As with the rest of the world it is possible to buy international calling cards that enable you to call home at a reduced rate - these are available here from independent call shops. These small shops are usually quite bare in appearance but have a few plywood booth constructions for you to make your call. Though they’re far from comfortable and don’t offer much privacy they are scattered all over Amsterdam. Call shops are less often seen in more affluent neighbourhoods. Internet telephony is becoming more popular as people become more familiar with software like Skype. Many people in the Netherlands have their calls charged through a cheaper provider. You will still have to pay your subscription fee to KPN but the calls can go through another company like Tele2 (www.tele2.nl), www.123bel.nl, or through an internet cable provider such as www.upc.nl.