Phone cards
 

I have to make one phone call to a hotel to be picked up upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport. Where can I purchase a phone card at the airport? I won't be making another phone call after I arrive at the hotel. Are there pay phones at the airport where the card can be used?

Elsa

Hi Elsa

Never used a public phone there myself, but airport info (including the fact there are public phones) can be found here:
http://www.airports.co.za/home.asp?pid=2745

Seems a slightly odd arrangement, but have a good trip :)

Ysa

Actually - when I think about for 2 seconds - I guess it's a hotel courtesy service :P

I don't have the exact answer neither since I was worried with other things the last couple of times I was at the JNB ORTIA airport... But it would really surprise me if making one local phone call would turn out as 'mission impossible'!

However given the fact that driving time from downtown might easily exceed 1/2h one way, that arrangement with the hotel sounds really odd... Aren't they able to note a name, date and flight number and maybe also check for the estimated arrival time on the airport website (or phone service) so you can be picked up immediately after leaving the immigration area?

It's been a few years, but our pick-up was late, so I made a call. I had some coins and with the help of a local, placed the call. Sure enough no answer but left a message that we were waiting; if I didn't find our pick-up within half hour, I'd call back. Well, well... ain't technology amazing... within a few minutes the phone I used rang back and there was my party. Guess Caller ID works everywhere.

Also can't understand why hotel can't be there to meet you. Why not email before departing from wherever and provide them with your flight and arrival time.

If you need local currency, there were exchange windows next to the phone bank. Or, maybe a local will lend you a phone card or their mobile to make the call.

Ysandre,Globaric
Many thanks for the the link to the airport. I checked it out and found the answer to my question. It seems like an odd arrangement and Mission impossible to make one phone call. My daughter initially suggested that I stay at Holiday Inn where there is airport pick up service. When she found out the rate is $350 per night, she found a smaller hotel which requires that I call upon arrival for the pick-up. I have to take a flight to Maputo, Mozambique the following morning. Given the reports I have read about gang of thieves at the airport preying on tourists, I don't want to go wandering around looking for a telephone. She already mailed me some Rands so that is one less trip to an ATM machine. By the way, my daughter and family live and work in Maputo and I will be staying with them. I am sure she will give the flight info to the hotel. It might be a small hotel policy that they be called for the pick-up.
I appreciate your input. Thanks again

Sandi,
I am glad you told me of your experience of placing a call and not receiving a response. I would have panicked! Now I know I can just wait for the call back. Yes, technology is great. As stated in my response to Ysandre and Globaleric, I already have the rand bills. I just need to get some change. My daughter suggested that I use a phone card. I do have one bought years ago but still valid. I called up AT&T for the rate. The agent has to do some "research". The $5.00 AT&T 60-minute card for U.S.domestic calls will give me 3 minutes when used in Johannesburg. Thanks for your tip that I can use coins!

Can you text your daughter from your cell phone when you arrive and have her call the hotel for you?

Or have your daughter check with the airline to verify that your flight has arrived and call the hoel for you.

Yes, usually about half of the public phones in ZA are coin, the other half card operated. But at an airport, I additionally would expect some credit card operated public phones.

To hills27,
I am not taking along my cellphone.It is good only for domestic use. I am sure my daughter will e-mail and call the hotel about my flight number and arrival time. I am guessing that the hotel asks the passenger to make the call upon arrival rather than wait for passengers on delayed flights.