International phone cards can be a cheap and convenient way of paying for calls overseas, sometimes offering call charges similar to the price of a UK national call. In some cases you can call from other countries too (check with the provider first), and they are simple to use, just dial an access number (which is often free to call) and a PIN, followed by the international number you wish to call.
International phone cards are widely available in the UK and can be purchased from many shops. The places most likely to sell them are newsagents and convenience stores, and they are often advertised in the window. They are also available from Bristol International Students Centre (BISC) who visit the Octagon at the Frenchay Campus on Fridays.
However, there may be problems with using international phone cards. For example, some expire about 90 days or one month after their first use, so if you only make a couple of short calls a month you won't get the full benefit of the card and you'll end up paying over the odds for your calls in the long run. Also, if you make calls from your mobile phone, they might cost a lot more - it depends on your mobile provider and the provider of your international phone card. One of the biggest problems with international phone cards is that most providers reserve the right to change their rates without prior notice and don't update their information frequently enough, so you should contact the provider to check any advertised rates.
Useful information on international phone cards and overseas calls can be found at buy.co.uk.