calling cards im Italy

Elodie, Which Cell network are you with? If they don't offer international plan, you could either purchase an inexpensive phone here or when you arrive in Europe. I'm not sure about Calling Cards in Italy, as I never use them (always travel with a Cell phone). The first place to look would probably be a Tabachi shop (look for a large "T" - they're not hard to find). Cheers!

Elodie, Whether to use a "travel" Cell phone or calling cards will depend somewhat on your anticipated uses. I've been travelling with a Cell phone since about 2004, as I like the convenience, and since I travel solo some of the time, I like some means of keeping in touch with family (usually via text messages, which are cheap). Calling cards will work, however keep in mind that pay phones are becoming much less common, and some Hotels may add charges for using room phones even for local calls. Before the popularity of mobile phones, this was often a big source of revenue for Hotels. If you feel that you'd like to travel with a Cellphone, there are several options, some of which are fairly cost effective. Here's a brief list: 1.) Buy an unlocked quad-band GSM Cellphone off E-Bay. It's always wise to consider "Caveat Emptor" when buying off online auctions, but I've never had any problems with E-Bay listings. I checked briefly and found new, refurbished and used Motorola V-551 flips listed for as low as $9.99. I'd probably spend a few bucks more and get a new unit, but it should also be possible to find good used phones. I would suggest getting a phone that is NOT capable of data use, as data charges can be HUGE. You can use that with a SIM card purchased in Europe OR with a SIM from one of the "travel phone" firms, such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Call In Europe, EuroBuzz, TruPhone, Telestial or Mobal. Check their websites for details on costs and calling plans available. If you buy a SIM in Europe, this will be a PAYG plan, so will have to be topped-up. 2.) Buy a travel phone from one of the firms mentioned above. 3.) Buy a phone when you arrive in Europe. There are phone shops everywhere, but you may need some help setting up the plan as menus will be in the local language. Cheers!

Thanks, Ken. I live in a rural area of Oklahoma with just a local provider - Pioneer. I'll check in to getting a cheap one before I go.

If you buy a cheap phone here be sure it works on the frequencies used in Europe. I think it's 900/1800. It also has to be unlocked so that you can switch SIM cards. We bought a used phone online for about $30. It had the right frequencies and was unlocked. We bought a $10 SIM card here in the US and used the phone before we left to be sure it worked. When we arrived in Europe (we used it on 2 trips, one to Turkey and one to Portugal) we bought a SIM card at the airport. The cards come with about 30 min. of talking time in that particular country. To call internationally you would have to add more minutes which is easy to do. Do not buy a SIM card online. Some of them give you a phone number in a completely different country and you have to go through several steps to place a call. We also have calling card but it's too much trouble to use.

To answer the original question. Yes, you can use calling cards in Italy. They are cheap and easy to use. I know some folks believe that cell phone are a critical but we still get by with calling cards since our need to be constantly connected is very low.

Wow. I'm almost at information overload! I'm going to have to read it all again and begin investigating the best option. Thank you so much for all your help.