amounts for phonecards?

[challada]

As a newbie set to sail this month, I'll be full of dumb questions! I asked this on the tipping thread, but it got buried in the masses of pages so I will ask this independently.

I've read of alot of folks bringing international phonecards to add to tips of CMs on board and I would like to do this....but I live in a small town and Costco does not have anything but the standard US MCI cards...I have found international cards at a local retailer and they come in $5, $20 and $30 amounts....I was going to get 10 of the $5 ones to give out, but is that too cheap an amount for the CMs? How many do you end up giving out (if I'm only giving a few, I'll get the $20s)?

Thank you experts for all your help!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

*bump* I'm wondering the same thing

 

[inkkognito]

I would get the $5 ones...after all, you can always give more than one!
Remember that, depending on where the crew member is calling, the amount of minutes may be significantly less than you would imagine, especially if they are calling from a payphone (due to surcharges).
Barb

 

[challada]

Barb-
That's my fear is that a $5 card will last them for about 5 minutes! If I did go w/the $5 ones, how many should I bring w/me...10 or 20 of them?

 

[inkkognito]

Depends on who you might use them for. We figure servers and stateroom host and then bring a few extra in case there people who are in non-tipped positions who deserve a little "thank-you." Lately we have been bringing FL lottery tickets instead, as something "fun" to add to the tip envelopes.
Barb

 

[LiserAnn]

Do you have a Sam's Club in your area or know someone who has a membership because they can order them online and mail them to you (they're real flat). You can also sign up to shop online but I don't know the cost, etc. Anyway, I bought 60 minute ones, pack of 12 for $25 at Sam's Club. They can be used internationally but the minutes drop...but even still, 30 minutes is still great.

Here's a link to view it online:
http://search.samsclub.com/eclub/se...&searchtype=simple&action=search&logged_in=No

Lisa

 

[challada]

Now I'm even more confused...does that mean I can buy the cards that say "domestic" and they will just charge them a higher rate for international calls or do I have to buy the ones that say "international" on them?
I would love to buy this pack of MCI cards if I can for giving out as I think it will be plenty of calling cards for everyone we would possibly tip:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10045456&whse=&topnav=&cat=&s=1
But I was under the impression that because it doesn't say "international" on the card itself that these were useless to the folks on the boat. If I can get these, then that will be what I go with.
THANKS
Chris

 

[scrapperjill]

Now I'm even more confused...does that mean I can buy the cards that say "domestic" and they will just charge them a higher rate for international calls or do I have to buy the ones that say "international" on them?
I would love to buy this pack of MCI cards if I can for giving out as I think it will be plenty of calling cards for everyone we would possibly tip:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=10045456&whse=&topnav=&cat=&s=1
But I was under the impression that because it doesn't say "international" on the card itself that these were useless to the folks on the boat. If I can get these, then that will be what I go with.
THANKS
Chris

I was looking at the card on the link you posted...and as I was reading more of the description for the cards I noticed there is a phone number to call for international rates..Of course you won't know were the CM are needing to call..but maybe you could call the number and get somewhat of an idea....at least of a few places.

 

[suesings]

Depends on who you might use them for. We figure servers and stateroom host and then bring a few extra in case there people who are in non-tipped positions who deserve a little "thank-you." Lately we have been bringing FL lottery tickets instead, as something "fun" to add to the tip envelopes.
Barb

That is a cute idea! Does everyone who work for Disney Cruise Line have to be over 18? I should know this since I live in California, but how old do you have to be to play Lotto? 18 or 21? I really don't remember - guess I'm showing my age. It's been A LONG time since I had to worry about being old enough I just want to make sure I don't hand Lottery Tickets to someone who will get in trouble

 

[CM_Mom]

Actually everyone who works for DCL has to be over 21. The fine print on the cards says international rates may vary so sounds like they would work, they would just be for fewer minutes.

FYI, you might want to make a casual inquiry to see if the crew person you are thinking of giving the card to has a cell phone. Our DD has one and uses it for all her US long distance. On our cruise last May, our cabin steward from the Phillipines had a cell phone he used to speak to his wife and daughter at home so we chose to give him extra cash instead of the phone cards.

 

[LiserAnn]

The cards I bought at Sam's Club said in the "fine print" they could be used internationally and to call for those rates, must like the Costco ones. You should be fine........