Phone cards
Sep 5th, 2007, 05:28 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Elsa
Sep 6th, 2007, 11:22 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
Sep 6th, 2007, 12:37 PM
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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?
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?
Sep 6th, 2007, 01:53 PM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:10 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
Sep 7th, 2007, 05:31 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
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!
Sep 7th, 2007, 04:35 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SandyBrit
United States
29
May 24th, 2005 06:42 AM
