On May 31st I used a pay phone operated by NCIC at Rapid City, SD.
The only pricing information on the phone was "50 cents for local calls."
I initially made a couple long-distance calls using coins, and each call cost me $1 for up to 4 minutes, which was clearly stated in a voice prompt. No problem so far.
But the trouble began when I ran out of quarters and made another call using my credit card. The phone prompted me for the card's expiration date and then the call went through. I talked for about 30 seconds, and did not get a voice prompt telling me the price of the call.
My bank notified me of a $20 charge. I thought this was outrageous, called NCIC and they told me this was just pending, and would be adjusted to the real charge in a couple days. Which it was, to $11.58.
$11.58 for a 30-second call that would have cost $1 using quarters seems out of line. Having read that other customers have only managed to negotiate a 50% discount by complaining to NCIC, I just disputed the charge with my bank so they changed the charge to $1.
Apparently NCIC operates many pay phones in airports and elswhere, and others have reported the same problem. I guess if they want to charge $11.58 or more for a brief call, they have the right, but rates should be posted in writing or clearly stated in a voice prompt. The only information of "50 cents for a local call" is therefore misleading.
I rarely use pay phones, but my cell battery was dead and I needed to make these calls to ensure my fellow travelers didn't miss a plane. Apparently the airports make good money off NCIC phones too. Beware!
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