We have had hundreds of queries about international callback. We took some time and built the list of our most commonly asked questions. We have tried to make the answers generic in order to cover the broadest possible callback spectrum. Some responses below may not be specifically correct and you may need to verify the answer with your particular long distance carrier.

Q. Can I make an international call back call with a "pulse or rotary" phone?
A. Generally No! One solution is to purchase a "tone generator". This generates the beeps or tones enabling you to use the service.

Q. Can I send a fax using international call back?
A. Yes, this is entirely possible. Send the fax in the normal way after setting your fax on manual and dialing the trigger number as if it was a regular handset.

Q. Can I use a call back service from a hotel room or a business extension?
A. In principle absolutely. Modern hotel services mostly have a voice prompt system which allows you to program your phone to accept calls. Businesses vary. You may need to talk to your switchboard or admin manager to have the calls transferred to your extension number. Some modern PABX do this with a voice prompt system.

Q. Can I use my cordless telephone to make a call using a callback service?
A. Yes, you can use a cordless phone. Obviously it may not be as clear and certain household appliances cause interference which may interrupt or scramble service. Fixed wire handsets are preferable.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone to make a call using my callback service?
A. Yes this is also possible. The comments above in the cordless pone question apply. You may also have to experiment a bit. Different cellphone providers have different systems and some may not permit callback. Verify what is in your mobile contract. Remember you are probably paying mobile phone air time on top of the cost of the call back call. Fixed wire handsets are preferable.

Q. Can I make an international call back call from a payphone?
A. Yes. You will probably have to pay an additional fee of around 35c to the owner of the payphone. This will be added to the cost of the call.

Q. My phone is blocked from international calls. How do I use your service?
A. This is often referred to as "trunk barring". If you can't persuade whoever it is to unbar you, the best route is to go for a web based trigger. This method allows you to set up a callback via the internet.

Q. Do I have to dial from specific numbers?
A. It depends on the callback carrier. Some require specific numbers and some don't. Some carriers also have "follow me" services. This can be a problem if you are travelling. (in this instance an International Calling Card is a far better option.

Q. Do I have to go through the whole process to set up a second call.
A. Generally No! Good call back services allow you to press a key combination such as ** or # to end a call and provide you with a fresh dialing tone or instruction. You then dial your new destination without having to set the whole thing up again.

Q. Is it economical to use a callback service within the US to call another US number?
A. It depends entirely on your location and the local service you have available. In some states it is definitely economical. It is possible that a regular dial around would be better.

Q. My call didn't complete, will I be charged twice?
A. No. You will generally be charged for time used. Recall and continue where you left off. Faxes may be charged twice. If the problem persists call customer service.

Q. Is there a charge for busy or engaged signals?
A. In principle, there is no charge if the call does not go through.

Q. Why didn't I receive my callback after I dialed the access number?
A. There are a number of reasons:-
1)You didn't wait for the ring and hung up too quickly.
2)You are dialing from a rotary or pulse phone.
3)You are trunk barred or banned from international calling.
4)Your account hasn't been paid.
5)The local system is overloaded or "busy".

Try again. If the problem persists, call customer service or change carrier.

Q. My callback came through but when I dialed I wasn't connected. Why is this and what should I do?
A. There are a number of reasons this might happen:-
1)You left out the country or area codes.
2)You are dialing from a rotary or pulse phone.
3)Your account hasn't been paid.
4)The local system is overloaded or "busy".

Try again. If the problem per sits, call customer service or change carrier.

Q. How are my calls billed?
A. We have dedicated a whole page to this. It is here.

Q. What is the difference between international call back and an international calling card?
A. A true calling card doesn't call you back. A true calling card is a dial around system. We have dedicated a whole page to this. It is here.

Q. I signed for service - how long until I can make calls?
A. Obviously it depends on the carrier. Normally the hold up is due to a delay while your credit reference/card is checked. Delays are normally from an hour to 48 hours. Weekends and public holidays may add additional time. Different time zones may add 12 hours.

Q. Who do I report complaints or service faults to?
A. Report complaints and faults to the carrier in question. This is important. These services are often resold and the reseller is unable to help you. Go directly to the source. Do this as soon as possible. Use an email or a fax if you can so there is a permanent record.

The following data expedites your complaint and will help bring an early resolution:-
1)The date, time and origin (physical location and phone number) of the problem.
2)The destination including country code, area code and final number.
3)Your account details including your name and account number.
4)A full description of the problem encountered.