How to Find the Best Deals on Cheap Inmate Phone Calls

Staying connected with a loved one who is in jail or prison can be tough, especially when the cost of phone calls is so high. In Australia, phone calls from inmates often come with hefty fees, which can make it difficult for families and friends to maintain regular communication. However, there are ways to save money on these calls without losing touch with your loved one. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some tips and strategies on how to find the best deals for cheap inmate phone calls, explain why these calls are often expensive, and suggest ways to make staying connected more affordable.

For many, keeping in contact with an incarcerated loved one is crucial for emotional support and maintaining strong family bonds. However, phone calls from prisons and jails in Australia can be very costly, leaving many people searching for affordable options. By understanding how these phone systems work and learning a few tricks to reduce costs, you can find affordable ways to keep in touch with your loved one. Let’s dive into some simple steps you can take to find cheap prison calls.

Why Are Inmate Phone Calls So Expensive?

Before exploring ways to save on cheap inmate calls, it’s important to understand why these calls are often so expensive. In Australia, phone calls from inmates are typically managed by private telecommunications companies that are contracted by each correctional facility. These companies control the rates for the calls, and unfortunately, they can be quite high. The price of an inmate phone call depends on several factors, including the location of the facility, the length of the call, and whether it's a local or long-distance call.

Another reason for the high costs is that there is usually no competition for phone services in prisons or jails. Most correctional facilities work exclusively with one provider, which leaves families with little choice but to accept the high prices. Furthermore, these calls often come with hidden fees, such as connection charges and per-minute rates, which can quickly add up, making even a short call more expensive than expected.

Understanding how these pricing structures work is important because it allows you to take steps to reduce the financial impact of staying in touch. Now that we’ve covered why inmate phone calls are expensive, let’s look at some ways you can find cheap jail phone calls.

Easy Tips to Save Money on Inmate Phone Calls

Although the cost of inmate phone calls can be high, there are a few simple strategies that can help you save money while staying connected with your loved one. Here are some practical tips to reduce the cost of inmate phone calls:

1. Consider Prepaid Phone Plans

One of the most effective ways to save money on cheap inmate calls is to use prepaid phone plans. These plans allow you to deposit a certain amount of money into an account, and the inmate can use these funds to make phone calls. Many Australian prisons and jails offer prepaid phone plans as an alternative to the pay-per-call system.

Prepaid plans offer several advantages. They allow you to control the spending, so you won’t be caught off guard by high bills. Additionally, prepaid accounts may offer lower rates compared to standard phone calls, which can help you save in the long run. If you plan to make regular calls, a prepaid plan could be an affordable and predictable option.

2. Explore Other Communication Options

Phone calls are not the only way to stay in touch with an inmate. Many Australian correctional facilities now offer alternative forms of communication, such as secure email and video calls. These methods can often be cheaper than traditional phone calls, and they may even be more convenient for you and the inmate.

Many correctional facilities offer secure email systems that let inmates exchange messages under supervision. Video calling is another affordable option, often more economical than traditional phone calls, and it allows for face-to-face interaction. However, not every facility provides these services, so it’s essential to confirm their availability at your loved one’s location. When accessible, these tools can help reduce communication costs while keeping your connection strong.

3. Look for Discounts and Promotions

Sometimes, phone service providers offer discounts or special promotions that can help reduce the cost of inmate phone calls. For example, you might find discounts for first-time users, special deals during the holidays, or reduced rates for bulk purchases of call minutes.

Even if these promotions aren’t always available, it’s worth reaching out to the service provider to enquire about any discounts or deals they might be offering. If the provider has package deals that offer more minutes for a lower price, you could save money by purchasing one of these packages instead of paying for individual calls.

4. Consider Third-Party Calling Services

Another way to save on cheap inmate calls is to use third-party calling services. These independent providers can sometimes offer lower rates than the ones set by the correctional facilities’ designated providers.

Before choosing a third-party service, make sure that it works with the specific prison or jail where your loved one is incarcerated. Research online reviews and check the provider’s website to ensure they have a good reputation and can be trusted. By comparing prices from third-party services, you may be able to find a more affordable option for staying connected with your loved one.

5. Time Your Calls Wisely

The timing of your calls can also make a big difference in the price you pay. Many correctional facilities offer lower rates during off-peak hours, which typically occur during the early morning or late evening. By making calls during these off-peak times, you can take advantage of cheaper rates and save money on each call.

To make sure you’re calling during the cheapest hours, check with the correctional facility or phone provider to find out when off-peak rates apply. Scheduling your calls during these times can help lower your overall phone bill.

Additional Tips for Saving Money on Inmate Phone Calls

Here are a few more tips that can help you save money on cheap inmate phone calls:

Monitor your account regularly: If you’re using a prepaid plan, keep track of your balance to avoid running out of funds unexpectedly. It’s also helpful to monitor how much you’re spending per call to make sure it aligns with your budget.

Encourage shorter calls: While it’s important to stay in touch, keeping calls brief can help reduce costs. If you’re able to, try to keep the conversation short to avoid racking up a high phone bill.

Use other communication methods: If available, use alternative forms of communication like email or video calls to stay connected. These methods can be cheaper and allow you to communicate in different ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding cheap inmate phone calls is possible with the right strategies. By exploring prepaid plans, alternative communication options, third-party services, and off-peak hours, you can reduce the cost of staying in touch with your incarcerated loved one. While inmate phone calls can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to make them more affordable. Always check with the correctional facility or service provider about available discounts and options that can help lower costs.

For more information on how to find affordable inmate phone calls in Australia, visit Prison Engine. With a little planning and research, you can stay connected without worrying about the cost of phone calls.