Calling cards in Europe

You can buy them at any convenience store or grocery store.

Do I have to purchase the cards in northamerica prior to my trip...or can I get them at the convenience/grocery stores in Paris and London???

International calling cards are sold everywhere, so you can simply wait until you arrive there. If you wish to have something in hand prior to your trip, check out www.callingcards.com. Just be mindful of per minute rate and billing increment combinations on the various cards offered. You’ll see some that are 1.9 cents per minute with 3 minute increments and others that are 3.2 cents per minute with 1 minute increments. Either way, it’s cheap…just good to know.

Wait till you get there is the best way to go. Buy them and use them only in the country you are in. Have fun.

We just returned and had purchased our calling card at the post office in London and another one at a small post office in Wales.

I've had the best luck buying them there.

I get them in tobacco/newsstands usually in or near a train station. I prefer a smaller value card good for only one country. I ask the seller where a phone is that I can use. When I'm in the booth, I look for some indication (like an ATM symbol) that shows the card goes with the phone. Sometimes the phone doesn't work but after trying a couple phones I'll find one that does.

OK so I plan to visit France, UK,Germany, Austria, and italy. Buying individual country cards can be expensive with time probably left over. Is there a card I can buy that is universal throughout Europe? I've seen similar cards on the Internet - just wondered if there was any hidden cost and are they really as good of a deal as I'm led to believe. You know is it too good to believe?
John.

Bump

Just a quick language thing: British people call these "phonecards". "Calling cards" in British English is an old-fashioned term for a business card.

Just a note, I phoned home twice from my hotel in Paris .. everyone says how expensive that is,, and it is all relevent,, but I did only pay 4.5 and 5 euros, for the two calls, and each was quite long,, more then 10 minutes for the first,and the second closer to 15 I am sure.. had a family situation to deal with ,, so thought to hell with cost. Thought I got off cheaply.

I also bought a phone card, from a Tabac,, and I haven't even used it up,, it was only about 5 euros I think,, maybe 7..

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Sorry for the above post, I was experimenting to see if my computer would finally let me post. It's been misbehaving.

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Phone cards are reasonable. In Germany it allows you to call the states for about 1 cent a minute. So a 5 euro card will last a while. There are country specific cards and international cards available too, which allow you to call other countries.

Make sure you use the correct number on the back of the card though. Have had more than a few people use the number for calling in-country and then wonder why they only got a few minutes time and why the hotel charged them for a call. Ask your front desk clerks for help, as to which number to use. Also ask them if you will be charged if you use this on a hotel phone. Some hotels charge and others don't. Always good to find out. Internet cafes have nice private phone booths to use usually, so it isn't like you are standing on a street corner somewhere using a pay phone.