Things You Should Know When You Are Traveling |
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| Travelers are sometimes shocked at bills received for long distance calls they place
from payphones in foreign countries. Some of their calls are billed at exorbitant rates -
10 to 20 times higher than normal rates. This problem can be caused by inadequate government regulation in the foreign country. Foreign governments may allow new payphone operators to charge whatever rate they choose. This presents a problem if payphone operators don't care about repeat business and so maximize their profit on your first call. This was a problem in the U.S. until that government capped payphone rates to protect consumers. More recently, this has been a problem in Mexico. Canadian government regulations already control payphones rates. Although this problem has largely been limited to calls from payphones, the following precautions are sound advice whenever you place a long distance phone call: |
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If possible, route your call to a telephone company you trust. |
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Always know which telephone company is routing and billing your call. |
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If unfamiliar with the telephone company's rates, determine the rate before placing the call. |
| If you purchase a prepaid card, are not satisfied with the service and are unable to contact the supplier, the International Telecard Association at 1-800-333-3513 might be able to assist you. |
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Web site last updated November 17, 2000 - all rights reserved.