• Minimum talking times: some dial-around providers have a minimum talking time. For example, some may require you to speak for at least 10 minutes before the discounted rates kick in. Anything less and you will be paying a premium.
• Variable rates: Some dial-around have one rate for calls up to a certain length. For example, a call up to 20 minutes using 10-10-220 will cost 99 cents. Although this may be a good deal for a 20-minute call, you will pay 99 cents even if your call lasts only one minute.
• Universal Service Fees: Some dial-around providers will add a Universal Service Fee to your bill if you use their service. You may also be charged such a fee by your resubscribed long distance carrier. If you use a dial-around provider that is going to charge you this fee, you will be paying these fees twice every month.
• Monthly fees: Some dial-around providers will charge a monthly fee. If you are going the 10-10 route because of the great option to pay and save per-call this wouldn't make any sense. Make sure you take into account any monthly fees before you use a dial-around.
• Per-call minimum: Some dial-around providers will charge you a certain amount per call regardless of how long the call is.
• Incentives: Some dial-around providers offer prize incentives to customers who use their service. Your choice for long distance service should be based on the rates and service, not the chance to win a prize, so keep that in mind.

Although none of these things are bad in and of themselves, there are times when they can be beneficial to you and times when they won't. You may want to consider using different dial around providers at different times to make your calls, depending on their rates and your needs.

You will need to determine what your needs are. If you will only need to make a call to your serviceman once a month in Germany, you are probably going to want to spend some time talking to them on the phone. You are going to wan to find a service that offer low rates for long calls. Some other tips to keep in mind when dealing with dial-around providers are:

• Compare rates with other dial-around providers and calling plan rates before you use a dial around.


• If you know your call will last more than 10 minutes, it may be worthwhile to use a dial-around provider with a minimum talking time or a plan that offers a flat rate for up to a certain number of minutes.


• If you spend more than $25 a month on long distance, it may be worth your while to use a dial-around provider with a monthly fee. The low per-minute rates with these plans may offset the monthly fee you will need to pay.


• If using dial around providers is the way you've chosen to make all of your long distance calls, you may want to get rid of your pre-subscribed long distance carrier altogether.

If you do this, keep in mind that you will not be eligible to receive services like long distance directory assistance and calling cards which are normally provided by a pre-subscribed long distance carrier. In addition, you may be subject to very high rates if you dial "1" and then a number without having a pre-subscribed carrier. Also, your local company may charge you the Pre-subscribed Inter-exchange Carrier Charge. These are all things you will want to consider in your calculations.

In summary, depending on your needs, 10-10 plans or dial-around can be a great option. There are many instances in which a 10-10 plan can save you money. The trick is to know how to use them and to know what to look for in a good plan.