the programme bought and used cell phones. It is important to note that almost all U.S. cell phones will not work in Europe. (See item on phones in section on packing.)

There is no one perfect answer to meet everyone’s phone calling needs.