Long distance rates outside of Canada are generally higher than at home. Hotels often add surcharges for telephone calls on top of the already high long distance charges. It is not uncommon to hear stories of how a 15 minute telephone call resulted in a $100USD charge discovered upon checkout. Compounding the problem are strange payphones, especially in the US where there are many more telephone companies. Often, Canadians are puzzled by the fact that their calling card won't work, etc.We suggest strongly that you find out what surcharges apply to 800 number calls from the hotel at which you are staying. If it seems excessive, see if there is a payphone that you can use to call home. We recommend that you have a Bell Calling Card and use Canada Direct toll free numbers to a Bell operator. Canada direct has local toll free numbers in every imaginable place on earth. It's comforting to know that wherever you are, you'll reach a Canadian operator, and pay Canadian long distance rates. If you don't have a Bell Calling Card, you can still use Canada Direct to contact a Bell Operator, who can easily place a collect call for you. Here is a link to Canada Direct, where you can enter the countries you are visiting and get the local toll free numbers to use en route. Remember to find numbers for connecting points, if applicable as well. More and more hotels are offering some form of Internet connectivity for their guests. This usually involves a small room with one or two computers connected to web browsers. It's a good idea to set up a free email account, such as Yahoo.com or Home.com. Even if it is just used for your trip, it is the cheapest way to communicate with your home or office.
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Canada Direct Telephone Guide |
