More than 30 years have gone in the development of this communication option – the glitches and short-comings have been overcome with the technological advancements and sophistication in the communication tools. We have the satellites, the World Wide Web, the faithful telephone lines which have been upgraded to optical fibres which conduct at the speed of light. The phone cards have evolved from magnetic strips which would or would not function to a certainty that they will. With all these options – the phone cards have become a good choice for communications to any destination one chooses to call.

If this is not convincing enough there are more advantages of using the phone cards – they are handy as they are thin cards just like the credit cards, once you have money on them, you can use them anywhere and anytime. From any kind of phone – be it a landline, cellular phone or the computer dialup. Imagine this that the mobile phones with no credit too can be used to make prepaid phone calls to anywhere in the world. The service is consistent 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Mostly there are no hidden costs and fees. The connectivity is excellent – the voice clarity and reception is good. They are easily available on the internet and in supermarkets. You can choose the credit you can afford on your calling cards from 5 to 50$ on each card. The eco-friendly option is that you buy the cards online and just note the access number and the PIN on the PDA or cell and just dial whenever required – no plastic and no paper involved. The rates are almost standard in most countries hence no tension about being overcharged for certain calls. The rates are also consistent at anytime of the day. There is also a consistent customer support as they cater to the global traveller they are available 24×7. They allow bank transfer and accept all currencies.

The cons are that all cards do not work in call countries – if a user bought a card in Spain it may not work in Germany. Yet there are calling cards, which will mention the multi-country access if they allow one. Another con is that if one loses the card – they suffer a loss of the amount on the phone card. One needs to beware of scams – do not reveal even a few digits of your PIN to anyone until you consciously want them to use it. One need to take the same precautions one takes with their credit card or they will be scammed. Also stick to a well-known and well reputed company for your calling cards as you will be revealing your credit card and other personal information to these companies to buy the cards online. Make certain that the tariff and other information is clearly mentioned on the phone cards you buy – talk on the customer care number to ascertain that they are a genuine company. It is okay to make them repeat the information already mentioned on the cards – only to ascertain that you have understood the terms well. Be well-informed and be safe.