Global Premium Service
Global Premium Service
+ USD$10 call credit
US $9.00
If you are going on vacation or holiday overseas then the Global Premium service is for you.
You get a Global and US phone number that works in over 185 countries and you save up to 70% on international roaming costs!
Save up to 70% on international roaming rates and avoid the hidden costs of roaming (such as receiving calls, listening to voicemail and calling Customer Service).
Make it easy for family and friends to keep in touch - it is free for them to call you!
Benefits:
- Receive a Global phone number and a United States phone number
- Includes bonus call credit
- Use in over 185 countries and over 100 cruise ships
- FREE to receive calls in France, Italy, Spain and the UK (on your Global Number)
- FREE for family and friends to call you (30 minutes free of surcharge)
- FREE to listen to voicemail from over 60 countries
- FREE to call 24/7 Customer Service from over 60 countries
- Caller Line Identification is only available on some international networks.
- FREE to receive text messages (on your Global Number)
- Receive a Free online Travel Journal and Map of your Trip
- No connection fees
- Prepaid Data in 150 countries from $0.39 per MB
- Send international text messages from USD 79c each
- Recharge minutes anytime via the phone or web, or enable auto-recharge
- Frequent users receive 25% bonus calling tim7
- It is prepaid, so no contracts, no credit checks and no monthly fees
- View call records and receipts online
- Easy to use call forwarding
- Easy to set up forwarding of your existing number
- Get FREE Facebook notifications
Got an iPad or iPhone? Need a Micro or Nano SIM?
Standard, Micro and Nano SIM cards are available for purchase.
Many new phones such as the iPhone 4 and the iPad require Micro SIM cards, the iPhone 5 and iPad mini require Nano SIM cards.
There is an option to select your SIM card type during Step 1 of the purchase process (learn more)
User guide | Rates | Features | Prepaid Data | Getting started | Making calls | Receiving calls | Recharge | Customer service | Service life | Handset compatibility | Tips
Rates
International Calls and International Roaming
Calling from |
Per minute rate to call a landline or a US Cell Phone |
Per minute rate to call a mobile * |
Per minute rate to receive a call ¶ |
Rate to send a text message |
Per minute rate to call Customer Service or listen to voicemail |
| $0.99 | $1.49 | FREE | $0.79 | FREE | |
| $0.99 | $1.49 | $0.89 | $0.79 | FREE | |
| $1.39 | $1.89 | $1.19 | $0.79 | $0.26 | |
| $2.39 | $2.89 | $1.99 | $0.79 | $1.00 | |
| $3.49 | $3.99 | $2.99 | $0.79 | $2.50 | |
| $4.49 | $4.99 | $3.99 | $0.99 | $3.50 |
Determine the zone for the country you are traveling to and use the table above to find the applicable rate. A per minute surcharge applies to call some non-key countries. *View applicable countries
For example
- The cost of a call from the United Kingdom (zone 1a) to a landline in any other country is $0.99 USD per minute.
- The cost to receive a call when you are in France on your Global +44 number (zone 1a) - nothing!
All rates quoted in US dollars. You are billed in 1 minute increments. A connection fee does not apply.
* The cost of calling a cell phone in the Australia, Canada and the United States is the same as calling a landline.
¶ There is a 30c per minute surcharge to receive calls on your US +1 number in zone 1a.
» It costs 15c per text message to receive text messages on your US +1 number in all countries.
^ In the United States you must enter 3 followed by the PIN when turning your phone on. Failure to follow these steps will result in you being charged a higher rate.
Prepaid Data
Prepaid Data is available for customers with applicable devices who wish to read and send emails and access the Internet using their mobile phone or tablet while traveling.
You can also use prepaid Data in the following ways:
- Enable your smartphone as a personal WiFi hotspot (Tethering)
- Use a USB modem to allow your laptop to connect to the Internet
If you're going to take your smartphone or tablet away with you, check out how much data you might use for commonly used apps like Facebook, Twitter and Skype.
How much does it cost?
Rates are based on kilobytes of data used, and
start from 39c per MB (or 3.8c per 100KB).
The minimum charge is for 100KB and further usage is charged in increments of 100KB. A minimum charge of 50c per session applies.
View rates for all countries
Examples
Sending a photo via email or MMS using phone with a VGA camera will use 100KB of data in many cases and will cost approximately 4c in the United Kingdom, 50c in Australia and $1.00 in Mexico.
Find out more about coverage and configuring your phone for data.
Prepaid Data Bundles
Data Bundles
All our products come with standard data rates and purchasing a Data Bundle is a great way to get the best value mobile internet while you’re away in any of the countries listed below.
What are Data Bundles?
Data Bundles provide you with a separate credit balance which is used for surfing the web, emailing, streaming music and videos and all other kinds of data usage on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
What’s more, because you’re buying more credit upfront our Data Bundles provide you with up to 200% additional bonus credit. See the table below for details.
| Bundle name | You Pay | You Get | Bonus Value |
| Lite Data Bundle | $49 | $66.15 | 35% extra credit |
| Medium Data Bundle | $69 | $142.14 | 106% extra credit |
| Heavy Data Bundle | $119 | $357.00 | 200% extra credit |
Data bundles can be used in any of the following countries:
Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Cyprus (North), Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom, United States
Features
Voicemail
Voicemail is automatically enabled. An inbound caller will be directed to voicemail if the call is not answered within 30 seconds, if the phone is switched off or if there is no coverage. A text message will be sent to notify you of a new voicemail.
To listen to voicemail, dial 121 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
The messages will be played in order of last received. No charge applies in zone 1a or zone 1b.
To change your greeting message, dial 732 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen). No charge applies.
To disable voicemail, dial 866 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To enable voicemail, dial 869 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Balance inquiry
Dial 187 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
The account balance will be sent in a text message.
No charge applies.
Recharge minutes
Dial 181 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
You will be connected to the Self service recharge menu. Have your credit card handy.
No charge applies.
Customer service
Dial 154 from your phone and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
You will be connected to 24/7 Customer Service.
No charge applies in zone 1a or zone 1b.
Toll-free calling
This feature can be used to let your family and friends call you from landlines, payphones and US and Canada cell phones at no charge to themselves, saving them the cost of a call. To call you, they just dial a toll-free number provided by you and enter your phone number. You will be charged a USD $0.49 per minute surcharge to receive the call, in addition to the incoming per minute call rate for the country you are in. Your Global Premium service includes a total of 30 minutes free of surcharge to use this feature.
To enable, dial 373 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable, dial 282 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Please note a call is not made. You will receive a message saying Toll Free Forwarding is either enabled or disabled.
Auto-recharge
Auto-recharge automatically recharges your account with USD$30 when your balance falls below USD$5. The automatic recharge is instantaneous and you receive a text message when it occurs.
Enable or disable Auto-recharge at any time by signing into your account online or by calling Customer service. You can also change the minimum balance and the charge amount.
To enable, dial 171 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
To disable, dial 393 and press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Please note a call is not made. You will receive a message saying Auto Recharge is either enabled or disabled.
Call forwarding
Calls to your phone number may be forwarded to any other number. You will be charged the standard rate for zone 1 landline or mobile, depending on whether the call is forwarded to a landline or mobile phone, and if a surcharge applies.
To enable, dial 102+ followed by the country code and number you wish to forward to (for example 102+18582742686), then press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Turn disable, dial 103, then press the call, send or OK key (ignoring any messages on the screen).
Facebook Notifications
You can link your international phone service to your Facebook account:
Comments left on your Facebook wall by Family and Friends will automatically be sent to you via text message for free. There is a limit of 20 free messages per day.
Your replies to these text messages will be posted on your Facebook wall. You will be charged the standard text message rate.
You can post updates to your Facebook wall simply by sending the update via text message to 8888. You will be charged the standard text message rate.
Click Here for more information
Getting Started
Your Global phone number and PIN are printed on the SIM card.
You can also find out your Global phone number by dialing 568 (using this service) - you will be sent a text message with your details shortly after.
Please keep the credit card sized SIM card holder in your purse or wallet. Calling and texting is automatically activated once you pick up a network for the first time.
When you receive your package, you should:
- Insert the SIM card.
* The SIM card is already inserted into your phone if you ordered one from us. The SIM card is the small chip card located in the back of the phone. It allows you to connect to the network. - Attach the fully charged battery to the phone.
- Turn the phone on.
* Refer to your handset user guide on how to turn it on. - When prompted for the PIN, enter the 4-digit PIN printed on your SIM card and press OK. In the United States and Canada enter 3 followed by the 4-digit PIN and press OK. In some small countries enter 2 followed by the PIN and press OK.
- These countries include: Republic of Congo, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Reunion Island, Senegal, Tajikistan
- When the phone registers with an available network (this will take 30-120 seconds) it is ready for use.
- Your PIN code is a four digit code printed on the plastic credit card sized SIM card.
- Please enter the PIN correctly. The service will be blocked if the PIN is entered incorrectly 3 times. If your SIM is blocked you will have to contact Customer service to unblock it.
Get US Number
When you turn your phone on and pick up a network in the United States for the first time using this service, your US Number will be automatically sent to you via text message. You can also get your US number two other ways:
- Online. Visit www.rechargeminutes.com
- Click on "Get Number" at the top.
- Enter your Global phone number printed on the SIM card and your 4 digit PIN and click on the "Get Number" button.
- On the next page click on the "Get US Number".
- Your new number will be displayed on the screen. Please take note of it.
- Using our self service phone menu. Using a landline (home phone) or payphone (have pen and paper handy!):
- Dial the toll-free number of the country where you are calling from:
- In the US or Canada dial 1-888-513-8804
- In the United Kingdom dial 0800-376-2370
- In Australia dial 1800-795-252
- For the Rest of the World (international call charges apply) dial +1 213 337 5525
- When prompted enter your Global phone number (starts with 44), then press 2 to activate.
- Your US Number will be announced over the phone and will also be sent to you via text message.
- Dial the toll-free number of the country where you are calling from:
Making Calls
Using this service is a little different from normal calling but so easy!
- Turn your phone on and when prompted for the PIN, enter the 4-digit PIN printed on your SIM card and press OK. In the United States, enter 3 followed by the PIN and press OK. In some small countries or if you can't get coverage enter 2 followed by the PIN and press OK (refer to Getting Started for a list of these countries).
- Dial the country code (1 for the US and Canada, 44 for the United Kingdom, 61 for Australia), area code and phone number.
Example: To call (213) 337-5555 in the United States you need to dial 12133375555 - Press the call key and please wait. Ignore any messages shown on your screen. You will be disconnected for 10 to 30 seconds, and then your phone will call back.
- Answer the call normally. Your call will be connected after a few seconds.
^ If the call back does not happen, please refer to the following section on Prefix dialing.
Prefix dialing (how to make a call when call back does not occur)
If you are trying to make a call and the call back does not occur or if you hear a message saying the call cannot be completed, please do the following:
Dial *126* followed by the country code (1 in the United States), area code and phone number, followed by #.
If you wish to call 03 9010 0225 in Australia, dial *126*61390100225#
If you wish to call 0207-943-2772 in the UK, dial *126*442079432772#
If you wish to call 213-337-5555 in the US, dial *126*12133375555#
Receiving calls - plus how family and friends can call you toll free
How to receive a call
Just like at home - when your phone rings simply answer the call.
Family and friends can call you for free
You're about to travel overseas and your family and friends think that it will be too hard and too expensive to call you. Toll-free calling is the answer! It makes it easy for family and friends to call you from landlines, payphones and US and Canada Cell Phones at no charge to them.
Here's what to do:
- Give your family and friends your Global Premium service phone number.
- They dial our toll free numbers from a landline, payphone or US or Canada Cell Phone
US & Canada - 1-866-305-6462
Australia - 1-800-261-038
France - 0805-101-177
Germany - 0800-000-6485
United Kingdom - 0800-376-5637 - They listen to the prompts and enter your number.
- Your phone will ring and you're chatting away - at no cost to your family or friends. And if you don't answer, they can leave you a voicemail.
Your family or friends will not be charged if they are using a landline, payphone or US or Canada Cell Phone. You will be charged a USD$0.49 per minute surcharge to receive the call, in addition to the incoming per minute call rate for the country where you are. Your Global Premium service includes a total of 30 minutes free of surcharge to use this feature.
Please note: Family and friends will need to have international text messaging enabled on their cell phone accounts in order for them to send a text message to your Global +44 number. However they can send a text message to your US +1 number as per normal.
Recharging your account
Buying more calling time is simple. Use your American Express, Mastercard or VISA card to add USD $30, $50, $100, $150 or $200 to your account.
There are five easy ways to recharge your account.
Using the website
Using a landline, hotel or payphone (toll free call)
- Dial the toll free access number for the country you are in.
- Enter your phone number then press the hash key.
- Press 1 to recharge using the Self-service phone menu.
- Follow the voice prompts to recharge your account.
Note: a per minute rate applies to call a toll-free access number from your mobile phone.
Using your Global Premium service phone (the call is free)
- Dial 181 from your phone
- Outside the USA and UK, please wait for the call back (ignoring any messages on the screen), answer the call normally and after 10-15 seconds your call will be connected. In the USA and the UK, this call connects directly.
- Follow the voice prompts to recharge your account.
Via 24/7 Customer Service (the call is free in zone 1 countries)
- Dial 154 from your phone
- Outside the USA and UK, please wait for the call back (ignoring any messages on the screen), answer the call normally and after 10-15 seconds your call will be connected. In the USA and the UK, this call connects directly.
- Follow the voice prompts to speak with Customer Service.
Using Auto-Recharge
Auto-recharge automatically recharges your account with USD$30 when your balance falls below USD$5.
Enable or disable Auto-recharge at any time by signing into your account online, by calling Customer Service or by dialing a short number on your phone (refer to Features). You can also change the minimum balance and the charge amount.
The automatic recharge is instantaneous and you receive a text message when it occurs.
Bonus calling time for Frequent users
If you spend more than USD$200 on calling time you become a frequent user. As a frequent user, you will receive 25% bonus calling time each time you recharge your minutes!
For example, if you have already used USD$200 worth of minutes and you recharge your account for another USD$100, you will receive an additional USD$25 of calling time FREE.
Contacting Customer service
From landlines, hotels and payphones:
- Dial the access number for the country you are in.
- Press 0# to speak to Customer Service.
Press 0 for English
Press 1 for French
Press 2 for German
Press 3 for Portuguese
Press 4 for Spanish
Press 5 for Japanese
Press 6 for Italian
Note: a per minute rate applies to call a toll-free access number from your mobile phone.
From your mobile phone (the call is free from zone 1 countries):
- Dial 154 from your phone
- Outside the USA and UK, please wait for the call back (ignoring any messages on the screen), answer the call normally and after 10-15 seconds your call will be connected. In the USA and the UK, this call connects directly.
- Follow the voice prompts to speak with Customer Service
User guide
Download a print-friendly version of the user guide.
User guide (395KB PDF file)
Service life
Your Service will remain active indefinitely if you use a charged service (such as making a call, or sending a text message) within any six month period.
We will send you an email and text message notification one week in advance of your Service becoming inactive. If your Service does become inactive, all your remaining credit (including the credit that comes included with the SIM) will expire. However, we will automatically re-instate your full expired credit balance (including any remaining initial included call credit) if you recharge your account with $30 or more via Customer Service within fifteen (15) months of last use, or purchase a new SIM card from Customer Service after fifteen (15) months.
US number expiry terms After 2 months of inactivity your US number may be changed when you go to use it again. If it has changed you will receive the new US number via text message. You can ensure that you retain your US number indefinitely by paying USD $0.50 per month for each number. Simply visit www.rechargeminutes.com, click on the 'Get number' menu option, enter your number and PIN, and click on the 'Keep Number' button (in the Account status section).
Handset compatibility
Tips
Making calls
- Before you go, enter all your phone numbers into the address book of your new mobile handset for quick and easy dialing when you are traveling.
- Enter all phone numbers in the international format, starting with the country code (1 for the US), area code (without the leading 0) and phone number.
For example 12133375555, if the number is(213)337-5555 in the US; 61390100225 if the number is 03-9010-0225 in Australia; etc. - If you are using Prefix dialing, make sure you enter # at the end of the number.
For example to call 0207-943-2772 in the UK, you would dial *126*442079432772#.
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