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Understanding the results from the call calculator
FAQ - Frequently
asked Questions about the rate calculator
Q: Why have a
call calculator?
A: Because our customers asked for one. Trawling through rate
table after rate table takes much time. The call calculator was
produced in response to many customer requests wanting a fast
search. Whereas many calculators on the net show only 1 currency
we also decided to show multiple currencies for cards. We also
decided to show regional variations for cards who rate tables
distinguished by country and region.
Q: Can I see view
the rates in my own currency?
A: The card rates are shown in it's own original currency,
whatever this may be.
You can use a currency converter
(click here)
To help with conversion rates from sterling (GBP) to US dollars
(USD) we have produced the following table with approximate
conversion rates:-
|
Card Value |
US$
equivalent |
|
£5 |
$7.50 |
|
£10 |
$15 |
|
£20 |
$30 |
|
£50 |
$75 |
| |
|
pence per
minute |
US cents/min |
|
5 |
7.5 |
|
10 |
15 |
|
30 |
45 |
Exchange rates do vary although both currencies are strong and
the variation not huge.
Over the last 3 months the rate has varied between approx 1.35
and 1.57 USD:GBP
The
currency converter
may be of more use.
Please note that if you click on the small card image after
conducting your search you will then see the product page.
By using the currency selector (L.H.S.) You can view the card
value in almost all currencies.
Q: How does
a phonecard work ?
A: Please
click here
to see more information (opens in
a separate window)
Q: Why do you ask
for average call duration?
A: Some phone cards/calling cards have a connection charge for
each phone call. The cost of a call charged to the card is
therefore the connection charge (if applicable) plus the call
rate charge X call duration. The calculator takes this into
account and searches for the best card for you.
An
example might be a card charging 95 pence connection plus 5
pence/minute
In this example the cost of a 60 minute call would be :-
E.g. call cost = 95 + (60 X 5) = £3.95, which averages £3.95/60
mins = 6.6p/minute for this length of call.
This example is shown in British pounds but the same principle
applies to any card.
Q: How much does
it cost to call a mobile?
A: If the calculator does not indicate the call charge to a
mobile phone then one should check with customer services for
the card in question for the specific rate to a mobile. It
should not be assumed that a call to a mobile phone is charged
at the same rate as that to a country unless specified. The vast
majority of phone cards will have a per minute surcharge or
higher rate to a mobile phone
Q: Does the
calculator take account of per minute billing which is greater
than 1 minute?
A: No. Most card are billed per minute and the calculator works
fine for these. However some cards may be by two minute or three
minute billing. For example if a card uses three minute billing
then a 1 minute called will be billed for three minutes, a three
minute call will be billed for three minutes, a 9 minute call
will be billed for 9 minutes an 20 minute call will be billed
for 21 minutes. the calculator will not account for this, and
should be used as a guide only, preferably for longer duration
calls.
Q: How do I order
a phonecard?
A: Perform the search and select the card which is best for your
search. You select the card product page by clicking on the
small card image. On the product page you can add to your basket
and buy on-line. The product page also give more specific
information about the card.
Q: Why do you
show display currency?
A: Some phone cards rates are shown in USA denominations, some
in UK sterling etc. This shows you the currency that applies to
the rate shown. E.g. if display currency = US$ and the call rate
/ min is 7 cents you know that we are talking about United
States 'Cents' and not Canadian cents or Australia cents.
Q: If I have
asked to see phonecards to a
particular country why do you show me regions in some cases?
A: Some cards will have their rates not only varying by country
but also by region for that country. We display the information
that is presented to us by the telco supplying the cards as this
will be more specific and may show you regional differences that
apply to you. For example 'India, New Delhi' would mean
specifically to the New Delhi region of India. A rate shown to
'India' on it's own would tend to apply to all regions unless
it's shown elsewhere in the search. One should also note that
cell/mobile phones are normally charged at different rates to
land lines within a country. If we have the cell phone rate to a
cell we tend to show this too. There may be exceptions to this
such as premium or special rate numbers. If still in doubt you
may wish to call the customer services number for the particular
card you are interested in.
For Example, if you are in the UK searching for 'India, Goa'
with an average call duration of 30 minutes then you would
search from 'United Kingdom' to 'India' Duration '30 mins'. The
calculator would show all of the cards that match your search to
India. If you then look down the list in the 'To' region
column, if 'Goa' is not mentioned then you would simple go down
the list until you find 'India' on it's own. This would tend to
be the cheapest card. (Please note also that some cards operate
on a 'free phone' access as standard and some on 'local rate'
access as standard. If there is a 'free phone' surcharge per
minute on a specific card we show this in the table.)
Q: Why do you
show 'free phone surcharge per minute'?
A: In many countries you use calling cards by accessing a 1-800
number or free phone number for that country. Some phone cards
however show their rates with an alternative access number;
usually a 'local call rate' number. In such cases we want you to
see the surcharge charged to the card for dialing a free phone
number rather than this local number. This allows you to make a
better judgment in selecting the card best for you. Our
calculator displays any surcharge but does not add it into the
calculation. If access to a card is made via a 'local number'
then a local charged will be made by your telephone service
provider. For example, in the UK accessing the 0845 local call
rate number will normally incur a charge of between 1p and
4p/minute to the line/service that you are using. This is not
charged to the card.
Q: What's
the difference between 1-800, toll free and 0845 access?
A: We have compiled a page on this very
subject
Q: What
about calling from a hotel, cell phone or call box ?
A: This has been covered with it's own page.
Click Here
Q: Can you email
me the results of a search ?
A: When you use this calculator to find the card with the best
rate for your particular needs, you may wish to email the
results to yourself or a friend !!!! Most people want receive a
copy of their search and most friends/relatives/work colleagues
appreciate the fact that you have thought of them. We will keep
a copy of the search and will send you any relevant changes or
phone card news. If you particular search does not yield an
appropriate card then you can ask us to let you know when such a
card becomes available.
Q: If I use a
card which is not listed here, might you add it to your range?
A: We are always on the look out for quality cards from around
the world. if you find one that you would like us to stock then
please send us the details, or the used card. We will add this
to our card review and may add it, subject to approval, to our
range.
Q: Where
can I find terms and conditions for purchasing cards?
A: By clicking
here
a separate window will be opened with terms & condition on them.
This call calculator is sponsored by
1st4Phonecards who's
web site can be found at
http://www.1st4phonecards.com
(link opens up in a separate window)
Q: Do you have
cards for all countries?
A: Our goal is to have cards for many countries in the world.
Some countries do not have phone cards at this time. We are,
however, adding additional cards and countries on an on-going
basis. If we do not have a card that suits your search you will
get an option to ask us to email you when we do have such a
card.
Terms of use -
call calculator
This
calculator is intended as a guide only. Phone card manufacturers
reserve the right to change rates without prior notice. While we
will endeavour to maintain these rates they can not be
guaranteed.
Usage of this calculator is by acceptance of the
terms
of 1st4phonecards.com.
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