How would we make a phone call from the Pisa airport to the person we are renting an apartment from in the Cinque Terre? Do they have pay phones in the airport or at the train station? Do they take money? If not, do we purchase a calling card? Is it wisest to purchase a card in the states?
--Thanks!
Just buy a card from the first tobacco shop you see - there will be plenty. There will be pay phones that accept the cards. RS has current instructions for using phones.
I've done well with Pin cards that are for one country only (as opposed to multi-country pin cards). I usually get a 5 Euro card. If it doesn't work or I don't use it up, I'm not out much.
There will be places that sell them in the Airport (and the phones will probably work there too), look for a store that sells newspapers and/or tobacco. When you buy the card, ask the person who sells it where a phone is that takes the card. They will point to a nearby phone.
While you are on that phone, try to notice some logo on the phone that matches a logo on your card. Not all cards work in all phones (and many phones don't work at all). It's less embarassing and time-consuming later if you figure out what to look for early.
Some people suggest getting a calling card at Costco. It may be a good idea but I haven't tried it yet.
Calling cards from Costo are best for calling back to the US. The local calling cards work easier and better.
If I remember correctly, there are two types of calling cards you can purchase in Italy....one for domestic calls, the other for international calls. Either can be used to call back to the U-S, but you'll get a far better rate with the "international" calling card, specifying the U-S as your destination country. Be aware, too, that hotels may charge you a lot to make an outside call...so try to use the cards in public phones.
Buy a card at the Tabacchi (tobacco shop/news stand) slip it in the phone and dial your number it's very easy. Oh yeah, the dial tone in Italy sounds like our busy signal.
