Is it possible to make a phone call to a 1-800 number from England and if so how? Also, to call from England to the U.S., is it better to take a phone card from here or use a phone card purchased there?

With regard to the 1-800 numbers, yes you can but it won't be free (I have done this myself in the past). I'm afraid that I don't know about comparative value of phone cards - something says to me that it would be easier (and possibly cheaper?) to use the card of the country you're in, but please take proper advice from those who know and have done it.

US-based 1-800 numbers are not free when calling the States from England or any other country.

HOWEVER, some companies do have toll free international numbers, but these are not publicized. Before your trip, call the company you are concerned with. Tell them you will be traveling, and want a toll free number that you can use to call them from overseas, in case of emergency. They will more than likely have one to give you.

Good luck!

they don not have an international 1-800 number. The phone card I purchased here(Walmart)does not allow these type of calls either? Any tips?

SueBee, I think you'd have to divulge more info to us about the co. you'd eb calling to get advice. If it's your office & they don't have an international toll free number,you just have to call on the regular number with the local area code & pay. Email is another option. Most hotels have internet access or an internet cafe. Use a phone card from England to call from England.

Generally the phone cards you can purchase locally in London will give you MUCH better rates that one bought in the States. Some are as low as 3.5? or 5? a minute. Plus most USA-based cards require VERY long access numbers so you have to dial 30 or more digits to make a phone call.

As previously posted US 800 numbers are charged the international rates when calling from overseas. However, some companies have international numbers that can be called collect with a recording "operator, we accept collect calls." I have a citibank visa and have needed to call their service dept from London.
I'd use the 800 number before you go and ask what number should be called collect from overseas.

Just saw the two ?'s in my post - really makes it useless.

Those were cent signs when I typed them on my Mac -- oh well . . . .