Calling Cards for Landlines or Mobiles | 0.9 ¢/min to Canada/USA | FREE with JAXTR

[jackboot]

This thread excludes VOIP services.
There are tonnes of these and lots of threads on VOIP.
This thread is for services that do not require using a computer to place the call.

The purpose of this thread is to consolidate info on the cheapest calling cards that can be used with a regular landline or mobile phone. Many calling cards look cheap but have hidden fees which are difficult to detect in advance of using the service. This thread will let everyone know which cards are "no bull".

Canada to Anywhere for FREE!!!
JAXTR (http://www.jaxtr.com/user/howitworks.jsp)
This really looks quite amazing - you can phone a huge number of countries around the world for free.
List of countries that can be called for free is here (http://www.jaxtr.com/user/freecountries.jsp).
There does not appear to be any "catch" so give it a try and post your results! Only "downside" is that both you and the recipient must have a local access number.

Thanks goes to: drcrossover

List of Canadian cities with local access numbers:
Calgary
Edmonton
Montreal
Ottawa
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg


Canada to Canada


1. Best option
Name of card: Nengda Tong
Where to buy: CanJoy.com (https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000007)
*Note: CanJoy charges $9 for a $10 credit
Price per minute: 0.9 ¢/min (after canjoy discount)
Connection fee: No
Minimum call fee: No
Payphone surcharge: No
1-866 access number surcharge: 10 ¢/min
Expires: one year
Card increments: $5, $10
Support: Has a toll-free support number that goes direct to a customer service rep
Thanks goes to: Jackboot

2. NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (now charging a maintenance fee! Do not buy!)
Name of card: "Calling Card" (yep, that's what it's called)
Where to buy: CanJoy.com (https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000010)
*Note: CanJoy charges $8.20 for a $10 credit
Price per minute: 1.0 ¢/min
Connection fee: No
Minimum call fee: No
Payphone surcharge: No
1-800 access number surcharge: 4.0 ¢/min
Expires: DAILY MAINTENANCE FEE of unknown amount even though it is advertised as 1-year expiry and no maintenance fee
Card increments: $5, $10
Support: email only, vserve@rogers.com
Thanks goes to: Jackboot, ygtgxi, cywhiz, TorontoEh

Canada to Canada - Originating from Smaller Cities (no local access number).
Name of card: CiCi
This card works well because there is no surcharge for using the 866 access number.
Where to buy: Compusky (http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=80)
*Note: the rates on compusky's site are higher than actual - for current CiCi rates see the provider's page here (http://www.goldline.net/ratesCards.asp?CardCode=15)
*Note: compusky charges $8.30 + credit card processing charge = $8.72 for a $10 credit
Price per minute: 2.18 cents (after compusky discount)
Connection fee: No
Minimum call fee: No
Payphone surcharge: No
1-866 access number surcharge: No
Expires: 6 months
Card increments: $5, $10
Thanks goes to: sjweyman

Canada to USA

If you know of a good one, post in this thread and let us know!

Canada to Overseas

1. FREE calls from telephone to telephone using JAXTR (http://www.jaxtr.com/user/howitworks.jsp)

2. G3 Telecom (http://www.g3telecom.com/Rates.aspx)
Looks like a good service with some of the lowest rates for certain countries
"Rates may be higher for calls placed to mobile phones" is the only possibly tricky wording...
Thanks goes to: polypep
INDIA: 5.9 cents/minute
PAKISTAN: 6.9 cents/minute

3. SmartVoip (http://www.smartvoip.com/en/calling-rates.html)
Very low rates to some overseas countries! Only downside is that they only have 5 local access (http://www.smartvoip.com/en/geo.html)numbers for all of Canada. They bill in Euro but the rates are listed in USD. It looks like placing calls to both mobiles and landlines are the same rate.
Thanks goes to: mong
INDIA: 0.7 cents/minute (USD)
PAKISTAN: 5.3 cents/minute (USD)

[Excessiveplayer]

Doesn't everyone have a cellphone anyways?

[sheriffabc]

Yes people do have cell phones @$0.20 per minute for long distance - and there is a tremendous market for these cards - so a gd thread

I normally buy the SIFA Card

Available at Peanut Plaza (Don Mills/Vanhorne, Toronto) - $4 for $5 card.

No service fee or other charges - clear reception

[TorontoEh]

good thread. i signed up with smartreach.ca they give $5 bonus when you buy a $5 account , 0.02 cents to US/Canada...

[stoomac]

If anyone has recommendations for Canada to Overseas it would be greatly appreciated - Bell is killing me to call Belgium :(

[EmperorOfCanada]

I use Yak (yak.ca) it might not be quite as cheap as those kind of calling cards but I just get billed every month for what I use and there is no minimum (I have had invoices less than a dollar).

They also have a callback feature which is great for us cell users with unlimited incoming plans.

Call quality is also good :)

[sjweyman]

These super cheap calling cards and sites are great for those people in the biggest cities in Canada but a lot of us live in smaller (but still big cities) that don't have a local access number ... which kind of defeats the point. Most of these services charge several cents per minute more to dial in via a toll-free number or don't offer that option at all.

I have done serious searching high and low for the best rate from ANYWHERE in Canada without prejudice and I've never found anyone that beats Cici phone cards @ 2.5c / min. This seems high to you Torontonians I know ... but trust me it isn't high for us New Brunswickers.

http://www.ontariophonecards.ca/cici

You can use the below number to make a call no matter where you are and you won't be billed extra. However, if you are in a calling zone that has a LAN I don't believe it will allow you to connect using the 1-866. You need to use the LAN if it is available.

Rest of Canada
1-866-312-5247
no extra charge

That being said there are cheaper VoIP options out there. Keep an eye on Google Voice (formerly Google Grand Central formerly Grand Central). I currently have an account that allows me FREE long distance on my cell phone or home phone (if I had one) anywhere in North America. They stopped allowing people to sign up for Grand Central a long time ago. They just launched Google Voice which is actually slightly inferior IMO and they will charge 1c per minute. New sign ups should be opened up very soon. Call quality is crystal clear with almost no delay. If you have a phone with a web browser like me and unlim internet you can use that to easily initiate your calls from anywhere.

[EmperorOfCanada]

These super cheap calling cards and sites are great for those people in the biggest cities in Canada but a lot of us live in smaller (but still big cities) that don't have a local access number ... which kind of defeats the point. Most of these services charge several cents per minute more to dial in via a toll-free number or don't offer that option at all.

I have done serious searching high and low for the best rate from ANYWHERE in Canada without prejudice and I've never found anyone that beats Cici phone cards @ 2.5c / min. This seems high to you Torontonians I know ... but trust me it isn't high for us New Brunswickers.

http://www.ontariophonecards.ca/cici

You can use the below number to make a call no matter where you are and you won't be billed extra. However, if you are in a calling zone that has a LAN I don't believe it will allow you to connect using the 1-866. You need to use the LAN if it is available.

Rest of Canada
1-866-312-5247
no extra charge

That being said there are cheaper VoIP options out there. Keep an eye on Google Voice (formerly Google Grand Central formerly Grand Central). I currently have an account that allows me free long distance on my cell phone or home phone (if I had one) anywhere in North America for free. They stopped allowing people to sign up for Grand Central a long time ago. They just launched Google Voice which is actually slightly inferior IMO and they will charge 1c per minute. New sign ups should be opened up very soon. Call quality is crystal clear with almost no delay. If you have a phone with a web browser like me and unlim internet you can use that to easily initiate your calls from anywhere.

Yak's callback feature should still work for you no matter where you are :) Otherwise you are right I think its about an extra 5 cents a minute if you dont have a local access number to use. (most major cities have one)

[zenzen]

If anyone has recommendations for Canada to Overseas it would be greatly appreciated - Bell is killing me to call Belgium :(

I use the VISA (or is it just VI) card to call Greece. Note that it only lasts a week. 8 hours for $2.50 (sometimes it gives me 16 hours for $2.50). That's a LOT (maybe too much) calling for 10/month.

[sjweyman]

Yak's callback feature should still work for you no matter where you are :) Otherwise you are right I think its about an extra 5 cents a minute if you dont have a local access number to use. (most major cities have one)

Ya, it probably would work ... but it is still 3.5c / min which is more. It also used to be higher with Yak (I think it was 4.5c / min for a long time). In any case ... 0.0c / min is better than either. I just wanted to present Cici as an option for people in smaller cities who normally get the short end of the stick. Just looking out for the little guys :D

[sjweyman]

If anyone has recommendations for Canada to Overseas it would be greatly appreciated - Bell is killing me to call Belgium :(

Cici is 3.7c / min to Belgium. Since you are in Toronto there are probably several cheaper options available as well ... but always look out for the hidden fees. Cici is a reliable, no hidden fee card.

[khowells]

If anyone has recommendations for Canada to Overseas it would be greatly appreciated - Bell is killing me to call Belgium :(

I call the UK a lot and use a mixture of numbers

1010710 has Up to 30 minutes for 99¢ and 5¢ for additional minutes to Belgium

[jackboot]

These super cheap calling cards and sites are great for those people in the biggest cities in Canada but a lot of us live in smaller (but still big cities) that don't have a local access number ... which kind of defeats the point. Most of these services charge several cents per minute more to dial in via a toll-free number or don't offer that option at all.

I have done serious searching high and low for the best rate from ANYWHERE in Canada without prejudice and I've never found anyone that beats Cici phone cards @ 2.5c / min. This seems high to you Torontonians I know ... but trust me it isn't high for us New Brunswickers.

http://www.ontariophonecards.ca/cici

You can use the below number to make a call no matter where you are and you won't be billed extra. However, if you are in a calling zone that has a LAN I don't believe it will allow you to connect using the 1-866. You need to use the LAN if it is available.

Rest of Canada
1-866-312-5247
no extra charge

Great suggestion for users in smaller cities! Looks like CiCi is the best option for users without a local access number. I've added it to the first post.

[jackboot]

Doesn't everyone have a cellphone anyways?

Isn't that kind of like asking, "Doesn't everyone in Canada speak English?" Kind of presumptuous...obviously the answer to both questions is no. But thanks for your contribution.

I normally buy the SIFA Card

Available at Peanut Plaza (Don Mills/Vanhorne, Toronto) - $4 for $5 card.

No service fee or other charges - clear reception

I found that card for sale online http://www.ontariophonecards.ca/sifa, and it indicates there is a $1/month "maintenance fee" as well as an unspecified connection fee. It looks like you'd be better off with the card in the OP.

good thread. i signed up with smartreach.ca they give $5 bonus when you buy a $5 account , 0.02 cents to US/Canada...

Looks like you'd be better off with the card in the OP too. 0.9 cents vs 1.9 per minute, and their website indicates they also charge tax. They also have very few access numbers and charge an extra 4 cents/min to use their 888 number.

[andr3y]

Here is a nice price comparison table i found for voip calling providers.
I use calleasy.com they are not bad.

http://backsla.sh/betamax

[rice_demon]

If u have that my5 feature on your telus/rogers/fido you can make the access number one of your friends

[jackboot]

If anyone has recommendations for Canada to Overseas it would be greatly appreciated - Bell is killing me to call Belgium :(

I found THIS (https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000010) card at the same place that I found the "Nangda Tong" card in the OP. It lists Belgium at 1.4 cents per minute.

This card, simply named "calling card", looks really great; it doesn't seem to have any connection fees or minimum call fees, but it doesn't explicitly state this either. I also haven't used it personally so I an't confirm if the call quality is good or not.

It is also the cheapest within-Canada card I have seen at 0.82 cents/min.

You should buy the $5 "calling card" and try it to Belgium and then let us know how it is.

[jackboot]

Here is a nice price comparison table i found for voip calling providers.
I use calleasy.com they are not bad.

http://backsla.sh/betamax

Great link. But VOIP is a whole different animal. This thread is for calling cards which do not require computer access.

[des5]

I use xpresscall. It's not a calling card, or VOIP, but cost is low. 2.5c in Canada. I use it for long distance from my cell and home. You register your home phone number or any phone, call a local access number from your registered phone then dial the person you're calling. You top-up the account online.

[TorontoEh]

jackboot, it says on their websites rates to 416 are 1.5 not 1 cents. also US calling is 2.5 c.

[TorontoEh]

jackboot, it says on their websites rates to 416 are 1.5 not 1 cents. also US calling is 2.5 c.

nvm found the link that has US for 1.0 cents
https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

Its only $4.10 (value is $5)

I hope this company is not fly bynight lol....oh well if they go under its only $4 :lol:

[ygtgxi]

my favourite is the calling card

it is name calling card and iti s green

you get like close to 10 hours for 5 bucks

[ToChicka]

my favourite is the calling card

it is name calling card and iti s green

you get like close to 10 hours for 5 bucks

What? Can you provide a link for it?

OP - great job....this will help a lot.

[raccoon]

cici is good, no access fee for their 1-866 number, good for rural cities

[kika55]

I tried about 5 different providers. They ALL cheat! Their "advertised" rates are not true. The most common trick is cutting your minutes balance arbitrarily. I recommend anyone, who uses them, to try and time your calls, you'd be surprised at the real rates.

If one can read this site, he/she would be better off with Skype, or some other Voip. I use Skype: $3 per month - unlimited calls in US/Canada, or $10 unlimited calls anywhere in the world. And all the billing is pretty clear and transparent.

[juno1st]

Nice thread here...Almost all CC's have maintenance fees every week

Europe Unlimited calling card charges 40c every 4 days....but can be found for $3 for a $5 card in the GTA in Chinatown and around Sherbourne and bloor

[jackboot]

nvm found the link that has US for 1.0 cents
https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

Its only $4.10 (value is $5)

I hope this company is not fly bynight lol....oh well if they go under its only $4 :lol:

The card you are referring to is actually a different card than the "Nengda Tong" in the OP and has even lower rates for both Canada and overseas. This card's name is "calling card" (weird name?) and is referenced below. We are waiting for someone to confirm if it has hidden fees or not.

my favourite is the calling card

it is name calling card and iti s green

you get like close to 10 hours for 5 bucks

Hey, this is the card that I mentioned in post #17! :cheesygri

Can you clarify the following?
1. Connection fee?
2. Minimum call fee?
3. Maintenance fee per week or month?
4. Sound quality or dropped calls?

I tried about 5 different providers. They ALL cheat! Their "advertised" rates are not true. The most common trick is cutting your minutes balance arbitrarily. I recommend anyone, who uses them, to try and time your calls, you'd be surprised at the real rates.

If one can read this site, he/she would be better off with Skype, or some other Voip. I use Skype: $3 per month - unlimited calls in US/Canada, or $10 unlimited calls anywhere in the world. And all the billing is pretty clear and transparent.

I agree that most calling cards "cheat"! That's why I thought this thread would be useful. The problem with most cards is that they have hidden fees like a connection fee, minimum call fee, or maintenance fee (like $1 per month).

The two cards listed so far in the OP do not have hidden fees: the price per minute listed is the total cost.

Also, Skype is great but requires a computer. This thread is about VOIP-free solutions. There are *lots* of threads on VOIP services.

[andr3y]

Great link. But VOIP is a whole different animal. This thread is for calling cards which do not require computer access.

yes, but some of those actually have access numbers, like for example calleasy.com and dialnow.com. check it out, they have good rates.

I use to use calling card named "Phone Visa", for 2.50 you get $5, which is not bad. I don't know the rates, but its pretty good for international calling.

[jackboot]

I use xpresscall. It's not a calling card, or VOIP, but cost is low. 2.5c in Canada. I use it for long distance from my cell and home. You register your home phone number or any phone, call a local access number from your registered phone then dial the person you're calling. You top-up the account online.

You would be better off with the card listed in the OP for 0.9c/min in Canada.

[zmartell]

I have been using the Cici card for years and have discovered if you purchase it at some calling card places they give you the $5 card for $4.

Live in Toronto.

Happened at the calling card booths at Pacific Mall, Centerpoint Mall( Yonge and Steeles )

haven't been to much others to check.

Hope this helps.

[jackboot]

yes, but some of those actually have access numbers, like for example calleasy.com and dialnow.com. check it out, they have good rates.

I use to use calling card named "Phone Visa", for 2.50 you get $5, which is not bad. I don't know the rates, but its pretty good for international calling.

Any service that has access numbers applies to this thread :)

I checked calleasy.com and they (strangely?) don't list their rates in CDN dollars, but they do have about 20 other currencies, LOL! Anyway, they have a pretty low rate (0.7c USD/minute) but a 5c connection fee and only one access number for each province :(

Dialnow.com looks like the exact same company. They advertise calls within Canada as being FREE (!?) but that "DialNow reserves the right after a certain amount of calls to start charging the default rate". Weird? Sounds like a gimmick to me. They don't even tell you what the "default rate" is, but since they seem to be the same company as calleasy, I assume it is 0.7c/min USD. This is like a fraction of a penny (lol) more than the card listed in the OP at the current exchange rate. They don't have a connection fee like calleasy though. However, they still only have the same one access number per province.

[jackboot]

I have been using the Cici card for years and have discovered if you purchase it at some calling card places they give you the $5 card for $4.

Live in Toronto.

Happened at the calling card booths at Pacific Mall, Centerpoint Mall( Yonge and Steeles )

haven't been to much others to check.

Hope this helps.

Nice first post :)

If you'd rather buy online, you can buy the CiCi card online here, $8.72 for a $10 credit if you pay via credit card ($8.30 via online banking or hyperwallet):

http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=74

I've updated the first post to reflect the cheaper cost of this card through compusky and the adjusted cost per minute.

[andr3y]

Any service that has access numbers applies to this thread :)

I checked calleasy.com and they (strangely?) don't list their rates in CDN dollars, but they do have about 20 other currencies, LOL! Anyway, they have a pretty low rate (0.7c USD/minute) but a 5c connection fee and only one access number for each province :(

Yeah, they list their rates in Euro. From my credit card statement I can say that 10Euro will cost you $20CAD. So to know the rate, just multiply by 2.
The 5c fee is for web calls only, its when you enter both numbers on their website and they call your number and the other number to connect you.
"Webcalls are subjected to a 5 cent connection fee".
I use that when I am running low on minutes on my cell, coz i have incoming free.

[djherbal1]

The card you are referring to is actually a different card than the "Nengda Tong" in the OP and has even lower rates for both Canada and overseas. This card's name is "calling card" (weird name?) and is referenced below. We are waiting for someone to confirm if it has hidden fees or not.


Hey, this is the card that I mentioned in post #17! :cheesygri

Can you clarify the following?
1. Connection fee?
2. Minimum call fee?
3. Maintenance fee per week or month?
4. Sound quality or dropped calls?

.


My sister says that she uses the 'Calling Card' card, and pays no fees. She also confirms that its 4$ for a 5$ card. As for the sound quality, she says it's the same as making a normal phone call.

[jackboot]

My sister says that she uses the 'Calling Card' card, and pays no fees. She also confirms that its 4$ for a 5$ card. As for the sound quality, she says it's the same as making a normal phone call.

In that case, this is the cheapest calling card for within-Canada calls. It sounds like it is also the cheapest card for overseas calls!

[mong]

Any service that has access numbers applies to this thread :)

I checked calleasy.com and they (strangely?) don't list their rates in CDN dollars, but they do have about 20 other currencies, LOL! Anyway, they have a pretty low rate (0.7c USD/minute) but a 5c connection fee and only one access number for each province :(

Dialnow.com looks like the exact same company. They advertise calls within Canada as being FREE (!?) but that "DialNow reserves the right after a certain amount of calls to start charging the default rate". Weird? Sounds like a gimmick to me. They don't even tell you what the "default rate" is, but since they seem to be the same company as calleasy, I assume it is 0.7c/min USD. This is like a fraction of a penny (lol) more than the card listed in the OP at the current exchange rate. They don't have a connection fee like calleasy though. However, they still only have the same one access number per province.

The link given previously comparing all the company is all has the same head company. I tried and still am using calleasy and dialnow and there's no connection fee as long as you use their access number.

Anyway, as long as you don't abuse the calling to free country, the cost will stay free. The only reason why they state their right is to have a control over it and I really don't mind that they do that. I've made calls to Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver lasting for about 20-30 min each and I wasn't charged anything for them.

Sure, it does drop the connection from time to time but the service is decent for the price.

edit: oh as for the price in Euro. 1 euro = ~1.70 CDN. That's the rate I seem to get from my Mastercard...

[jackboot]

The link given previously comparing all the company is all has the same head company. I tried and still am using calleasy and dialnow and there's no connection fee as long as you use their access number.

Anyway, as long as you don't abuse the calling to free country, the cost will stay free. The only reason why they state their right is to have a control over it and I really don't mind that they do that. I've made calls to Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver lasting for about 20-30 min each and I wasn't charged anything for them.

Sure, it does drop the connection from time to time but the service is decent for the price.

edit: oh as for the price in Euro. 1 euro = ~1.70 CDN. That's the rate I seem to get from my Mastercard...

Very interesting. Good to know that there is no connection fee. I just wonder how long they will allow a person like myself to keep calling within Canada at no charge? It's not that I want to try to rip them off or anything, but the fact is that I need a calling card that I can constantly use for my LD Canadian calls. It's an interesting option for people that happen to be able to access one of the 5 access numbers they have (which doesn't include me). I'll add it to the list and maybe we'll get some feedback from people who start to use it for free calls.

[amandalovesnin]

Hey Everyone,
I thought that this site might interest some of you. (sorry if its been posted before, I didn't see it anywhere)

thephonecardstore.ca

I've been using the site for years and have been pretty happy. It has a big variety of cards and will return the best one based on your search criteria. All cards are "virtual" and are emailed to you once purchased. Also, you'll need a credit card to access.

They have one calling card option that is called "FoneBuster Flat - No Fees" and it's 1.8 cents a minute to Canada/US and there are no hidden fees.

They also have some great low fee cards under 1c/min

Another cool feature on the site is that once you have a profile set up you get buyer club dollars everytime you make a purchase. You can use use the club dollars anytime you like towards a new card. (They're not crazy but they add up over time and I can say that I've gotten free cards a few times - lots of calls with my husband when we were long distance dating ;)

Edit - pricing above is for Local Access areas below, cheapest no fee card outside those areas is about 3.8cents/min (which is just ok)

Abbotsford
Banff
Barrie
Belleville
Brandon
Brantford
Calgary
Edmonton
Fort McMurray
Fredericton
Grand Prairie
Halifax
Hamilton
Hespeler
Kelowna
Kingston
Kitchener
Lethbridge
London
Medicine Hat
Montreal
Newmarket
Oshawa
Ottawa
Peterborough
Prince George
Quebec City
Red Deer
Sherbrooke
St. Catharines
Toronto
Vancouver
Victoria
Whistler
Windsor
Winnipeg

[jackboot]

They have one calling card option that is called "FoneBuster Flat - No Fees" and it's 1.8 cents a minute to Canada/US and there are no hidden fees.

Not bad, better than most :cheesygri

Looks like it is still almost double the cost of the best card for Canada / USA calling so far at 0.82c/min to Canada & USA link (https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009)

[amandalovesnin]

That is pretty sweet!

[cywhiz]

my favourite is the calling card

it is name calling card and iti s green

you get like close to 10 hours for 5 bucksI think it is this one over here...You can buy it for $4 from P-Mall (upstairs) or Market Village (besides Long Foo Supermarket)

https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

I can vouch for this one because I think it's the cheapest and most reliable card to call China and HK (many other places as well). I've used other cards in the past, but the line never connects or always busy which renders them unusable.

[_RFDealt_]

If you go to Dr. Flea's on the weekend, they literally have some cards that are 2 dollars for 300 minutes or something ridiculous. A bunch of obscure brands with not the best holdover of charge but come on, it's $2 and if you call as much as I do, it's great.

[gmark2000]

These CCs seem so ghetto. Really 90s technology.

I guess those bored cabbies who are on their headsets are using them to call the mid-East or South Asia all day.

[Analyst]

These CCs seem so ghetto. Really 90s technology.

I guess those bored cabbies who are on their headsets are using them to call the mid-East or South Asia all day.

Kind of a racist comment, isn't it ?

[wysiwyg]

I get my calling cards from a store at Centerpoint mall (Yonge/Steeles). They are 20% off (So my $10 CiCi card comes up to $8.)

The booth is located close to the ScotiaBank.

[mlven78]

I think it is this one over here...You can buy it for $4 from P-Mall (upstairs) or Market Village (besides Long Foo Supermarket)

https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

I can vouch for this one because I think it's the cheapest and most reliable card to call China and HK (many other places as well). I've used other cards in the past, but the line never connects or always busy which renders them unusable.

The green calling card is also available from CompuSky (someone else posted a link earlier for a different card). CompuSky sells them $4.00 for the $5.00 card. $0.10 cheaper than canjoy. I have been buying this card for years from CompuSky.

http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=64

[jackboot]

The green calling card is also available from CompuSky (someone else posted a link earlier for a different card). CompuSky sells them $4.00 for the $5.00 card. $0.10 cheaper than canjoy. I have been buying this card for years from CompuSky.

http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=64

The link on Compusky's site says that there is a minimum call charge of 21 cents and a 15% service fee applies :(

I guess this means that I'm taking "Calling Card" off the leaderboard. The Nengda Tong card is the best choice.

[mehhere]

I use the VISA (or is it just VI) card to call Greece. Note that it only lasts a week. 8 hours for $2.50 (sometimes it gives me 16 hours for $2.50). That's a LOT (maybe too much) calling for 10/month.

I have also used VISA and other brands to call europe...

My beef is that they have different rates depending if you call a land line or a cell phone. Are there any CC that charge the same rate for both or is there some explanantion that?

TIA

[jackboot]

I have also used VISA and other brands to call europe...

My beef is that they have different rates depending if you call a land line or a cell phone. Are there any CC that charge the same rate for both or is there some explanantion that?

TIA

That's a good question. What makes it even more confusing is that I have seen rates for land land calls being *more* expensive than cell phones calls for some countries (like China and Hong Kong with the Nengda Tong card).

[Hugh Jass]

I grew tired of using calling cards, everything from giving them away, just misplacing them or the worst is forgetting to use them, having them expire in your pocket.

Now we use 1010229 from home and it's only 2/3c a minute to most European countries, billed to your phone bill.

[Kalvster]

CiCi is the best IMO. They are available almost at any convenience store and they have a toll free number to call from pay phones.

[TorontoEh]

https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

Op..this is the one for 1c for calling US/Canada + 12 month expiry,. pretty good unless someone has other experience with this card.

Also .5c to 2 cities to India (madras/Hyderabad) i think i read.
Hope it helps.

[jackboot]

https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009

Op..this is the one for 1c for calling US/Canada + 12 month expiry,. pretty good unless someone has other experience with this card.

Also .5c to 2 cities to India (madras/Hyderabad) i think i read.
Hope it helps.

Hmm weird...I had another look at this card, named "Calling Card". It is offered for sale at both Compusky (http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=64) and CanJoy (https://www.canjoy.com/shopping/phonecard/index.jsp?product=P1000009). The price is the same, the picture is the same, the name is the same, and the service provider is the same (listed simply as vserve@rogers.com). However, the one offered at CanJoy has different access numbers, more access numbers, cheaper rates, no connection fee, 12 month expiry, and (presumably) no minimum call fee. There have also been a few people in this thread confirm that it is "no hidden fees" and good call quality. I ruled the card out after seeing the conflicting info at Compusky. But since the 2 cards have different access numbers etc, it looks like only the one at Compusky sucks.

The "Calling Card" offered by CanJoy looks to be the best card offered after all. I'll update the first post (again!).

[7Stryder7]

thank you OP --> i've been using those grocery store phone cards and shopper's druge mart cards for the past 8 months now - they charge 4c/min
i'm going to sign up for one of these online or find a location to buy these cards this week

[TorontoEh]

http://www.localphone.com

I came across this as well..they say 0.7c to US/Canada

[jackboot]

http://www.localphone.com

I came across this as well..they say 0.7c to US/Canada

Looks interesting...I can't find anywhere that they list their local access numbers though. Without that info listed it is too hard to say if the service is any good or not. What cities can one place a call from?

[baluyot]

As far as I know this is the cheapest calling card to Italy (land line - 2.1 cents/min). I've been using it for 3 yrs now. No hidden fees. Can be used multiple times.

http://www.torontocallingcards.com/en/product.php?card=51

[jackboot]

As far as I know this is the cheapest calling card to Italy (land line - 2.1 cents/min). I've been using it for 3 yrs now. No hidden fees. Can be used multiple times.

http://www.torontocallingcards.com/en/product.php?card=51

Check out the first post - the "Calling Card" from CanJoy is about half that to Italy (around 1.1 cents/minute after the CanJoy discount), no connection fee, no minimum call fee, 1-year expiry.

[andr3y]

check out jaxter. I used it some time ago and it worked ok. rates are reasonable and also there is a way to make FREE calls to over 50 countries.

more info:http://www.jaxtr.com/user/howitworks.jsp

then click>> HOW TO MAKE FREE CALLS

[goonx126]

I stopped using calling cards and just got the skypeout service. For skype, your account can be used by multiple people, great for sharing among family households, and be logged in at several locations. The only limitation is that only 1 call can be made at a time. You can call several numbers (conference call) at once but it has to be on the same account.

It's around $3 per month for unlimited calling to US/Can and $10 for unlimited world.

I call most of my relatives at home anyways so the mobility wasn't a great issue for me. Furthermore, now with the skype app, i can call anywhere that has wifi access. Also, if you have a data plan and a jailbroken iphone, you can make calls over 3G. (there's also a sister skype app on the windows mobile platform) Crystal clear.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/subscriptions/?region=uscanada#mexicanSubscriptionTab

[eternalprize]

anyone know of good cards to call mexico cells?

Skype confuses me with their monthly rates... i pay 5 a month + an additional 20cents to call a cell? Do i still need to fill up my account with skype credit?

thanks!

[jackboot]

check out jaxter. I used it some time ago and it worked ok. rates are reasonable and also there is a way to make FREE calls to over 50 countries.

more info:http://www.jaxtr.com/user/howitworks.jsp

then click>> HOW TO MAKE FREE CALLS

Very interesting! I've never heard of Jaxtr before...

Their pay rates are worse than the cards listed in the OP and only have access numbers in 6 major CDN cities.

But their free call thing is really interesting...a little inconvenient since it requires both parties to phone a central number, but hey, it's free! I wonder if it works from a pay phone? I'm going to give this a try and see how it works! It is too bad that they only have access numbers for 6 cities in Canada.

Have you used the free call thing? Can you comment on it some more? I'm assuming that you have to listen to some adverts or something while you wait to be connected?

[jackboot]

I stopped using calling cards and just got the skypeout service. For skype, your account can be used by multiple people, great for sharing among family households, and be logged in at several locations. The only limitation is that only 1 call can be made at a time. You can call several numbers (conference call) at once but it has to be on the same account.

It's around $3 per month for unlimited calling to US/Can and $10 for unlimited world.

I call most of my relatives at home anyways so the mobility wasn't a great issue for me. Furthermore, now with the skype app, i can call anywhere that has wifi access. Also, if you have a data plan and a jailbroken iphone, you can make calls over 3G. (there's also a sister skype app on the windows mobile platform) Crystal clear.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/allfeatures/subscriptions/?region=uscanada#mexicanSubscriptionTab

Skypeout is cool, but the fact that it requires Internet access makes it exempt from this thread. There are lots of threads on VOIP services.

anyone know of good cards to call mexico cells?

Did you check out the OP?

Mexico is about 5.5c/minute after the CanJoy discount. I'm not sure how that compares to elsewhere.

[drcrossover]

I've tried the free call feature on jaxtr and it seems to work fine for calls within Canada (I tried using it for local calls and from Vancouver to Toronto), and the quality was good. And there aren't any ads to listen to while you're waiting.

However, I tried an overseas call to Korea and the recipient never got a notification to call me back. And when she tried to call me from their local number, it didn't work as well... So i guess it's kind of hit and miss... Can anyone confirm if they got it to work elsewhere?

If it works everywhere else, this has got to be the best way to make international calls, cuz it's free!

[polypep]

try g3telecom.com. best rates and you can call anywhere using your cell phone or home phone without the need to dial a PIN. I have been using them for the last 5 years and the service is awesome. USA, Canada and several other countries 2.4 cents a minute.

www.g3telecom.com

[ToChicka]

try g3telecom.com. best rates and you can call anywhere using your cell phone or home phone without the need to dial a PIN. I have been using them for the last 5 years and the service is awesome. USA, Canada and several other countries 4 cents a minute.

www.g3telecom.com

I think the OP has better rates than the above site.

[polypep]

I think the OP has better rates than the above site.

I disagree, some rates for international destinations are brutal. Good for NA calling. I guess it depends where you call.

[jackboot]

I've tried the free call feature on jaxtr and it seems to work fine for calls within Canada (I tried using it for local calls and from Vancouver to Toronto), and the quality was good. And there aren't any ads to listen to while you're waiting.

However, I tried an overseas call to Korea and the recipient never got a notification to call me back. And when she tried to call me from their local number, it didn't work as well... So i guess it's kind of hit and miss... Can anyone confirm if they got it to work elsewhere?

If it works everywhere else, this has got to be the best way to make international calls, cuz it's free!

Man, that is really awesome. I want to try it bad but I don't have a local access number here. I'll update the OP with this info. Big ups 2 u!!! :-0

I disagree, some rates for international destinations are brutal. Good for NA calling. I guess it depends where you call.

Can you list any specific countries that G3 is better for than the "calling card" in the OP?

[Ghetto_Child]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned GIANT phone cards. They come in $2, $5, $10, $20 valued cards. I've only bought $5 cards but $5 cards are always sold for $4. Canada to Canada calls are 1¢/min and Canada to USA calls are 2¢/min. I think they take off 50¢ per call but I'm not certain if they do that anymore. I also find that if you stay on just one call you get way more hours than what's estimated on the card and automated responses.

[jackboot]

Alright, I've updated the first post again to include JAXTR. Anyone tried using their freecall service? I can't since I don't have a local access number.

Great group effort in this thread!:cheesygri

[DealGiver]

whats the cheapest rate to call south asia specifically pakistan/india i want to call friends....but vongae charges me 40 cents:mad:

[mong]

whats the cheapest rate to call south asia specifically pakistan/india i want to call friends....but vongae charges me 40 cents:mad:

Hmmm... you can try smartvoip from betamax. The quality should be decent and it's quite cheap. 0.5 cent euro for India and 4 cent euro for Pakistan. You can either call from your computer or use their access number. There shouldn't be any fees involved so it should be decently cheap.

http://www.smartvoip.com/en/

[james-007]

whats the cheapest rate to call south asia specifically pakistan/india i want to call friends....but vongae charges me 40 cents:mad:

Why not sign-up with Call Select they charge 5 cents a minute to anywhere in India (mobile or landline). No minimum no monthly admin charges.

[jackboot]

whats the cheapest rate to call south asia specifically pakistan/india i want to call friends....but vongae charges me 40 cents:mad:

How about FREE?

READ THE OP PEOPLE!!! :lol:

Jaxtr claims to offer free calling from Canada to Pakistan. This will require you and the receipient to have a local access number. There are a number of local access numbers for Canada and Pakistan.

They also claim to offer free calling to India - but I can't see any local access numbers for India.

They seem to also have very good (the best listed so far?) pay rates:

16.7 cents/minute to Pakistan (landline or mobile)
4.6 cents/minute to India (landline or mobile)

They list lower rates for their "premium membership" but I can't easily see what that means or how much a membership costs...

[DealGiver]

Hmmm... you can try smartvoip from betamax. The quality should be decent and it's quite cheap. 0.5 cent euro for India and 4 cent euro for Pakistan. You can either call from your computer or use their access number. There shouldn't be any fees involved so it should be decently cheap.

http://www.smartvoip.com/en/

Mong, thank you so much, i had never heard of them but they offer either access # or Phone to Phone which is great!!!! Although I'll probably use ACCESS # from my cell.

Has anyone here used smartvoip? I'm going to load $5USD if they accept in my account.

thanks again

[DealGiver]

How about FREE?

READ THE OP PEOPLE!!! :lol:

Jaxtr claims to offer free calling from Canada to Pakistan. This will require you and the receipient to have a local access number. There are a number of local access numbers for Canada and Pakistan.

They also claim to offer free calling to India - but I can't see any local access numbers for India.

They seem to also have very good (the best listed so far?) pay rates:

16.7 cents/minute to Pakistan (landline or mobile)
4.6 cents/minute to India (landline or mobile)

They list lower rates for their "premium membership" but I can't easily see what that means or how much a membership costs...

jack, buddy I can't use the sms way this thing works....I need simple phone to phone no sms to phone or vice versa.
thanks But i think MONG's advice will work for me.

[polypep]

Man, that is really awesome. I want to try it bad but I don't have a local access number here. I'll update the OP with this info. Big ups 2 u!!! :-0



Can you list any specific countries that G3 is better for than the "calling card" in the OP?

Pakistan, India to name a couple.

[lorax1284]

I can't tell what anything costs in this thread.

Does .5c mean five cents? It should be 5c or 5¢.

Does .82c mean eighty two cents, or eighty-two-one-hundredths-of-a-cent?

IF YOU WANT TO USE THE ., USE THE $!!!

Five cents = $.05. Eighty Two cents = $.82

Please, people. I'm not interested in overseas calling cards, but even the topic title is confusing, and I'm a bit frustrated that on a site that's all about deals and how much things cost, getting the 'amounts' right seems to be such a challenge.

[jackboot]

jack, buddy I can't use the sms way this thing works....I need simple phone to phone no sms to phone or vice versa.
thanks But i think MONG's advice will work for me.

You don't need SMS actually. All you need is a way to notify the person on the other end when they need to phone the local access number to connect to you. You could do this via email, instant messenger, a payed telephone call, or just schedule a certain time (like every Sunday at 5PM).

[jackboot]

I can't tell what anything costs in this thread.

Does .5c mean five cents? It should be 5c or 5¢.

Does .82c mean eighty two cents, or eighty-two-one-hundredths-of-a-cent?

IF YOU WANT TO USE THE ., USE THE $!!!

Five cents = $.05. Eighty Two cents = $.82

Please, people. I'm not interested in overseas calling cards, but even the topic title is confusing, and I'm a bit frustrated that on a site that's all about deals and how much things cost, getting the 'amounts' right seems to be such a challenge.

0.82c/minute means exactly that. "zero point eight two cents per minute", i.e., less than one cent.

Basic logic should have indicated that a thread listing canada-to-canada phone calls at almost a dollar a minute are not a 'hot deal' unless the number begins with 1-900.

Don't be so cynical. A simple question seeking clarification would have been preferred to a long lecture regarding a problem that doesn't exist.

[mong]

Mong, thank you so much, i had never heard of them but they offer either access # or Phone to Phone which is great!!!! Although I'll probably use ACCESS # from my cell.

Has anyone here used smartvoip? I'm going to load $5USD if they accept in my account.

thanks again

I haven't used smartvoip personally but I have used other service company from Betamax which is decent for me. Sometimes it does disconnect but it doesn't eat up my minutes like calling cards when I call to Asia. If it's the same as the other company (I used calleasy and dialnow), you can track down the calls you've made and how long you've been on the phone. Anyway, it's worth giving it a try :) Hope it works well for you.

There's a comparison list for all the Betamax companies that was posted earlier. It's updated regularly so you can check it out if you want to call elsewhere or if the rate suddenly changes which might occur sometimes.

http://backsla.sh/betamax

[jackboot]

Pakistan, India to name a couple.

Thanks - added to the OP :)

[jackboot]

Hmmm... you can try smartvoip from betamax. The quality should be decent and it's quite cheap. 0.5 cent euro for India and 4 cent euro for Pakistan. You can either call from your computer or use their access number. There shouldn't be any fees involved so it should be decently cheap.

http://www.smartvoip.com/en/

I don't see that they list an access number to phone. It looks like it is strictly a VOIP service. Can you point to a link that shows they have local access numbers or a 1800 number? If it is VOIP only then this should go in one of the other VOIP threads so that this one (calling cards) doesn't become cluttered.

[DealGiver]

You don't need SMS actually. All you need is a way to notify the person on the other end when they need to phone the local access number to connect to you. You could do this via email, instant messenger, a payed telephone call, or just schedule a certain time (like every Sunday at 5PM).

no way really? will ive atry

[DealGiver]

I don't see that they list an access number to phone. It looks like it is strictly a VOIP service. Can you point to a link that shows they have local access numbers or a 1800 number? If it is VOIP only then this should go in one of the other VOIP threads so that this one (calling cards) doesn't become cluttered.

http://www.smartvoip.com/en/features.html

two options for using either with your cell/home phone or initiate a call through the software you download.

[jackboot]

http://www.smartvoip.com/en/features.html

two options for using either with your cell/home phone or initiate a call through the software you download.

Thanks, I've added this to the OP for India at 0.7c/min.
Any other countries deserve a special mention?

This looks like the cheapest service yet for overseas calls! It's a shame they only have 5 local access numbers in all of Canada.

[maksim]

I know this is more expensive than the OP's calling card, but this option is reliable, has no connection or surcharges or service fess of any kind shape or form. The only thing that will ever be deducted from your balance is call usage at the posed rates. You are able to see an instantaneously updated detailed log of all your calls on their website, including how much you were charged for each call and how long it lasted.

For calls to Canada or the US, it's 1 US cent per minute.

The service is reliable, I've used it for many months, but they only have access numbers in Toronto and Montreal.

You fund your account through PayPal or through Google Checkout. The website is: http://www.future-nine.com/how-to.html#calling-card

Note: The company also offers a VOIP service, but everything I wrote above is about their calling card service.

[Ghetto_Child]

I can't tell what anything costs in this thread.

Does .5c mean five cents? It should be 5c or 5¢.

Does .82c mean eighty two cents, or eighty-two-one-hundredths-of-a-cent?

IF YOU WANT TO USE THE ., USE THE $!!!

Five cents = $.05. Eighty Two cents = $.82

Please, people. I'm not interested in overseas calling cards, but even the topic title is confusing, and I'm a bit frustrated that on a site that's all about deals and how much things cost, getting the 'amounts' right seems to be such a challenge.
:lol: +1

Not sure if anyone has mentioned GIANT phone cards. They come in $2, $5, $10, $20 valued cards. I've only bought $5 cards but $5 cards are always sold for $4. Canada to Canada calls are 1¢/min and Canada to USA calls are 2¢/min. I think they take off 50¢ per call but I'm not certain if they do that anymore. I also find that if you stay on just one call you get way more hours than what's estimated on the card and automated responses.

0.82c/minute means exactly that. "zero point eight two cents per minute", i.e., less than one cent.

Basic logic should have indicated that a thread listing canada-to-canada phone calls at almost a dollar a minute are not a 'hot deal' unless the number begins with 1-900.

Don't be so cynical. A simple question seeking clarification would have been preferred to a long lecture regarding a problem that doesn't exist.
I didn't know anyone in this thread found rates less than 1¢/min. Didn't know anyone would charge less than our smallest whole unit. What will we do when they get rid of the penny in the next few years?

[jackboot]

I didn't know anyone in this thread found rates less than 1¢/min. Didn't know anyone would charge less than our smallest whole unit. What will we do when they get rid of the penny in the next few years?

:confused:

Did you look at the OP? Almost all the rates per minute listed in this thread are fractional amounts.

Not that it has anything to do with this thread, but getting rid of the penny as a form of hard currency won't change the fact that there are 100 cents in a dollar.

[tanya.t]

I use IDPhoneCard.com, it works the same as calling card, you just buy the a certain amount online and dial the local number or toll free number they provide. They have great rates!!

EX: from Canada to US only $0.025/min
No connection fees
No monthly fees
No expiry dates

The thing i like the most is, you don't need to key in that long pin#.

[checm8]

http://www.pinbank.ca/p-Extra.aspx

a $5 card gives you 310 minutes of talk time, started using it today:cheesygri

[jackboot]

I use IDPhoneCard.com, it works the same as calling card, you just buy the a certain amount online and dial the local number or toll free number they provide. They have great rates!!

EX: from Canada to US only $0.025/min
No connection fees
No monthly fees
No expiry dates

The thing i like the most is, you don't need to key in that long pin#.

http://www.pinbank.ca/p-Extra.aspx

a $5 card gives you 310 minutes of talk time, started using it today:cheesygri

Did you guys read the OP? Those rates are way higher than what is available elsewhere...

and Pinbank is just awful :confused:


A daily maintenance fee of thirty five cents applies.
A service charge ranging from fifty-nine cents to a maximum of ninety-nine cents applies after the fourth minute depending on call destination.
A maximum of thirty percent administrative charge applies after the third minute of call.
After the first minute, usage is based on three minute increments.

[sendtomaz]

I was previously with KeepCalling.ca but the quality was not consistent. Plus, I'm moving next month and need a service with an access number in Belleville, ON. I just signed up for a Royal Card at CheapCard (http://www.cheapcard.org/).

$4.13 US$ got me 497 minutes within Canada. The PIN arrived in my email about a minute later.

Here are the international rates (http://www.market-card.com/p/card-rate.php/117.html?id_from_country=85&id_card_company=117) (In US$).

You dial an access number (http://push.cheapcard.org/Phone-Card/117/Canada-Access), enter 1 for English or 2 for French, enter your PIN, and then the phone number (include the 1 at the beginning). There is a $.04 to $.06 per minute (depending on where you are calling from) surcharge if you use the toll free access number.

I programmed the access number in one memory location in my phone, the 1 (for English) followed by a Pause and the access number in another. So I have to dial 3 memory locations to make a call (access #, PIN, then number I want to dial).

May be too much work for some people, but it's certainly a good way to make a local (or long distance) call from a pay phone and save the 50 cents.

First couple of calls have been high quality. It's possible that I've purchased the same service that I had with KeepCalling.ca from a different reseller. We'll see if I have the same quality issues.

Mark

[Stephie]

thanks for all the info!

[supercanadian1]

Can these be used at pay phones? I've seen some that charge a ridiculous fee if used at a pay phone.

[h00ch]

Sorry, maybe this is a stupid question, but can these calling cards be used for calls from cell phones? I didn't see any mention of that in this thread or on the Canjoy website.

[sjweyman]

Sorry, maybe this is a stupid question, but can these calling cards be used for calls from cell phones? I didn't see any mention of that in this thread or on the Canjoy website.

Cici definitely can and my experience is that, yes, as long as you have an access number it can be used from a cell phone. This may not be a 100% rule but it is definitely the general rule.

Some of those 1010 services can't be used from cell phones ... but that's different because they usually bill you in a different way.

[jackboot]

Can these be used at pay phones? I've seen some that charge a ridiculous fee if used at a pay phone.

I just phoned customer support for the Nengda Tong card (in the OP) and the CSR said that there is no extra charge for using using the service from a payphone as long as you use the local access number.

If you use the 800 number, however, there is a 10c/minute surcharge.

So I guess this means that if you have a 3-minute or less call to make that it would be cheaper to use the 800 number on the payphone than to pay 35 cents and call the local access number :lol: But this is getting a little too penny pinching :o

[munchyman]

Nice thread. I just purchased "Calling Card" and will give it a try. I used the #15## feature to link the card to my cellphone, but it continues to ask for my authorization/pin# with each subsequent call - am I missing a step?

[teddy boom]

CiCi is the best IMO. They are available almost at any convenience store and they have a toll free number to call from pay phones.

I've got an old CiCi card I use for this purpose. It has been going for about 5 years now. One day it will run out though, so...

Question: Anybody know of a card with no expiry or longer period? I don't care too much about rate/min, I need to make very short local and long distance calls from payphones for cheap.

[jackboot]

I contacted the providers to get some info that was not listed in regards to payphone and 800 access number surcharges.

Sp I've updated the OP with info on toll-free access number surcharges for "calling card", Nengda Tong", and "CiCi".

CiCi looks like the best card to use from a payphone at only 2.18 cents/minute for calls within Canada. But the other two cards aren't terrible either - "calling card" is 4.82 cents/minute for calls within Canada.

OT: I wish there was a way to properly format this type of information, for example, using tables.

[h00ch]

OT: I wish there was a way to properly format this type of information, for example, using tables.
You could use a fixed-width font (like Courier) to make a chart/table or you could make one using Word, Excel, etc then save a screenshot then host it on Imageshack.us, etc...

[jackboot]

You could use a fixed-width font (like Courier) to make a chart/table or you could make one using Word, Excel, etc then save a screenshot then host it on Imageshack.us, etc...

Hmm yes the former might work. The latter options wouldn't allow hyperlinking within the thread though.

[jackboot]

Well the card that I have normally been using (Nengda Tong) ran out so I thought I'd try the "calling card" one this time.

The couple times I've used it today I noticed it has better sound quality than the old service I was using, so that's a plus.

But tonight when I placed a call I noticed something strange. The automated voice told me how many minutes I had on this call: 956 minutes on a card with a balance of $4.77.

The "calling card" is advertised with a rate of 1¢/minute within Canada. But it is actually giving me a rate only of 0.5¢/minute. With the discount from CanJoy ($4.10 for a $5 credit) the actual rate is just 0.41¢/minute :-0

Can anyone else confirm that the actual rate for Canadian long distance with the "calling card" is 0.5¢/minute?

EDIT: I am getting the same 0.5¢/minute rate for Canada -> USA calls too.

[LisaB]

I use the VISA (or is it just VI) card to call Greece. Note that it only lasts a week. 8 hours for $2.50 (sometimes it gives me 16 hours for $2.50). That's a LOT (maybe too much) calling for 10/month.

Where do you get this card from? What does it look like? What should I ask for when I go to the store? My friends are going on a 3 week vacation to Greece and they've left me in charge of their business and home.

[bulgurc]

Aren't you guys nervous giving your credit card number to a nobody? I don't mind using my credit card at reputable companies, but this is just a website with an email address, nothing else... How do we know what they do with the credit card info we pass to them?

Can this card be bought from stores?

[st7860]

Aren't you guys nervous giving your credit card number to a nobody? I don't mind using my credit card at reputable companies, but this is just a website with an email address, nothing else... How do we know what they do with the credit card info we pass to them?

Can this card be bought from stores?

if your card number is stolen and misused call your bank and they will not charge you for what you did not buy.

[jackboot]

I've updated the OP to reflect the latest per-minute pricing of the "calling card" available from CanJoy (and in stores, apparently). The rate for within-Canada and Canada-USA calls is actually 50% less than advertised on CanJoy - only about 0.4 ¢/min after discount. A $5 credit (actually costs $4.10) will last 16 hours and 40 minutes for Canada/USA calls :-0

[sweetsimplicity64]

Living in a place with no local access numbers, limits some of the savings. I've been using the "cici" card. Ordered it online and used the 800 access number for no additional charge. It's quite painless and easy to use. It also beats the heck out of PEI's landline telco's and their pricing.

[bilingualmk]

http://www.pinbank.ca/p-Extra.aspx

a $5 card gives you 310 minutes of talk time, started using it today:cheesygri

A daily maintenance fee of thirty five cents applies.

[jackboot]

A daily maintenance fee of thirty five cents applies.

Not to mention:


A maximum of thirty percent administrative charge applies after the third minute of call.
After the first minute, usage is based on three minute increments.


...terrible card.>:(

[supercanadian1]

I purchased a "See You" calling card at a convenience store in Richmond Hill. It seems to be from the same company as "Calling Card" from the CanJoy site since the customer service inquiry email address is the same. Anyways, I was pleasantly surprised when I purchased a $5 card but got a $10 credit...only catch is there is a .29 fee per day I think. Other than that, it told me I had 1 day and 9 hours of talk time!!! Not bad!

EDIT-Good card, but it is only valid for 1 week. It is really good if you plan to make numerous of lengthy calls.

[LisaB]

Does anyone know which cards offer the best rates for China and South Korea? Two of my friends got jobs teaching English in China and Korea. Thanks :)

[jackboot]

Does anyone know which cards offer the best rates for China and South Korea? Two of my friends got jobs teaching English in China and Korea. Thanks :)

You should check out the cards listed in the OP and see where the lowest rates are - and then let the rest of us know :)

[micronta]

Don't be fooled by the low rates. Don't be scammed like I did. I recently bought the $5 calling card from the www.canjoy.com website and am frustrated with not being able to use it. I don't post very often as some of you, but I had to inform you guys, so you don't get ripped off.

I've already tried calling 11 times and it would tell me the pin is not authorized 75 % of the time and other times it would connect me. What's weird is I notice there's some kind of fee deducted because the 2 times I'm able to get my pin recognized by the system it's like a few cents less. I've only been able to use it just twice and each time I talk for 10 min. using the local access no. But I'm down to $3 bucks now even though each call is suppose to be 1.4 cents / min. only. I also see a deduction even though I did not make any calls, as I was just checking the balance. I see the trend, next time if I'm able to get the pin recognized, I wouldn't be surprised if it's down to $2. I've used the cici and fonebuster flat cards before and never had any issues like this. To me this is a scam and it's only $5. But makes you wonder if the site is just trying to rip off a few people and disappear. How do you run a business like that. Maybe they think it's only a few dollars that people are spending and they won't bother reporting to the BBB.

[jackboot]

Unfortunately I think micronta is right :(

I've noticed that my "calling card" has a waaaay lower balance than it did when I last used it a week ago. It appears that they are charging some sort of maintenance fee or something.

I don't think the "scam" is with the retailer (CanJoy), they are just an online shop for the cards which can be purchased at many B&M convenience stores.

I've found another cheap calling card that has rates that are cheaper than the "calling card" so I think I'll be able to delete that one from the list. I'll update after I try out this new card...

EDIT: I can confirm that my "calling card" must be charging a daily maintenance fee because my balance is going down even though I am not using it. DO NOT BUY THE "CALLING CARD"!!!

[cityhuntre]

I have the same experience as Micronta and Jackboot. :(

Tonight I made a call to HK when the balance was 27 cents. It lasted for 1 min, then it was disconnected. Tried calling again, then I got a message saying my balance is too low to complete the call. Calling to HK only costs 1 cent. 26 cents is too low to complete the call??

Also I found that their access numbers don't always authorize your pin. One works, but the another don't..

Although I didn't keep track of every call, the balance drops faster than what I expected. I don't have any solid proof. However, if you are a "calling card" user, keep track of the calls, and see if you have the same issue.

[jackboot]

I'll bet that it is charging a connection fee of 25 cents. That sounds about right based on my experience and would precisely explain yours.

Luckily I've found a new calling card that looks even better. I'll post details asap.

[supercanadian1]

I'll bet that it is charging a connection fee of 25 cents. That sounds about right based on my experience and would precisely explain yours.

Luckily I've found a new calling card that looks even better. I'll post details asap.

Hey jackboot...please post details about the new card when you can.
It seems these calling card companies like to change their rates/fees/etc. I have purchased 3 diff. calling cards and each one was not as advertised either in store (as per a poster) or online.

[TorontoEh]

I'll bet that it is charging a connection fee of 25 cents. That sounds about right based on my experience and would precisely explain yours.

Luckily I've found a new calling card that looks even better. I'll post details asap.

what card is that?

[jackboot]

The new card that I found was advertised as 0.5 ¢/min for Canada-Canada calls and per-second billing with no connection/service/payphone/minimum call fee and a 4.0 ¢/min premium for 1-800 number access. Sounds great!

But alas it appears that it is more like 1.1 ¢/min based on my balance ($9.84) and "minutes remaining" when I make a Canadian call (867 minutes). So it looks like this card is being misadvertised. I've sent an email to support to ask what's up. I'm not going to publish the card details here until they can tell me why the advertised and real rates are different.

For now, Nengda Tong (see the OP) is the best for domestic CDN calls at 0.9 ¢/min and no other fees. I've used this card many times and it is always true and faithful :)

[kingfencer]

i use jajah, don't know, so many. i like jajah cause its like calling card, you call office, then dial number.

yak seems pretty cheap too, i read some users complaining about calls to you trying to sell you their internet, etc...

[Waggamuffin]

Sorry, total n00b question here. :o

When using long distance calling cards on a cellphone...will Rogers charge me any extra fees? :S Does it depend on the calling card?

And if I'm calling from a cellphone, to another cellphone...will that cellphone be charged any extra fees (once again, by Rogers)?

I've heard that there are no extra fees for either cellphone, but I just want to confirm. I've just never needed to use calling cards until now, when I have someone I need to reach across the country, so yknow. :o

Thanks in advance! :)

[bilingualmk]

Bump :cheesygri

[nacnud]

I bought 2 Canjoy $5 Calling Card for $4.10 each. For call to the UK, Australia and Singapore, I got about $1.50 worth of use on one card and about $2.50 worth out of the other. I tried contacting Canjoy but no JOY! Buyer beware!

[ipassgas]

does anyone know of a good card to buy in canada to use at payphones in the US to makecalls back to Canada?

[yuprules]

does anyone know of a good card to buy in canada to use at payphones in the US to makecalls back to Canada?

I know one to AVOID, Walgreens. AWFUL prices, no local numbers (toll free costs more of course) and people link them to Hotel telephone numbers (idiots) and it's a ROYAL pain to get them to unlink "someone elses expired card", took freaken 30 minutes!

Linking: saves you from entering a pin number, but what people don't get is ALL rooms show the SAME outgoing telephone number. I did manage to use up $5 left on someone's card that they had linked to a no name hotel, most major lhotels have expired cards linked to them (found 4 linked in a one week road trip, LOL!).

I would suggest buying the card from the States, as buying Canadian cards limits you to using a toll free number instead of a local access number from the city you buy it from. I recommend "oriental stores" or "other types of asian markets" in the city you are staying in.

[jackboot]

I bought 2 Canjoy $5 Calling Card for $4.10 each. For call to the UK, Australia and Singapore, I got about $1.50 worth of use on one card and about $2.50 worth out of the other. I tried contacting Canjoy but no JOY! Buyer beware!

Yup...I assume you are talking about the card called "calling card" from CanJoy. Note that CanJoy is just a retailer, like an online convenience store.

From the first post in this thread:

2. NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (now charging a maintenance fee! Do not buy!)
Name of card: "Calling Card" (yep, that's what it's called)
Where to buy: CanJoy.com
*Note: CanJoy charges $8.20 for a $10 credit
Price per minute: 1.0 ¢/min
Connection fee: No
Minimum call fee: No
Payphone surcharge: No
1-800 access number surcharge: 4.0 ¢/min
Expires: DAILY MAINTENANCE FEE of unknown amount even though it is advertised as 1-year expiry and no maintenance fee
Card increments: $5, $10
Support: email only, vserve@rogers.com
Thanks goes to: Jackboot, ygtgxi, cywhiz, TorontoEh

The "Nengda Tong" card still looks like it is the best option for now.

[sassysue]

is his website any good?

http://www.callingcards.com/shopping/rate_table1.asp


BEYOND CANADA
1.5 ¢ 667 1333 3333 $0.00 3 min. YES

what does Billing Increment mean?

[cityhuntre]

Billing increment is the smallest unit of time you will be charged for.

eg. A 3 mins and 10 seconds call will be billed as a 6-min call.

is his website any good?

http://www.callingcards.com/shopping/rate_table1.asp


BEYOND CANADA
1.5 ¢ 667 1333 3333 $0.00 3 min. YES

what does Billing Increment mean?

[zz554433]

does anyone know of a good card to buy in canada to use at payphones in the US to makecalls back to Canada?

I know alldaytalk services offer you to call from payphone in USA, you call their 1-800 number, enter the pin and call Canada. However, need to add 3cent/min for this 1-800 access.
http://en.alldaytalk.com/

[cashinstinct]

2. Canjoy NO LONGER RECOMMENDED (now charging a maintenance fee! Do not buy!)

Expires: DAILY MAINTENANCE FEE of unknown amount even though it is advertised as 1-year expiry and no maintenance fee

At least I only bought one $5 card. Used it for about 10 minutes of long distance called in about a week, called after a week and my balance was $3.70 only.

I will try another card when this one will be empty.

[lucyB]

I hate calling cards, they are ripoffs. Always some hidden charges, expires before you know it..

[jackboot]

I hate calling cards, they are ripoffs. Always some hidden charges, expires before you know it..

Great bump :rolleyes:

read the OP...

[mlven78]

Yup...I assume you are talking about the card called "calling card" from CanJoy. Note that CanJoy is just a retailer, like an online convenience store.

From the first post in this thread:



The "Nengda Tong" card still looks like it is the best option for now.

The Nengda Tong $10 card is also avalible at CompuSky $8.60 for a $10.00 card. Access numbers are the same. Slightly better deal for the same thing.

http://www.compusky.com/callingcard/index.php?action=card&card=4

[jobby]

why is that nengda tong says I have 2 hours and 20 minutes (140 minutes) for 5$ when used for a canada number. At 1c/min I should have minutes. Am I missing something?

Also does it allows you to setup speed dial no.

[axelz]

I just read through this entire thread, and I wasn't able to find an answer on this so I figured I'd ask:

I want to phone someone in Dominica (Caribbean island - not Dominican Republic) from my Markham Ontario land line to their Dominica Mobile phone, and, so far, the best card I've found for that (overall - minus all the hidden fees etc) is :

The FoneBuster Flat Card ($.18 /min - no fees)

But that $.18/ min rate only applies if I can use the Local Access Number for Toronto. If I can't (if Markham isn't counted as part of Toronto in this case - which I assume it probably isn't) then I'll have to use the "Canada/US - Toll-Free" number, and that apparently comes with extra fees attached to it.


So, I was wondering ; does anyone know if Markham or anywhere else in the GTA is actually included as part of the "Toronto" "Local Access Number" listing when that's the closest option shown, like it is with many of these Canadian Calling card Local Access number listings for Ontario?

For example, here's the entire Canada wide Local Access Number list for the FoneBuster Flat card as seen on the website http://thephonecardstore.ca/(iwwppeiy2lvfqzywg330o145)/productdetails.aspx?ProductID=58:

Calling From
Abbotsford
Banff, Barrie, Belleville, Brandon, Brantford
Calgary
Edmonton
Fort McMurray, Fredericton
Grand Prairie
Halifax
Hamilton, Hespeler
Kelowna, Kingston, Kitchener
Lethbridge
London
Medicine Hat , Montreal
Newmarket
Oshawa, Ottawa
Peterborough, Prince George
Quebec City
Red Deer
Sherbrooke, St. Catharines
Toronto
Vancouver, Victoria
Whistler, Windsor, Winnipeg

Canada/US - Toll-Free



I'll probably just end up using the 1010229 bell linked LD service, since it shows it's rates are only $.20 /minute to Dominica Mobiles, which seems like the best deal overall when accounting for ease of use. But, just for future reference, I'd like to know if the Toronto Local Access number for all of these calling cards will actually work for Markham based callers or not?

[bulgurc]

Is it long distance from Markham to Toronto. I don't think so. If it is not, you can use that number with no extra charges

[majesus]

Here is a nice price comparison table i found for voip calling providers.
I use calleasy.com they are not bad.

http://backsla.sh/betamax

That's a great site. Thanks a lot for letting us know :)

[jackboot]

(snip)

But, just for future reference, I'd like to know if the Toronto Local Access number for all of these calling cards will actually work for Markham based callers or not?

You can call any local access number you want. The only limitation is which local access number is a local call for you from your landline. Is the Toronto number billed as a local call on your landline or will you be billed long-distance from your landline provider?

And you are right...using your Bell service is way less hassle for about the same price as this phone card you mention.