How to Make Free Phone Calls From Pay Phones

Although most people have access to a cell phone, there may be times when you leave the device at home, can't get a signal or have a dead battery. You may have to use a pay phone in an emergency -- even if you don't have any coins. Certain numbers do not incur charges; other calling methods allow you to put the charges on your regular phone bill.

• 1

  Call 1-800 numbers free of charge from any pay phone. Other prefixes you can dial for free include 1-888, 1-877 or 1-866.

• 2

  Make a collect call after reading the directions on the phone box. Often, all you have to do is dial 1-800-COLLECT or 1-800-265-5328.

• 3

  Push "0" to get an operator or dial "911" for emergency services. These calls are free. Any local calls to a hearing impaired person are free using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).

• 4

  Use an access number provided by your long distance company to call local or long distance numbers and charge them to your regular phone bill.