Quick yes or no: Payphones in arrival area Dulles airport?
 

Didn't bring our cell phones to Chile and anticipated taking a taxi to my mom's. Mom generously offered to pick us up at 1 a.m. so need to know if I can easily call her in the cell waiting area from a payphone in the arrivals terminal? Payphones are so outdated I don't want to assume there are any. A quick googling didn't provide an answer.
Thanks!

This terminal map shows a few telephones on the arrivals level.

http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/815.htm

Perfect. Just what I needed to know. Thanks!

I wouldn't count on them working. I'd ask another passenger on your plane if you could use their phone to make the call.

Yes there are. They are down the ramp at street level. Near the tax stand.

What's a pay phone?

Yes, there are and I've seen people using them. They are near the baggage carousels.

> What's a pay phone?

A pay phone is a cell phone with some disadvantages:

1) their "pay only for the minutes you use" plan requires that you pay in advance, using coins only.
2) they're bolted to walls, thus difficult to carry around. However, I have seen some where this is over-come with heavy equipment.
3) their coverage is limited to where they exist, and this is getting smaller every year.
4) they're not good for RECEIVING calls, unless it's a sniper killing people around you as you talk to him, after you picked up the one that rang.

but also advantages:

1) reception is invariably pretty good, unless the unit is destroyed.
2) there's no roaming charges -- when you make a call you're guaranteed to be on the phone's network.
3) you don't have to worry that people will be bothered by your talking on these phones, even if they're standing next to you.
4) no deposit is required for using it. However, this is offset by the fact that you don't get to keep it.

I wouldn't count on you getting into IAD ON TIME, either, but yes those phones DO work and as has been pointed out above, NONE of us have to hear you shouting your half of the conversation.

Love this site. Thanks to all. Waiting in the airport in El Salvador right now in the long return-home process and keeping my fingers crossed that we won't be delayed for weather. Gracias!