UPDATED 18th Nov 2013

This is just a General Warning to all those who are calling and texting to the Philippines.

Posted on Facebook Telstra had said that they are allowing customers to call and text the Philippines for free between Nov 11th 6am till Nov 25th 6am.

However Telstra have failed to warn there customers that you will be charged for these texts and calls at international rates which come off your credit or additional costs to your plan.

They only explain that “some credits may be applied after the call or on next bill” which is not very clear and for some people to understand.

The free calls and SMS offer applies to standard voice calls and SMS messages made from Australian (+61) Telstra fixed or mobile services to +63 (Philippines) numbers. For some calls, credits may be applied after the call or to the next bill.

It can take up to 72 hours for credit to be applied (this is a time frame it can be applied sooner)

SMS to Philippines are charged at 50c per message and calls to the Philippines are charged at $2.99 per minute with 39c connection fee.

All this information is not shared with the customer at any stage.

So this is a warning to everyone calling Friends and Loves Ones back home in the Philippines be careful and watch your Prepaid Credit and Phone Charges.