Frequently Asked Questions

This list is currently under review. If you have any questions then please email us with them. We thank you for your time and courtesy in doing this... who knows maybe you question will appear on our FAQ's in the future.

Q. How do I find the best card for the country that I wish to call?

A. The most convenient way is to use our Find Best Rate (on left hand menu). Click on this image to bring up in separate window.

Q. Do we pay VAT on pre-paid phone cards?

A. This depends upon the card type and where you are. To keep things simple, VAT is included at 17.5% if applicable.

Q. Can I order over the phone?

A. Yes, subject to availability. Preference is given to internet orders.

Q. Is there a minimum order? 

A. Yes. Our minimum order stands at £9 (around $13).

Q. What is the difference between 0800/toll free and 0845 access?

A. This is a very popular question. Please take a moment to read the page dedicated to this subject.

Q. Can I call more than one country?
A. Yes, you can phone as many as your limit will allow you to phone.

Q: When using the call calculator can I see view the rates in my own currency?
A: The card rates are shown in it's cards own original currency, whatever this may be.

To help with conversion rates from sterling (GBP) to US dollars (USD) we have produced the following table with approximate conversion rates:-

Exchange rates do vary although both currencies are strong and the variation not huge.
Over the last 3 months the rate has varied between approx 1.35 and 1.5 USD:GBP

There is a free Currency Converter for you to use. Click here. (will open in a new window)

Please note that if you click on the small card image after conducting your search you will then see the product page.
By using the currency selector (L.H.S.) You can view the card value in almost all currencies.

Q. Can I call from more than one country?

A. In some cases Yes. As you look at each card a description of usage will be made available. Generally world cards have the benefit and convenience of being able to use one card in many countries. The rates do not tend to be a good as 'country specific' card. 

Q. Do I need a 'touch tone' phone?

A. Yes. Most new telephones are touch phones. If you pick up the handset and press any number then you will here a sound, usually a tone or a clicking noise. If it is a tone then there is a good chance you are using a 'touch tone' phone. Some payphone needs to be told that you wish to use 'tones'. For example in the UK you may need to enter a * after the access number to switch on tones. 

Q. Might the rates change during the use of my card?

A. Most service providers of phone cards reserve the right to change their rates without prior notice. At 1st4Phonecards we will look to update our rate tables, within a few days of being given  official notification about these changes. We suggest that if you want the exact latest rates then you check these with the customer services number of the particular  card in question. there is however no guarantee that rate will remain the same. We find however that rates changes are not frequent.

Q. Can I get cards sent to me if I live outside the UK?

A. Only by email. We do not post cards outside the UK as often the cost and reliability is prohibitive. Most people prefer to receive their pins and access number by email which is what we do for customers outside of the UK.

Q. If I live in the UK can I order and pay by post?

A. Yes. You may as well go as far as the credit card screen and then print our the details (suggest you make a copy for yourself). Simply post this with payment to us. N.B. Cheques should be made payable to '1st4phonecards.com'. For the UK only.

Q. Do these cards expire ?

A. Yes. Cards tend to expire a certain number of days after first use. Typically this might be 90 days.  We will display this information on the product page for each card.

Q. Can I usually get through to the countries I need to ?

A. Generally speaking the answer is yes. No telecom supplier can guarantee 100% up time, but vast majority of calls get through 1st time.

Q. Can I use the UK phone cards from Jersey and Guernsey ?

A. Yes, you can use UK  cards in Jersey and Guernsey. If in doubt, try calling the access number from your location. 

Q. Can I use a phone card for data?

A. Unless specified, you should not use a phone card for data. Some cards may be suitable but set-up of such is not supported.  

Q. Can I use phone cards from a laptop?

A. For most cards the answer is No. With some cards the answer is Yes. We recommend that only high quality cards are used for this purpose but we do not support any set-up of such. One of our customers has produced a guide for use from a laptop but we do not support this guide and it is given as an aid only.  Care must be taken to set this up and we recommend that you use high quality cards for data calls. Click here to download laptop set-up guide (in Adobe .PDF format).
Please note that we do not give refunds if the cards do not work with data as the cards can be used with voice, which is what they are designed for. Customer wishing to send cheaper faxes consider a service like http://www.DialandSave.com which is aimed at businesses.

Q. How much extra does it cost to phone a mobile phone in another country ?

A. If you plan on phoning a mobile phone in another country please telephone the appropriate Customer Services number to find out the current rate (see the bottom of the page on call rates.), or email us on Sales@1st4phonecards.com.

Q. Can I use these cards on my mobile phone to call other countries, and if so how much extra does it cost ?
A. Providing that you have a good signal you can use these phone cards to call other countries on your mobile phone. You may need to check with your mobile phone provider the cost to 0845 numbers, but generally 0845 numbers are charged like any other national call, which means that you will need to add the mobile rate to your phone card rate. For example, on my mobile phone I am charged 5p/min off peak (plus VAT). I would therefore add this cost onto the phone card rate.

Q. How do I actually use the cards?

A. You would normally dial an access number (which might be a local number or a free phone / toll free  number). After dialling this number you will be asked for your pin number which you then key into you phone. At this point most cards will inform you of your remaining balance and ask you to dial you phone number. You can normally make follow-on calls by typing ### or *** or something similar. The specific keys for this will vary by card and this information is shown on the card product page.

Q. If ordering by email how long does it take ?

A. Most of our customers receive their pin instantly. In some cases a customers first order may need to be confirmed and this may happen within 24 hours. (up to 48 hours for first time orders outside the UK).  Please note that if this is your first time order then we may wish  to confirm the order by land line with you. Please note that if you are using a Yahoo, Hotmail or similar account then your order may not arrive if you have an email account which is full or if you have blocked our email address. Please ensure that you supply correct information and use an account which can receive email.. and email from us.

Q. If I experience a problem with my card then who I speak to?

A. Whilst the vast majority of calls are made with ease and without problems, occasionally you may experience a problem with your card to a particular location. Each Phone card 'supplier/telco' have their own customer services who can take a look at your specific card in the event of a problem. As we are a reseller of phone cards we do not have access to your card account. However, the customer services for your specific card will have this information. They also have the ability to credit your card, e.g. in the event of a call being prematurely terminated. If you experience any problems with your card you should first call this number. If your problems persist, or are not resolved, please contact us here at 1st4phonecards.com, with details of your problem.

Q. Do you have to send me a card or can you just email me the details?

A. If you wish, we can simply email you the details, access numbers and pin. this will allow you to start using your card right away. For instance,  we can charge your credit card and you could be using these cheap rates within minutes of receiving your email. If you need to contact us about an order please email us or phone  0845 108 108 1 (local rate)  if phoning from within the UK, or +44 1772 739 222 from outside the UK.

Q. In the UK, what surcharges are placed on either of these cards when using the 0845, 0800 number or 0800 in a BT phonebox?

A. Explanation of surcharges for each card can be found at the bottom of the page on call rates.

Q. Am I using a  'Secure Connection' when entering my credit card details?

A. Yes you are. When you enter the area for placing your credit card details you will normally notice that the URL changes from http:// to https:// and most browsers will inform you of this. Because our site uses frames, to aid navigation, you will not see this  being displayed. If you right mouse button click when in the credit card entry section and select properties you will however see the 'https' should you wish to check this. We would like to assure you that our credit card entry page is secure. See our page on Security.

Q. Do you have a list of international country codes?

Yes. Click here

Q: Will they work from any touch tone phone.. home.. hotel.. etc?

A: As a rule,  for the countries listed,  you may use from almost any touch tone phone. There are no guarantees. E.g. In some countries certain hotels may place a surcharge on free phone access. (some hotels may bar the access number.. although this is rare it does happen). 
The caller should check to see what they will get charged for calling the access number. 

Q. How do I select which postage type I want ?

At the checkout you will get an option which will look similar to this :-