Save on Phone Bills When Traveling for Business

Corporate Travelers Can Save Money with Internet Phones, VoIP

Sep 1, 2009

Phone calls are an inevitable part of business travel. Use a prepaid calling card or an Internet phone system for cheap local, domestic or international telephone calls.

Corporate travelers who need to check in with the office or keep in touch with family now have many options. Instead of having to rely on hotel phones and sky high fees, travelers can use services such as voice over IP and calling cards to make calls – both locally and internationally. Here's the lowdown on some of the various services, and how to save money while keeping in touch.

Prepaid Calling Cards for Domestic or International Phone Calls

Prepaid calling cards are cards that are paid for ahead of time, either by the number of minutes or a dollar amount. To use the card, a toll free calling number and a PIN is provided. These cards can save on both domestic and international calls, as they generally provide a discounted rate. However, be sure to read the fine print – some cards may appear to charge by the minute, but also add a fee for each phone call made.

Prepaid phone cards are available at many outlets, including drug and convenience stores, post offices, grocery stores, and more, making them convenient to purchase.

Long Distance Calling Cards Provide Discounts and Convenience

Long distance calling cards are available from both long distance providers and from cell phone services. The calling card number is based on the home or business telephone number or the cell phone number, and charges are included on monthly statements. Most do not include additional fees.

Internet Phone Systems Uses High Speed Internet to Connect Travelers

VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) services use a high speed Internet connection (cable modem or DSL), also known as broadband, to make and receive calls. For a flat rate as low as $20 per month, business travelers can receive a U.S. phone number and unlimited domestic calling. Some services also include calls to and from Canada, Latin America, Asia and Europe. However, be aware that some companies require a one-year contract to lock in certain discounted rates.

To use a VoIP service, travelers need a computer, high speed Internet connection, a telephone and an adapter as well. An adapter is simply a mechanism that connects the high-speed Internet to the telephone, and may be available from the service provider.

For business travelers who need to make phone calls but don't know the telephone number, directory assistance can come in handy. However, the charges for directory assistance can be upwards of $2.50. Bypass the directory assistance charges by using a free service. Free 411 services, such as 800-Free-411 and Google's 800-Goog-411, are available that provide users with the requested phone number after playing an audio commercial or two.

Keeping in touch when traveling for business doesn't have to be expensive -- use Internet phones or calling cards to connect.

The copyright of the article Save on Phone Bills When Traveling for Business in Business Travel Tips is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish Save on Phone Bills When Traveling for Business in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 22, 2009 5:03 PM

Guest :

Actually, what I do when I travel abroad is leave a TracFone at home so that my family can call me at any time, to any any country for the same cost of a local USA call. TracFone's International calling plan has no roaming fees at all and, with it, you can call more than 100 countries across the globe from the US. They're the only prepaid mobile phone that offers this service - for the low rate of a local call that is. Check out their plans oline - Also, the phones are very goo quality and affordable. You can buy at any discount store - Walmart, Kmart, Target, Best Buy,etc.