How to Call a Pay Phone

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You can call a pay phone number easily, but not all pay phones accept incoming calls.

Not everybody owns a cell phone and can make a call whenever desired. A pay phone can be a lifesaver for the person without a cell phone, especially in cases of emergency. A pay phone call lasts only a certain amount of time, depending on the amount of money you enter into the phone before and during the call. When you dial a pay phone, the call lasts until somebody disconnects the call.

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Step 1

Locate the phone number for the pay phone. The number is located on the front. Use pay phone directories to find unknown pay phone numbers (see Resource).

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Step 2

Tell the person you're calling the exact time and date you'll be calling. This ensures that your call is not intercepted by an unknown party.

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Step 3

Use your land line or cell phone to call the pay phone number. Wait for the call to go through. If you don't hear the “ringing” sound that indicates the call went through, disconnect the call. Redial the pay phone number using all 10 digits in the number.

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