Originally Posted by
yeunganson
$4 a min for local cell from hotel is indeed unexpeted and quite outragous since nomal people will expect local numbers (land line or cell) to be charged the same.
In Australia local calls to fixed line (from a fixed line) numbers are untimed, whereas calls to mobile phones from a fixed line are charged based on time. There may also be a connection fee when calling a mobile phone. So even if you have got to voice mail, there is a connection fee made!
There is also may be no real concept of a local cell. A call to a mobile anywhere in Australia is charged at the same rate - doesn't matter if you are in the room next door, or across the country in Perth.
Having said all that - it does seem on the high side for a 4-5 minute call.