When it comes to selecting a prepaid or post-paid mobile phone service it’s easy to overlook the fine print. One thing that many consumers forget to factor in when choosing a plan is the call charges, because they’re not usually highlighted in a size 40 bold font, and sometimes for good reason.

While a plan might include a high call value, if you take a closer to look at the plan, the calls may be charged at a very high rate, so it’s worth taking a look at the call charges before you sign up to a plan.

Below is an overview of the different types of call charges, so you’ll be able to compare mobile plans and call rates with confidence.

Voice calls:

Voice calls (also known as the standard call rate) are usually charged per 30 second blocks or per minute, and will be included in your standard call value. The call rate will depend on what type of plan you are on and which provider you are with; usually, the higher value of the plan you are on, the lower the call rates.

Video calls:

Video calls are generally charged in a similar way to voice calls, but at a higher rate. Also, note whether they are billed ‘per minute,’ ie. If you talk for one minute and ten seconds, then you would get charged for the full two minutes.

Flagfall/Call connection fee:

A flagfall is a one off fee that may apply to connect any type of phone call. The flagfall will depend on what type of plan you are on and which provider you are with; usually, the higher value of the plan, the lower the flagfall.

Calls to the same network:

Many providers lure couples or groups of people to their network at a time by providing cheaper (or free) call rates when you make a call to somebody on the same network. Virgin Mobile offer free calls 24/7 for customers on a cap plan who make a standard call to somebody else on the Virgin Mobile network.

(National) Roaming:

The national roaming service allows calls to be made within Australia, but from a different provider’s network if you are out of coverage. Some providers such as 3, Vodafone and Crazy John’s (who all roam onto the Telstra network) apply extra charges for using national roaming. Roaming is generally included in your cap value.

International Roaming call rates:

International roaming call rates are almost never included in your cap value on a post-paid plan. The call rate will depend on which service provider you are with, where you are calling from, and where you are calling to. There is outbound international roaming (calling overseas from Australia), and inbound international roaming (calling from overseas back to Australia, or to another country). Many providers will charge per minute, so if you are only on the phone for 20 seconds, you will still be charged for the full minute. Be aware that not all prepaid services allow international roaming.

Premium:

Premium calls or texts are often to 19 numbers (competitions, games, information services), as well as any exclusive premium services that your plan provider may offer (such as Vodafone’s ‘ask us anything’ service). These calls will not be included in your cap value, even if you are on an unlimited (or ‘timeless’) plan!

Voicemail deposit and retrieval:

A voicemail deposit is when somebody leaves a message in your message bank, and voicemail retrieval is when you listen to the message. This service is usually charged in 30 second blocks when you go to retrieve the message. This service is included in the cap value of most plans (it is not included in Vodafone’s $99 unlimited plan), unless you retrieve the message when you are overseas (which can be terribly expensive!)