Using the Telephone
One of the first sources of frustration for someone in a new country is how to use the telephone. They operate differently in every country, which can be confusing at first.
In most of Canada, phone numbers are 10 digits long.The first 3 digits are the area code.
Local and toll calls
Local calls are made to a location that is geographically close to where you are calling from. Calls from one point to another in the same city, for example, Mississauga to Brampton, or within Peel Region are usually local calls.
Toll calls (long distance or overseas) are billed on a per minute or per second basis, chargeable according to where and what time of day you are calling.
Long distance calling tends to be a major expense, particularly for newcomers who want to keep in touch with relatives and friends back home. Many long-distance suppliers in Canada have competitive rates. Shop around for the company that offers a package that includes the best long-distance rates available to your home country.
Pre-paid phone cards offer cheaper international rates and are also a good option.
Local calls from a private phone
From a private residence or an office phone, local calls are not billed on a per call basis. The calls are included as part of the monthly bill that you pay.
Foreign coins are not accepted in pay phones.
Local calls from a pay phone
Peel Region has many public pay phones located in shopping malls, outside stores and sometimes on busy streets.
Pay phones cost 50 cents per call and accept Canadian coins. Foreign coins are not accepted and they do not give change. Long distance calls cost more and you can dial '0' and ask the operator for assistance.
Pay Phones also accept prepaid calling cards, phone company cards and major credit cards such as VISA, Master Card and American Express.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones (cell phones) are operated in a similar manner as the land line phones. They have their own unique phone number but the rate structure is quite different from that of land line phones. With mobile phones, you are subject to charges on both incoming and outgoing calls. There are many calling plans to choose from and you can select one that suits your needs. Several companies provide this service, so shop around.
- If you have to make an emergency call, you can dial 9-1-1 at no cost