any suggestion for which SIM card to get for phone?

jr,

To begin with, I'm assuming your Galaxy is unlocked? It won't be able to use other SIM cards unless it is.

TIM is the largest network, but you could also try WIND, Vodaphone or 3. You shouldn't have any problem finding mobile phone shops anywhere.

Here is a list from Prepaid GSM of the Italian providers, with some details of their plans (click next to "prepaid offer") and links to their websites: http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/italy.php

I can say that when a friend and I were in Italy in April-May of 2014, we used TIM. My friend used the TIM Welcome package. This is €30 for a SIM card, 200 minutes of domestic or international calls, 2 GB of data (4G speed where available) and €5 of credit for texts or more calls. It is good only for 30 days and is not renewable (the SIM stays good, but you have to buy a different package to get more service once you've used up the €5 credit). I did not need data (old phone), and used the TIM 12 plan, which cost €20 for €15 of credit.

According to our frequent poster Roberto, Vodaphone has a package similar to TIM Welcome; I imagine 3 and Wind do as well.

I have a Verizon Galaxy S5 ...which is unlocked

My advice is get an IPhone.

why would that make a difference?

"why would that make a difference?"

It won't. Carry on as you were planning to.

thanks Harold. I went to the website you posted and the rates TIM has look very favorable. Heck, much better than my Verizon plan. I checked with the apartment owner I will staying at and he suggested TIM as well for coverage in the Tuscany region. Many thanks for your link!