How to Make a Collect Call to a Cell Phone
By Christine Kim
As more people have begun to use cell phones, collect calls have become nearly obsolete among mobile users. However, for people who do not have cell phones or need to make long-distance calls to cell phones while they are abroad, collect calling options are available. Although major U.S. cell phone carriers do not carry collect calling options at the time of publication -- with the exception of AT&T -- there are third-party companies that can set up collect calling services for you.
Third-Party Collect Calls
Step 1
Dial the number for a third-party collect call company, such as 1-800-Call-4-Less.
Step 2
Wait for the voice prompts to instruct you on what to do. Press the appropriate number keys on your keypad to select options for the collect call.
Step 3
Enter the appropriate cell phone number you are trying to reach on the keypad. Say your name when you hear the prompt directing you to say your name, so the user on the other line can identify who you are.
Step 4
Wait for the collect call company to dial the number for you and wait to see if the caller accepts the collect call charges. You will be connected to the caller after the charges are accepted.
AT&T Collect calls
Step 1
Dial the AT&T access number for the country you are calling from. You can find the access codes online, on the USADirect Traveler Support page (see Resources).
Step 2
Wait on the line until you are prompted to enter the telephone number you are calling. Do not press the number yet.
Step 3
Press zero when you are asked for the telephone number or stay on the line for assistance from an operator. The operator will ask you to enter the cell phone number you would like to reach.
Step 4
Wait for the operator to dial the number for you and wait to see if the caller accepts the collect call charges. You will be connected to the caller only after the caller accepts the charges.
References
Tips
- Purchasing prepaid phone cards is another option when needing to make collect calls. AT&T's USADirect and dozens of other companies sell prepaid phone cards.
Writer Bio
Christine Kim has been a writer and editor since 2002, working with Columbia University, Harvard Business School and University of Alabama Press. She holds a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing.