Now, how the heck do you use it? First, let's clear up a little misunderstanding many people have about their phones in Italy:
Almost all of your cell phones should work
. Yes, even American cell phones. To make sure, check to see if your cell phone supports GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies.
Will my AT&T phone work in Italy?
As a rule of thumb,
most AT&T, T-Mobile and Rogers (Canada) cell phones will work in Italy
, and most other companies' cell phones, such as Verizon and Sprint, will not. Check with your carrier or search the specs for your phone online to make sure your phone has the correct 900/1800 bands.
Can I use my Internet in Italy?
Even though Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to be connected to the Internet,
Internet access is widely available in the form of broadband, wireless and optical fibre connections
. Dial-up, cable and ADSL access is also widely used in small villages and towns.
How much data can I use in Europe?
There's a
25GB fair use data cap
when using your phone in Europe. Three's fair use policy allows you to use 20GB of data in their ‘Go Roam in Europe' destinations, or 12GB in a Go Roam ‘Around the World' destination.
How do you save data when traveling internationally?
Disable the apps and background operations that use data
.
Wait for a good WiFi spot. Turn auto-updating off for your Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) or at least set automatic updates to only run over Wi-Fi. Check the settings inside each app on your phone.
Can I call Italy on my cell phone?
First, dial 011, the US exit code. Next, dial 39, Italy's country code. Then, dial the 2-4 digit area code. Finally, dial the 8-10 digit phone number.
Is there Verizon in Italy?
Verizon international roaming in Italy is US$1.29 per minute “a la carte”, or US$0.99/minute if you pay US$4.99/month for the roaming package
. As TravelSmith points out, you need a phone that supports the 900/1800 GSM bands, and Verizon needs to enable international roaming.
Will my Straight Talk phone work in Italy?
It's highly unlikely that your Straight Talk phone will work in Europe
, as they appear to only be equipped with the two North American frequency bands, and some versions operate only on CDMA networks which WON'T work in Europe.
Is there free roaming in Italy?
Italy is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost
. If you have an Add-on with a data allowance of 12GB or greater, a fair use limit applies, with use over 12GB subject to a small surcharge (see below).
Is wifi expensive in Italy?
In order to save on the cost of an Internet subscription in your Italian home, it is therefore necessary to monitor the offers for new customers.
The average fee for new customer offers is currently around 27.36 euros per month (328.34 euros per year)
.
Is there free wifi in Italy?
Italy offers wifi in most places
, but the free wifi is not always quick or suitable for social media or video calls. Hotels and Airbnbs are the safest place to guarantee a free, fast internet. Some restaurants and cafes have free wifi that is good, but probably not as fast as what you are used to at home.
What cell phone service works in Italy?
Italy uses GMA technology, like
AT&T or T-Mobile phones stateside
. Other U.S. carriers, like Verizon, largely use CDMA technology but offer GMA phones to international travelers. If your phone operates on GMA technology you can probably replace the SIM card and use it in Italy.
Do I need a SIM card in Italy?
You must buy an Italian SIM in person
. One of the reasons you cannot easily buy a SIM card in advance is because you have to show ID. Be sure to bring your passport with you. You should have a codice fiscale (but if you do not, the phone company will essentially make one for you on the spot).
Does AT&T have coverage in Italy?
Many AT&T cell phones will work in Italy
. The rates are $1.29 per minute plus tax or $0.99 per minute plus tax if you sign up for their “World Traveler” plan for about $5.00 a month.
What can you do with 0.5 GB of data?
With your 500MB of data, you'll be able to
browse the internet for approximately 6 hours per month, to stream 100 songs online or to watch 1 hour of online video in standard definition
.
Can I use my unlimited data abroad?
Good news is,
you absolutely can use your unlimited data plan abroad
. But unlike in the UK where unlimited data plans allow you to use as much data as you like (within reason), there may be much tighter restrictions on how much data you're permitted to use when you're overseas.
Will I get charged for data roaming?
To prevent people who live elsewhere in Europe using UK services, most UK providers will only allow customers free roaming for up to six months, and
will charge them to make calls and use data if they exceed this limit
.
What should I do with my cell phone when traveling internationally?
- Put your phone in airplane mode. Only use it (besides features such as the camera) when you can connect to Wi-Fi. …
- Get an international plan. Every phone carrier offers its customers international plans, which vary. …
- Buy a prepaid SIM card.
Should I turn my mobile data off when abroad?
Roaming charges can get expensive, so if you're traveling outside your cellular plan's coverage area (which generally means international travel),
you might want to turn off data roaming on your Android device
. Don't worry about being left without internet.
Does roaming use a lot of data?
What you pay for roaming charges will depend on your carrier, but plan for roaming charges to breakdown somewhat like this: $0.25 per minute while talking on the phone. $0.10 cents per text message.
$2-$5 per MB of data
.
Can I call Italy for free on WhatsApp?
You can use WhatsApp internationally for free with Wi-Fi
; depending on your cellular plan, you may incur international charges for using cellular data on WhatsApp. To preclude international data fees, you can turn roaming off on your phone and still use Wi-Fi.
Can I call Italy on WhatsApp?
Download WhatsApp to call Italy for free
.
Install WhatsApp on your phone, click the phone button at the top, and wait for the call to go through. Just keep in mind that WhatsApp connectivity isn't as reliable as long-distance phone plans.
What do Italian numbers start with?
All Italian residential (fixed) telephone numbers start with a
“0”
, and have between 8 and 11 digits (area code+number). Cell (mobile) phone numbers have three digit prefix, all starting with a “3”, and a 6 or 7 digit phone number.
Which SIM card is best in Italy?
The best sim card in Italy for tourists is an
Iliad sim card
by far! They offer the best value for money and cover every tourist destination in Italy with a 4G signal. However, Iliad stores and resellers are hard to find around Italy.
Do cell phones work in Europe?
Confirm that your phone will work in Europe.
Nearly all newer phones work fine abroad
(as do older phones purchased through AT&T and T-Mobile), but it's smart to check with your carrier if you're unsure.
Which US cell phone carriers work in Europe?
AT&T and T-Mobile
are the two most popular GSM carriers in the US. If you are currently with AT&T or T-Mobile, your phone will have no issues in Europe.
