Getting Connected

Some advice to travelers: The best way to avoid being overcharged for phone calls when you are out of town is to buy a phone card from a grocery store and keep it in your wallet. I used mine, from Ralphs, all over the United States (including Alaska), and the only cost for a call was the original cost of the card.

I dialed an 800 number, which is a “local” call everywhere, and was charged for my calls by the minute. If you need more time, you can charge additional minutes to your credit card--again by calling an 800 number. The original cost of the card was $7.50 for 40 minutes. Rather expensive, but the calls went right through.

JEAN BRANDT

Encino