Best International Phone Card to Purchase

[mmouse37]

Ok, I know this has been discussed a million times, but I never really paid much attention until now that I need one.

I am looking for an international phone card that can be used to call the states from any of the ports on the Eastern or Western Itinerary. I would also want it to be able to work from any of the ports to Europe (the UK).

Any suggestions?

MJ

 

[MrsG]

We used an AT&T from ports on the Western and had no trouble. I'd recommend it. You can go to their web site or call them to get more info on numbers to dial from each port. They were very helpful.

 

[akterrye]

Do the minutes expire pretty quick? I'd like to start stocking up but my cruise isn't for about 6 months and I'd hate to have them expire before I could give them out. I was thinking about the package of cards from costco....

 

[aseafish]

Usually it's a year or even two before they expire. And in most cases, that time begins with the first use.

 

[akterrye]

GREAT! Thank you, aseafish! BTW, I love your nick!

 

[MrsG]

I'm pretty sure that the AT&T cards don't expire. That's why we use them. The minutes did not seems to go quickly, in fact, we are still using the card at home because we had so much time left. The major thing to look for when buying a card is the cost per minute. The AT&T we got was 10 cents/minute. Others can be as much as 17 cents/minute. The more per minute, the faster the card goes.

 

[aseafish]

The AT&T we got was 10 cents/minute.

Ours are 3.5 cents per minute, bought themat Costco, but it may take more than one unit to make an international call. I'll check.

 

[MrsG]

Wow, that's a great deal. But you're right, I wonder if the Costco cards use more units internationally than AT&T. Domestically, your card seems like a better choice. Also, I heard that you cannot use some cards at certain destinations, the call won't go through.

Moral of the story: research about where you want to call from BEFORE you purchase.

 

[disny4ever]

We also have used ATT cards bought at Sam's...again 3.5 cents a minute ( I think ) and worked at the eastern ports. Yes it does take more units calling back to the U.S.

 

[MrsG]

I just read that the AT&T card doesn't work in Nassau, Bahamas. Is this true?

 

[Jobro2]

Which would be the best phone cards to include as a little extra along with tips for service?

 

[taysalyn]

just giving this a little bump. I'm interested in giving these away along with the tip to the servers and I want to make sure I get the right ones. I would hate to give something away and they not be able to use it.

Just curious

 

[mmouse37]

The reason I first posted was because we would also like to give as gifts to the crew when we sail again.

I want one that works from the E/W Ports to the U.S., but also one that works from the E/W Ports to their homes in Europe.

MJ

 

[caskar]

We gave our servers and cabin steward AT&T cards from Sam's Club. Two of the three thank us specifically for the cards the next day and how thoughtful that was. Thoses two were from countries in South America and Asia. The one that didn't say anything was from Canada. The server from SAmerica said "we" have a set up with AT&T and could use this card to call her mom when she got off the ship at Port C. Thanks to all that suggested the phone cards on the DIS boards.