Cool Beans SF

Being an expatriate is difficult in itself. Working in a new environment and culture can be very stressful. Not being able to stay in contact with family and friends in one’s home country can be outright torture. There are many great calling cards for expatriates that make the connection with family and friends possible, even in another country.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of these calling cards for expatriates:

1. Make sure the calling card purchased is usable in the country that the call will be made from. It is very common for family to ship calling cards to those working overseas in a care package. While this is a nice practice, if the calling card does not work in that country, it can simply be more of a torture.

2. Make sure the calling card can actually call the country that one wishes to call. There are many calling cards that expatriates can purchase in the country that he or she is working in that may not work to call home. Before purchasing, check the calling card’s worldwide rates and ensure that the country you are calling to is listed and also offers a rate you are willing to pay. In doing this, disappointment can be avoided.

3. International rates can be higher that domestic rates. Find a calling card with a rate you feel is best for your needs; not necessarily the card that advertises the lowest rates (these cards may be loaded with other fees which reduce the minutes or have less than quality connections). Advice: Buy a card and use it in one call.

4. Make sure the company you buy your calling card from offers a guarantee. Rates do change, so you do not want to buy, for example, $20 worth of minutes one day only to find out the next day you now have just $18 worth of minutes due to rate changes. It can and does happen, so shop with a calling card company that offers a guarantee beyond what the carrier provides.

5. Phone home frequently. By staying in touch with family and friends as often as possible, there can be a connection maintained that can help one through the hardest times of working outside of one’s home country. Being away from family and friends is hard, but the telephone can make it a little easier. Phone cards for the expatriates can make using that phone even more affordable.

You can buy calling cards in most convenience stores, liquor stores and gas stations, but you may prefer to visit better calling card websites on the Internet. We like: Speedypin*, Zaptel, Union, and STI,

*We really like Speedypin because they offer a calling card guarantee and can see it right on their home web page. This lets expatriates know that this company will help you should anything go awry with your card (minute, rates, or connection).