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Making Phone Calls
Campus phones
This link will help you learn how to use your campus telephone line.
DIALING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GVSU STUDENTS
This link provides tips on dialing internationally and instructions on how to make international phone calls.
http://www.howtocallabroad.com/
International Calls
The most convenient way to make international calls is using a pre-paid phone card. Grand Valley's bookstore carries a reliable card called Gold Card in both $5.00 and $10.00. You can also purchase pre-paid cards for international calls at gas stations or online. Below is a list of websites where you can get a phone card, but you can also conduct an Internet search typing the words international calling card to find other options.
PHONE CARDS FOR SALE
ONESUITE
CALLING CARDS
PENNY TALK
CLONCOM
Look for the card that is the most convenient for the region of the world that you are trying to reach. Rates vary from country to country.
Cell Phones
Here is a list of companies that offer cell phone services without having to purchase a plan. You have to take into account that in the U.S. every call (incomming and outgoing) is charged.
*Verizon wireless: Inpulse
*T-mobile: To Go
*Cingular
*Virgin Mobile
*Tracfone
*Net 10 wireless pre-paid
If you are planning on being in the States for more than one year and you want to get a plan for your cell, keep in mind that you will need to be able to demonstrate credit history. If you have never been in the States before or you don't have credit history, a good way to build it is through getting a credit card.
Alternative Wireless Plans
There are many wireless providers to choose from in the United States. Customers may pick between prepaid and monthly, or contractual, plans. Prepaid services are purchased in advance with usage charged against a customer's running balance. There is no need to have a US social security number to obtain a prepaid plan. There are also no credit checks, contracts, or bills involved. There is no fee to deactivate a prepaid plan but note that unused minutes, or any remaining balance, are typically nonrefundable nor transferable to another plan. Monthly plans require social security numbers and the signing of contracts. Many providers only advertise 2-year contracts so shoppers should inquire into 1-year agreements, as they are usually available. A deposit fee is normally assessed based on the results of a credit check. An additional activation fee is common as well. Contracts can only be cancelled at a fee. Shoppers should familiarize themselves with the terminology used by wireless providers such as home area, anytime, shared, mobile-to-mobile, night and weekend minutes, etc. Knowing these terms can be helpful in selecting the best plan for your needs. The following is a short list of some wireless providers in the West Michigan area and an overview of their services.
Click here to access the list of alternative plans in futher detail.
Skype
Skype is an Internet service that allows you to talk to people around the world at a low cost or free of charge. You can have Internet conversations free of charge with other Skype users and can expect reception as good as a telephonic one. You can also call landlines or mobile telephones at a very low rate by purchasing Skype credit.
What do I need in order to access Skype?
A computer with Internet access, a microphone, speakers, and headphones or a headset.
How do I get Skype?
Simply go this website and download the program for free.
How do I Create an Account?
Once you have downloaded and installed the program, a skype icon will appear on your desktop. Click on it and a window will pop up giving you the option to create an account by clicking "Don't Have a Skype name?" Fill in the correct information and your account will be set.
How do I adding contacts:
Click on the icon at the superior left corner that says "add contact." Type in the name of the Skype user that you are trying to contact and add him or her.
How do I placing a call?
To call someone on your contact list, double click on the contact's name or click once on the contact's name and then click the green button on the bottom of the screen. To call a landline or a mobile telephone, look for the tab with the telephone icon that reads dial and type + country code and telephone number (example +523515120708). To call the United States and Canada, type + area code and number. After you type in the phone number simply press the green button to place the call.
How do I receive a call?
You will hear your Skype screen ringing when someone is trying to call you. To pick up the call press the green button. To end any call press the red button.
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