European Payphones

European coin phones are usually a bit more sophisticated than their North American counterparts. For example, they allow more than one call per coin, which allows you to make a series of calls using one large coin, rather than having to scrounge for a bunch of little ones. If you have finished a call and want to make another, and still have credit showing in the read-out, press the button marked FC (Follow-on Call), or follow the multilingual instructions found on payphones in most European countries.

If there is no such button, or instructions, just flick the lever down and release quickly. You should get a dial tone and keep your credit. Many payphones will return unused coins, but they will not give change.Once again, the cheapest way to call home is to use a coin or card phone, ring the person you want to talk to, and have them call you back, or use a cheap-rate phone card. This is much cheaper and simpler than calling collect.