COLLECT call to your bank? UPDATE

We usually ignore the collect call numbers and go straight to the "regular" number. Do you have a "regular" number at the branch that you use that you would call if you were in the U.S.? If so, perhaps just a straight call to that number (and hopefully to a person you know) and pay whatever the rate is for the call.

This is why I use Google Hangouts: free calls to US phone numbers, even landlines. You can try installing it now, but it may need to verify you have US cell service before it will let you make any free calls. But I used it many times with my Vodafone SIM. If you have an Android, you'll also need to install the Hangouts Dialer app. You make calls from within the Hangouts Dialer app, not using the phone's regular dialer.

Just add a +1 to the front of any US number to dial it.

Yes, I have used AT&T USA Direct with success from Spain, and at least one other country (don't remember which one now).

You dial a special toll free number (different for each country) from a landline, and get an English-speaking operator. They can then place the collect call to a non-800 number such as the one on the back of your credit card.

Here is a link to the PDF with the country list. Ignore the first page - you don't have to sign up to use it to make collect calls. https://www.att.com/media/att/2012/support/pdf/USADirectTravel-CompleteGuide.pdf

Hi Laura. The same thing happened to us in Paris last week with being locked out of our online access to our bank account. Even though we notified them of our absense and had been withdrawing $ from our account, when we did some bill pays it reported it as fraud and locked him out. We were able to use skype to dial the normal 800 number to straighten it out and get access to our online account. Do you have skype or a way to make phone calls on one of your electronic devices?

Thanks, all. This may be the tipping point to get him to change banks. And once we get home I will complete the set up of Google Hangouts/Dialer which I downloaded but did not complete.

One thing to keep in mind, a collect call only works on an old fashioned land line when you dial an operator that understands English, unless you speak the local language, that can put through the call.

Trying to use a cell phone will only use your minutes at whatever they cost. VOIP works if on wi-fi, but no need to call "collect"

I had to call a few 800 numbers last week from Europe. Used Skype and it didn't cost a cent. Clear connections.

Even regular calls cost a penny or two a minute. No need to wait until you get home to set it up. Just download the app.

I've had to make calls like that from Europe on a few occasions. I've found it's a lot easier and quicker just to direct dial the number provided for "collect" calls or a "regular" number. Using a cell phone allows me to make the call from wherever I happen to be, rather than waiting to find a Wi-Fi area to use Skype or whatever.

Google Hangouts, Skype, and other VoiP apps work just fine anywhere if you have a SIM mobile data (like the OP does) - no need to wait until you find WiFi.

With the OP, they noted that they called and ran through the 10 euro on the account. From my experience with Vodaphone, they likely had a package with a few gig plus a credit for phone minutes, priced between within Europe and International minutes. Calling home would chew up the 10 euro relatively quick in minutes. Yes, better to do VOIP and use data, but many may not realize the detail, hence the discussion.

Actually, the OP bought a "bundle" that includes (I think) 4GB of data and, I assume, still has plenty left. The 10 euros was left over credit. I bought a bundle for 20 euros last year and still had 5 euros left over, from which I could make calls if need be but haven't needed to yet.

Thanks for the update! I'm glad you were able to resolve it and now you can make some plans for easy calling options before your next trip. Continue to have a great trip!

Laura,

Thanks for the update. Your bank called at midnight - that's not too bad. Last time I received a call from my credit union whilst in Europe, they called at 03:00. That call prevented my ATM card from being "locked" so I didn't mind.

Last summer, our debit card stopped working in Frankfurt. The idea of the "collect call" was not clear to the clerk at the desk. So I just called directly. It was under $10. All phone things are cheaper these days.

We've had several problems that meant we had to call our bank, and always just called direct. Interestingly enough, the hotels we've stayed at have always let us call our bank without charging us for the call. Nice!

And this year we had to call Capital One from Europe when DH lost his credit cards, but there was no problem. There was a number on the card to call from outside the US. When the service person at the other end answered, his first question was: "Are you calling from outside the US? If not, hang up and call the 800 number."