Calling cards or calling Collect

[KYmom]

Just talked with the phone company regarding a 1-800 option. It is not very feasible the dcaller still has to put in access codes inorder to use, so basically that wouldn't be any different than using a calling card. I haven't heard anyone say that there sailor has called collect. I wouldn think that would be just as easy or is that not an option for them calling out?


Just looking for the best option while at boot camp for him.

[Wini]

Jake used a cell phone after BC and long distance to us was free. Since deployment he has used the VFW operation uplink phone cards. These are provided free to military deployed overseas but you have to sign up.

[glennsmom]

I got my son's phone card at Costco, a real good deal but forgot to activate it before left for Boot Camp so he wasted some valuable talking time taking care of that. Since Boot Camp he has had his cell phone.

[KYmom]

Geuss we will do the Costco calling card, was trying to find an easier way for him to call. Once he finishes BC he will have his cell phone so that will be no problem.

[Kristie]

Delores....we got Brandon and Jennifer their calling cards from Walgreens....very reasonable and they activate them for you so that the caller does not have to worry about it....

[KYmom]

He will leave 6 weeks from today.:bigemo54:

[Will'sMom]

Hi Delores, Don't forget to read the "fine print" on the back of the calling cards -- some of them eat up more minutes than others. I got Will's at Kroger and activated it before he left. Now, he's in Jacksonville with his cell phone -- now the only problem is he has to go outside to use his phone -- apparantly T-Mobil phones do no get good service there.

I cannot believe he will be leaving in 6 weeks -- it sounded so far off when we first met -- boy the time flys by! I know that you will enjoy the next 6 weeks with him!!

Melanie

[Kristie]

That is why I liked the Walgreens card.....already activated...now I just have to come up with something for international calling...lol

I can't believe he is leaving in 6 weeks......wow....time has flown by....

[KYmom]

Yes it has, it seems like yesterday that both our kids where still home and now J is already through BC and on to A school.

[navymomme]

For international calls try pennytalk.com

[Navy_Proud]

Regarding the activated phone cards: I mailed my son a card that was activated by the store from which I purchased it. I took it directly to the post office and sent it on it's way. When he was finally able to make a call (after battle stations) he wasted precious minutes (of the 30 minutes allowed by the RDC) finding out that the card was actually NOT activated! He ended up calling collect and when I got the bill it was $10 for around 24 minutes. Of course it would all depend on your long distance plan, how much the charge would be for you. After PIR I took back the phone card to the store and they apologetically refunded my money.

So, the moral of this story is......check that the card is indeed activated before sending with your recruit. Also, they use a pay phone at bc and some cards charge 35 minutes or more for using at a pay phone so take that into account when figuring out how many minutes to buy.

Collect calling wasn't too expensive and it easy for him. I would have paid double that just for the chance to hear his voice :smile:

[KYmom]

Thanks you Angie, That's what I want to do is make is easy for him. The cost on this end is pointless. The harder it is for him, the less likely he is to call. I figure he doesn't get that many calls at this point so what difference does it make.