Understanding the results from the call calculator

This has been written in the form of FAQ's

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:-

Exchange rates do vary although both currencies are strong and the variation not huge.

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. (Please see the limitation below with multiple minute billing)

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: What are the Limitations / Inaccuracies of the Call Calculator?

A: If the card has 2 minute (or more) billing then the calculator, at this time, is not capable of allowing for this. A call duration of 2 minutes would be accurate as would 4, 6, 8, 10 etc but not 9. Please see the explanation on the product page for per minute billing. The maximum number of minutes is the max mins on a card as stated by the manufacturer. In some case you would only get this if you use the card in 1 call.
Some manufactures may charge a termination charge. This too is not taken into account in the calculator call cost. 

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 card?

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 cards 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.

To email yourself or a friend you simple enter the search that you want, 'from Country' 'to Country' and 'average duration of call'. In a few seconds you will then see the results. At the bottom of these results you will see a link which says

 

Simply click on this link and enter the appropriate details. 

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 endeavor to maintain these rates they can not be guaranteed.

Usage of this calculator is by acceptance of the terms of 1st4phonecards.com.