Using public pay phones can be a bit of a challenge to visitors who are unfamiliar with the system, but it is really quite a simple task.

There are a variety of public phones in London, and most are run by British Telecom. The most common are standard pay phones which allow you to make calls to landlines and cell phones. Some pay phones also allow you to send text messages or emails in addition to making regular calls.

You can use a credit card to pay for your calls, but you will often be charged at a higher rate than those using coins or phonecards.

When using a pay phone, first lift the receiver and make sure there is a dial tone; this will be a continuous sound. You can then insert a phonecard or coins and dial your party.

Pay phones will take 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2 coins.

The phone display will show how much credit you currently have, and if you run low you will be alerted by a series of quick beeps on the line. At this point, you will need to either add more coins or another phonecard to finish your call.

When you have completed your call, if you would like to call another number, do not hang up, just push the "follow-on call" button and then the number of your party.

Once you are finished using the pay phone, replace the receiver and if you still have cash credit, your coins should ideally be returned to you. However, this does not always happen in actual practice, so if you are using coins to make your phone call, it is advisable to avoid adding a great deal of extra credit or else spend a bit more time chatting to make sure you don't lose that bit of extra time.

Using public pay phones in London can help you stay in touch and make vital connections while travelling.

Photo courtesy: markhillary

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