Callback systems are an alternative way which people can use to save money on international phone calls. Instead of using a calling card to dial the number you want to contact directly, you call a special number. This number calls you back and requests the phone number which you are trying to contact. The callback system places the call for you through its own channels, which costs less than the international rate you would have paid making the call directly.
You are able to use the callback system on any touch-tone phone that can accept incoming calls. Dial the callback system number and allow it to ring just once. After the first ring, hang up the phone. The callback system then calls you right back. Depending on the system you use, you may be asked for your password or access code. Once you have accessed your account, dial the number which you are trying to reach. As long as you have the money in your account to call your destination, your call will connect. The call actually goes through a two-step process, first calling from your location to a "legal" country and then to your final destination. A "legal" country means one that accepts calls from your originating country without high fees.
One of the concerns with a callback system is the legality. Some phone companies in particular claim that this type of phone call is illegal. However, it is not illegal and a phone company has no recourse if you choose to use this option. The reason that a phone company may want you to think it is illegal is because they lose money when you use the service. Certain countries in which calling cards and other such calling services are not a legal option charge more for long distance calls. Callback services are a way to work around these legalities.
Callback services are not always the best option when you make international calls. Before you make your call, you must evaluate if it is the most cost-efficient method to use. For instance, find out if calls are free or cheap to receive in the country from which you make your call. If you are charged for incoming calls, it may not be a viable option. Once you determine if incoming calls are free, check out the cost of a long distance call. In some cases, the rate may already be lower and a callback system call may not save you additional money. This typically happens between neighboring countries. Also, to save money, the rate of a call to your call destination must be higher than the rate calling from your call destination to your current location.
