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buying a smartphone for stay in Italy

Posted by on

We’ll be in Italy for 10 days in the autumn. My phone provider (Tello) offers WiFi in Europe, but I don’t want to rely totally on WiFi. The Tello device can't be unlocked for Europe, as I understand it.

Can I buy an unlocked smartphone and install an e-sim card for Europe, before taking off? If so, how?

I think we'd chiefly be using it for WhatsApp, QR code needs -- less so for photos and phone calls.

I( know there’s rental, but it sounds complicated—I’d rather spend the $$$, even knowing that afterwards, the phone would just be an unused spare.)

As you can tell, I’m not an advanced user of technology, so simple answers and approaches would be great. Thanks, community!

Posted by
267 posts

Did you bring your own phone to Tello or purchase one of theirs? The reason I ask is that I had never heard of Tello, and here is a page that may be relevant for you:
https://tello.com/help_center/how-can-i-use-my-device-overseas?_language=en

If you brought your phone from another provider, and your account was in good standing, then you may be able to get the previous provider to unlock for you...

Good luck!

Posted by
1174 posts

Do you travel enough that you might consider a long term solution usable for future trips? If so, consider replacing your current phone with an Apple iPhone and TMobile Magenta plan.

No need for SIMs, phone works on arrival, Magenta plan has good data coverage and inexpensive distance phone calls. You will be greeted with a "Welcome to Italy" text upon arrival. Usage is virtually seamless from usage in US to overseas locations. Very, very simple!!

You said no photo, but if you use the camera a few times, you may become quite enthusiastic. Very good - and very easy to send photos back home.

The idea may be over-kill for your needs, but I've been very pleased for almost 10 years of multiple yearly trips to Europe and Asia and Australia.

Posted by
3 posts

The phone was purchased from Tello -- but they do not offer overseas roaming, and don't guarantee that the device would work overseas.

Posted by
3293 posts

You can purchase an unlocked phone on Amazon. Since you are going to Italy, I’d recommend buying a SIM from TIM, the largest cell company in Italy. Check out the Tim Tourist card. I always buy the voucher online before I leave and then visit a TIM store where it is redeemed and they know exactly what you need. The card costs €25.

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