One of the most important aspects of your study abroad program, besides enjoying a foreign country’s school, eating its exotic food and meeting new friends, is staying in contact with the people back at home.

• You can certainly use your cell phone if you have international cell phone service, but what if you don’t have a cell phone, or you decide not to bring it with you?
• With all the cool upgrades like internet access, picture uploads and mp3 downloads that a cell phone can get nowadays, it’s best not to take your high tech gadget a millios miles away from home, where it can get lost or stolen.

The best way to call back home when you are in another country is to use an international calling card.

What is an International Calling Card?

An international calling card is a card that you can use to make a phone call anywhere in the world. They are usually the size of a credit card and have a specific code number on them that you enter so that you can make a call from any type of phone.

What are the Different Types of Calling Cards?

There are basically two different types of international calling cards:

1. Prepaid International Calling Cards – These are the most commonly used calling cards. You purchase the card and put a specific balance on it. The minutes are deducted when you make a call, and when you run out of minutes, you just buy another one. These are disposable and can be found anywhere.
2. International Phone Call Credit Cards – These work like credit cards: Most have a PIN number that you enter when you make a call, and it charges minutes to your land line back at home. You then pay the bill later.

It’s easier and more convenient to purchase a prepaid calling card because you know exactly how much you spent and how many minutes you have left to use. That can save you a lot of money. You also don’t have to worry about a huge phone bill when you get back from your study abroad trip!

What Should I Know Before Purchasing a Calling Card?

There are a few things you should find out about the international calling card that you want to get before you actually purchase it. Some of them are:

• What is the per-minute fee for international phone call credit cards?
• Are there different rates and plans?
• Does the card work in the country that I am visiting?
• Can I get more cards in that country?
• Does the card charge a connection fee?
• Will I be charged if I don’t make a connection but leave a message?
• Does the card have an expiration date?
• Can I get my money back for any unused minutes?

Where Can I Get an International Calling Card?

You can purchase these types of cards online and at discounted rates. Some good sites to check out are:

CallingCards.com

SpeedyPin.com

EnjoyPrepaid.com

PhoneCardSmile.com

Pingo.com

PennyTalk.com

Using an international calling card is easy, safe and affordable. You can carry it around wherever you travel and conveniently use it any pay phone or other telephone that may be available.

It’s just a great way for you to keep you cell phone bill down and your connection to family and friends up!