How do you dial a collect call?

In the US and Canada, you can make a collect call from a pay phone (or any other phone) by dialing 0 plus the area code and number. (You always have to dial the area code, even if it's the same.) However, you are at the mercy of the owner of the pay phone as to which long distance company they chose, as to what rates will apply to the call. You can override that selection by dialing a 7-digit long distance company code, 101xxxx, for example 1010288 for AT&T, before 0+area+number.

You can also place a collect call by dialing just 0 (for short-distance calls) or 00 (for long distance), but the rates will generally be noticeably higher than if you dial the number yourself.

Many companies also offer collect calling via a toll-free number (800, 888, 877, 866, or 855). You dial the company's toll-free number and follow the prompts to place a collect call to the number you are trying to reach.