trying to figure out phone cards

I searched for this topic but it really didn%26#39;t answer my question. I am unsure if we should get one of these cards or not for emergencies. How much do payphones cost in paris? I am getting a card to use in the us as using my mobile isn%26#39;t cheap because we will get charged roaming and that is steep. If we get stranded at the airport like we did coming back form London, I was thinking a phone card will be cheaper to have then using my mobile.

Any advice?

K

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the thing is - I%26#39;m not sure if payphones accept cash. You can buy a phone card at local %26#39;tabacs%26#39; (bar-cafes) for a small amount. But if you only want something in case of emergency, then what else would you be carrying your cell phone for? or were you not bringing the cell phone?

Don%26#39;t buy a phone card in the US to use in France - the minutes usage will %26#39;cost%26#39; more than just buying a local French phone card when you get there.

Here is some info from an author who is living in Paris:

http://www.secretsofparis.com/telephone/

Pay Phones

First off, French public telephones no longer accept coins, so to make a call you’ll need to get a pre-paid phone card (carte téléphonique)****see note below****, approximately €10 for 50 units or €17 for 120 units, available at major Métro stations, post offices, Tabacs, news stands, tourism offices and France Télécom agencies. Just stick the card in the slot (a handy little screen walks you through this on many phones) and dial. Most phone booths display the number which lets you receive calls. The cabines are getting harder to find, since so many French people use mobile phones now, but most Métro stations have one near the ticket window.

Note: Don%26#39;t use the regular carte téléphonique for international calls, you%26#39;ll watch your units ticking away faster than you can count! Instead purchase an international calling card (a télécarte international, from the same locations). Instead of actually sticking the card into the phone, you dial the free number listed on the card and type in the code (under the scratch-off silver panel), then follow the instructions in English to make your call. These can also be used for local calls.

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Another good article:

bonjourparis.com/Articles/…

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One%26#39;s personal requirements are very important in determining exactly what might be the best communication solution. Unfortunately your question does not offer sufficient information upon which to draw many conclusions.

1. whom will you call in an emergency - the US or within France?

2. whom will you call in the event of being stranded - a hotel in France for instance or someone in the US?

3. Why are you compelled to carry a mobile phone?

For many people, a carte téléphonic is really all they need unless they want to be contacted at any given time; then carrying a mobile phone would be important.

The 120 unit carte gives a better rate on international calls than does the 50 unit card. Calls to the US are also much cheaper on weekends and in the evening. In every French phone booth there is an explanation of rates and how to dial internationally. The procedures are outlined in English so these cards are very useful for both calling in France and elsewhere.

I find carrying a mobile phone essential for calling hotels, making restaurant reservations, and contacting acquaintances in France. To keep in contact with those in the US, I use email and an occasional call with a carte téléphonic.

If you really want to stay in touch with those in the US at the absolute lowest cost, carry your laptop and use VoIP. Calls cost just pennies a minute.

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Well, why do I need my mobile phone in paris? I don%26#39;t know. I was taking it for use going to and when we got back. I don%26#39;t have to take it. That%26#39;s why I was asking about the phone cards and payphones. Do they have those in paris? Yes, but they use cards and not cash. I don%26#39;t want to use the phone at the hotel because they will charge us too much back to the room. So, to call and make sure our reservations are good for our lunch cruise and going to Versailles I need a card. Will they do it for me at the hotel? I doubt it.

If my questions are becoming annoying, don%26#39;t answer them then. It seemed pretty clear to me what I was saying.

Thanks,

K

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I confess we take our cell phones and just use them as needed, rather than buying phone cards... We usually have about $20 worth of calls after a 9-11 day trip. You are right, though, roaming rates are much higher than phone card rates. If your phone is ATT, you can probably still buy those calling cards from them - haven%26#39;t used one in years but used to do so.

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%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;It seemed pretty clear to me what I was saying.%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

The point I am trying to clarify is whether or not you anticipate receiving calls on your mobile phone which originate in France. Often when making reservations at hotels, chambre d%26#39;hote, or restaurants, establishments ask you for your contact number. If indeed you do have such as requirement, then purchasing a French sim for your phone is an excellent option. Many travelers do this but it requires that your phone is not locked to a specific provider. Most phones can be unlock but this is something that you must arrange before you leave home.

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I doubt anyone will be calling me in paris but I do have a number for someone we are to contact over there if we need help. One of my student worker%26#39;s in-laws. Unlocking the phone? too much trouble. All I want is the ability to converse with the outside world in paris if I need to. In the states, no problem using a phone card. No reason to use my mobile until I get back in my network.

I prefer to have some kind of idea of what%26#39;s going on so i am not completely lost. I have come to the conclusion all I can do is try my best and hope we won%26#39;t get ripped off or have anything stolen or get mugged.

I apologize for being testy but I%26#39;m kinda tired, but I do apprecaite the effort to inform me.

k

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