接到国际电话（international long-distance call）时，一定要问明接线生是哪种电话。当你听到：We have a collect call from……时，千万不可随口回答Yes，因为这是一种请受话人付费的电话。当然如果你愿意接通的话，请说：We'll pay for the call.（我们会付费的）。

(F=foreigner, C=Chinese)

F: This is the United States calling. Is this 123-4321?

C: Yes, it is. May I help you?

F: We have a collect call for Mr. Wang from Mr. Williams in New York.

C: A collect call for Mr. Wang from Mr. Williams in New York? May I have his department?

F: The Foreign Department.

C: The Foreign Department? Just a moment, please. We'll pay for the call. Will you let me know the time and charges after the call?

F: Yes, we will.

C: Mr. Wang is on the line. Go ahead, please.