Rip-Off Credit Card Pay Phone ($70 USD 5 minute phone call)

Do not ever use the credit card operated international pay phones. They are a complete rip-off. I used my card at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport only because I didn’t have enough Malaysian currency.I figured at most, it’d cost a few dollars. Boy was I wrong.

I was in a time crunch and had to use a phone immediately. I was hesitant to using it because there were no rates posted on or near the phone. The first call lasted about 2 minutes. I was instructed on the phone to dial a toll free number first and wait to be connected. I spoke to someone who spoke English perfectly and I asked him what the rates were for phone calls. He replied, “I have no idea, I’m connecting your call now.”

Then, I got disconnected. I called again using the credit card pay phone. I was connected to another person, who also spoke English perfectly. This time my phone call actually got connected, but with no answer, just automated voice prompts.

I didn’t think anything of this until last night when I was going through my bank account. This phone company charged my credit card $30 USD for the first disconnected call. Then they charged $40 USD for the second call that connected. I was charged $70 USD for less than 5 minutes of phone service to Hong Kong.  Complete scam.

I immediately called my bank and disputed the charges.  I explained to them that there were no prices posted on the phone, and the person connecting my call had no idea what their calling rates were.  If this happens to you, call your bank immediately. Your bank will most likely award you a charge-back.