best phone for Italy for a Smartphone illiterate lady who may need WhatsApp

Buy an Android phone and learn to use it a little. You don't have to become a "power user." Just learn to use a few basic apps. Google Maps is a HUGE time saver for me in Europe.

I've never needed to use WhatsApp yet. You can buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Italy and get an Italian number, then you can just call and text people. Learn to text - it's not that hard. WhatsApp is for people who don't have working phones (like some non-European tourists).

I'm not sure this is the absolute best deal you can get, but I can recommend the Moto E4 (unlocked) which is about $130 or a little less on sale. I am using one of these and used it in Portugal and Spain a couple of weeks ago with a Dutch SIM card. You can use an Italian SIM card in your phone in other European countries too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342873-REG/moto_01150nartl_moto_e_16gb_black.html

There are most likely cheaper phones that would work, but this one I know works.

You can use this Moto E4 in the US with any carrier or service. I consider Tracfone too expensive. I would recommend a good prepaid service called Tello which will work with this phone, too.

P.S. If you want a cheap option and don't need actual mobile service (can just stick to WiFi at hotels or wherever you are staying), buy the cheapest Android phone you can find - it will work fine on WiFi in Italy. Ask around - your friends might have a hand-me-down that is sitting around. Doesn't need actual service at all - just needs to work on WiFi (no monthly fee or cost at all to use). Even an old tablet would work (as a speakerphone or plug in a headset) to use WhatsApp for example or even Skype.

Thanks, Andrew. This is very helpful. So if I buy this or similar phone, can I use WhatsApp without any plan or sim card or do I need to buy a sim card or service for that.....perhaps to have an actual phone number, etc?

Andrew.....do you know if this would work for the WhatsApp and other purposes in Europe? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1381934-REG/moto_00619nargnl_moto_e_2nd_gen.html

My solution, and the easiest in my opinion, to this problem (in Sweden vs Italy) was to just go to a phone store and purchase an inexpensive smart phone and plan for the period of days that works for you. If you need to buy a phone, you might as well buy it there where the sales people can set it up and get it working as you want for you. You don't have to do or learn anything.

Sally, WhatsApp is what's known as a VOIP calling app ("Voice over IP"). Basically, it means you can make voice calls using the internet (WiFi), without actual phone service or a SIM card. Any smart phone can connect to WiFi for free without phone service, so you can use it that way to make VOIP calls.

There are numerous VOIP apps such as Skype, Google Hangouts, and WhatsApp, among others. Personally, I have not used WhatsApp yet (I use Google Hangouts, but that isn't free for making phone calls in Europe, and WhatsApp seems very popular in Europe). It seems like there is a way to use WhatsApp without having any phone service. You might find this hard to follow, but if you have a tech-savvy friend, they can probably help you:

http://trendingearth.com/gadgets/install-whatsapp-without-number-verification-no-sim-internet-android-iphone/

I would set this up on a phone BEFORE you leave for Europe, FYI. If you have WiFi at home, use the phone there; if you already know someone in Europe with WhatsApp, plan to make at least one test call to them before you leave for your trip, so you won't have any surprises when you get there.

Having a SIM card to give you actual phone service may seem daunting or more expensive, but there are some big benefits. One is that with navigation apps like Google Maps, you can get real-time walking and public transit directions. So you don't have to try to decipher a bus schedule to get around - just use the phone. I can't emphasize enough how much time and frustration this has saved me over the last few years when trying to explore European cities. If you plan to travel by train at all in Italy, the Trenit app is also really helpful; you can buy train tickets (show them on your phone) and check train schedules and platform info while even on a train. Trenit works just on WiFi too but you lose some of the usefulness without having a SIM and working phone service.

Sally, I have older Moto E 2nd gen phones almost identical to the "Moto E (2nd Gen.) XT1529" you have linked to. It's a very decent (if now slow) phone. That would certainly work on WiFi in Europe for WhatsApp, etc, but it's a CDMA-locked phone designed for Verizon in the US; I'm 99% sure it will not work (easily or well) with a SIM in Europe to use as an actual mobile phone. On WiFi only, yes, it should be fine. You can find cheaper used versions of the Moto E (2nd gen) on eBay for about $30 USD.

Here's a refurb Moto E 2nd gen for $20 on eBay (only one left):

www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-Moto-E-2nd-Gen-XT1526-8GB-Sprint-Smartphone-White/273235997231

This will work only on WiFi in Europe (pretty sure), but because it's a Sprint phone, you could use it as a real phone on Tello in the US as a very cheap prepaid phone at home.

Thanks so much, Andrew. So, if I understand correctly, to have the option of European SIM card/phone number, I should go with your first recommendation or something similar? Thanks again for all your time and advice. This non techi gal really appreciates it!

Yes, Sally, you need an unlocked phone that works on European frequencies - like the Moto E4 I linked to above for about $130 - to use it with a SIM and a mobile plan in Europe. I can almost guarantee you that the Moto E4 is NOT the best deal for $130. (I paid $105 over the holidays.) It's just an example of a phone I know works over there.

The Moto E2 is a old phone (from 2015). So I wouldn't pay much for one, but if you can get one cheap, it might be worth it, to use just on WiFi.

If anyone else knows of a better deal on an unlocked Android phone, maybe they can post it. If I see one I will too. The idea mentioned above about buying one when you get to Europe might be OK too - would certainly be easier for you tech-wise if you find this kind of stuff intimidating. The biggest benefit to buying a phone ahead of time is that you can try to get used to it at home before you even get to Europe. I'm guessing you haven't used a smart phone much to this point. Playing with WhatsApp before you got so you know you can at least use that might make you feel more confident.

Sally,

One other option would be to pick up a travel phone from one of these firms (there are others).....

• http://www.cellularabroad.com/
• https://personal.iroam.com/default.aspx

This would give you a working phone as soon as you step off the plane, and will work in most countries in Europe. This will probably be slightly more expensive than buying a phone locally when you land, but it's still a good option to consider. The above firms have toll free numbers so they'll be able to provide all the fine details.

Thanks everyone for your wonderfully helpful info. I now have an Android and will look forward to getting a sim in Venice upon arrival. Thanks again. Anyone know if the SIM can work across countries including Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria?

Yes, it should work anywhere in the EU, now that they have instituted "roam like at home" (no roaming fees). Just make sure the SIM you buy supports roaming at all - probably does, just ask. You'll need your passport to buy one in Italy as well.

I agree with Andrew...get a smart phone and learn to use it. It is simple and intuitive. It is essentially a very powerful computer in your pocket. All in one it is a phone, a satellite gps system -(maps) a music player, a really good camera, a tv a radio, a calendar, a language translator, a note pad, a calculator, your email and so many many other things. It is small light and it will connect to the WWW and the entire world.

Once you get it you will wonder why you didnt do it earlier. And dont use the age excuse...it was guys my age...now 67 that invented this technology and it’s founding technology. Use of this device and getting to understand it has Nothing to do with age.