Just a warning to those travelling from foreign shores...

I used a BT payphone at the BA Arrivals lounge last month for a 30second voicemail to my father, a UK to UK call. As I was out of Sterling and my US cellphone doesn't work in the UK (I have a British one but it wasn't on my person) I swiped my US billed Amex. Got the bill today and that 30 seconds cost me $13! Curiously it wasn't a British charge as there was no 'Foreign Spending' listed for it on the bill.

I'd used my British billed Amex the previous time I'd been in this situation (same payphone!) and for a similar 30 second voicemail it was only $3. I called American Express, explained the situation. They initially said they'd act as mediators and contest the charge and I'd be kept updated. Was put on hold for a minute and when they came back I was told that $10 would be refunded to my account at this time (I presume since I said I'd paid $3 for a call last year). A fair deal in my mind.

Amex ^^^
Intl Cl 800-5762118