Free Directory Assistance -- Free Phone Information/411

Try these 3 phone services for toll-free information. (If you're using a mobile phone, you will have to pay for minutes used, of course)

Google's service finds specific businesses in specific cities, and connects you to them by phone.

1-800-466-4411

Google's service gives you information about local businesses in a specific area.

1. Call 1-800-466-4411
2. State the location ("Oakland") and business name or category ("Golden Lotus"/"vegetarian restaurant")
3. Choose/confirm the business you want to contact
4. Google will connect you

In exchange for listening to a 10-second ad, you can use this free 411-like service. A nice bonus is that it can text (SMS) you the information you're looking for.

1-800-373-3411

1. Call 1-800-373-3411
2. Listen to a 10-second ad
3. Follow the voice prompts, asking for your location and business name/type
4. Get your desired information by phone or by text.

Tellme allows you to call a toll-free number and get information such as stock quotes, directions, movie and weather information, or get richer information if you have a Web-enabled phone or Blackberry. It can also text (SMS) you the information.

1. Call 1-800-555-8355
2. Say one of the following words below
3. Get the information you requested

You can request any of the following:

• business ("Coffee", "Starbucks")
• "movies"
• "sports" - scores, game times, updates
• "weather"
• "news center"
• "stock quote"
• "travel" - taxis, planes, rental cars, hotels
• "entertainment" - horoscopes, soap opera news