Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!purdue!haven!decuac!netsys!vector!telecom-gateway From: U5434122@ucsvc.unimelb.edu.au Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Phone Cards Message-ID: Date: 13 Oct 89 08:44:42 GMT Sender: news@vector.Dallas.TX.US Organization: The University of Melbourne Lines: 29 Approved: telecom-request@vector.dallas.tx.us In article cgch!wtho@mcsun.eu. net (Tom Hofmann) writes: >>What I would like to know: Isn't there a country (or LDC in the US) >>where phone calls can be paid be regular, internationally accepted >>credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc.)? ... In Australia we have card phones which accept Amex and Visa, but not MC, for some reason. They also accept most bank debit cards, and the domestic Australian credit card 'Bankcard'. To operate the phone, you lift the handpiece and swipe your card. If the card is a debit card, you are prompted to enter your PIN. Then you must select the account you wish to charge: credit, savings or cheque account. The telephone then verifies the card, PIN, and looks up your current balance for cheque or savings accounts, showing you the funds you have available. Only then are you presented with a dial tone. Unfortunately, the minimum cost is $1.20 ($US1.00), so you have to make a LD call or 4 local calls ( 30c each, untimed ) for it to be worth it. Current call cost is displayed as the call progresses. These phones are usually found in airports, major hotels and post offices.