That is not normal. They do not get "a phone call" when they get there per se, they have to go through orientation before their phone and visitation privileges are offered.  It might be a day or a week, depending on the facility and the intake load of new inmates.

Let us know the name of the facility, we might be able to save you money on your calls. In some cases there is a big difference between the number you use and one that might make each call $5-10 cheaper - send us the prison name and your phone number and we will give you an honest estimate.