How to Locate a Payphone Anywhere on Earth

• You can utilize Google Maps by searching for 'payphones near me' or 'payphone in (your ZIP code)' to locate nearby payphones.
• Online resources such as Payphone Directory and Payphone Project can also assist in finding payphones in various cities worldwide.
• Although payphones are rare on streets, you may still find them at convenience stores, gas stations, airports, and bus depots.

Several online directories for payphones are still in operation. These platforms are maintained by individuals rather than companies, so updates may be infrequent. However, they remain valuable resources for locating remaining payphones across the United States and globally.

• Payphone Directory: Among the earliest online directories, organized by country, state, and city. While some listings may be outdated, you can still find functioning payphones in certain areas.
• Payphone Project: A website dedicated to preserving payphone history, featuring a mostly updated list of payphones in the United States, accessible at https://www.payphone-project.com/numbers/usa.
• Waymarking: Ideal for discovering nearby payphones, among other local points of interest. Simply enter 'payphone' into the search box and provide an address or postal code to find reported payphones in your vicinity.

Gas stations and convenience stores. While public payphones have diminished in many cities, some private establishments still offer on-site payphones for customer use. Though dwindling, these locations often retain functioning payphones.

Airports, bus stations, and train depots. Transportation hubs in various cities typically maintain a few payphones for traveler convenience. It's important to note that these payphones may not receive regular maintenance due to their decreasing prevalence.

• Interstate bus terminals, especially those operated by Greyhound, frequently host functional payphones. Greyhound terminals, particularly in larger cities, often provide 24-hour access to well-maintained payphones.
• Most major airports, as well as many smaller ones, still offer payphones. Airport management recognizes the need for payphones, especially for international travelers or those who have forgotten essential items.

Government, community, and medical facilities. Government institutions, such as county courthouses or jails, commonly host payphones. Almost every county across the United States maintains a courthouse or administrative center, many of which still offer accessible payphone services to the public. Given the significance of communication within such establishments, the presence of payphones is often recognized as essential. Beyond governmental sites, consider exploring these alternatives:

• Post offices
• Public libraries
• Hospitals
• High schools
• Job training centers

Use Google Maps to locate a payphone nearby. A simple search on Google Maps for the nearest payphone typically yields results, although the functionality of the phone cannot be guaranteed. Alternatively, you can conduct the search directly on the Google search engine, which will present the closest payphone location on a map within the search results page.

• To view payphone locations within a specific city, navigate to https://maps.google.com and input 'payphones in New Orleans' or 'payphones in 70118' (or your desired city/ZIP or postal code) into the search bar.
• Be prepared for the possibility that some payphones may not be operational. Have a backup plan in case the desired payphone is out of service or has been removed.
• Not all existing payphones may be listed on Google Maps, so don't lose hope.

Look for Futel phones on Maps. If you're in Portland, OR, Detroit, MI, Ypsilanti, MI, or Long Beach, WA, you may encounter some Futel phones when searching on the map. Futel is a project aimed at reintroducing pay-style phones to urban areas. Despite their appearance as payphones, Futel phones are free to use and likely to be well-maintained—consider yourself fortunate!

Payphones aren't the sole option for making calls without a cell phone or landline. If you're unable to locate a payphone,

• LinkNYC: New York City has replaced all traditional payphones with complimentary phone kiosks offering Wi-Fi and device charging capabilities. With nearly 2000 LinkNYC locations spread across the 5 boroughs, visit https://www.link.nyc to discover the nearest kiosk.
• VoIP services: In the absence of home or cellular service but with internet access, utilize platforms like Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Skype for free internet-based calling. Even an old phone can be repurposed by connecting it to Wi-Fi and utilizing it as an internet-based phone.
• Prepaid cell phones: With the ubiquity of cell phones, acquiring an inexpensive device from various stores and opting for prepaid minutes has become effortless. You'll even receive your unique phone number, facilitating callbacks from others.
• Calling cards: Utilize prepaid calling cards to use any phone without worrying about additional charges for the phone owner. These cards are particularly useful for international calls.

• Despite the private ownership of most remaining payphones in the United States, the FCC mandates that payphone providers facilitate free 911 emergency calls.
• Consult locals for payphone locations. Given the diminishing availability of payphones, seeking guidance from individuals familiar with the area may yield the best results. In rural regions where internet access is limited, relying on community knowledge is often more effective than online resources.