Cell phone that will work in Italy

I actually have a number of inexpensive cell phones that I have purchased over the years, specifically to use in Italy. They are sitting in a drawer somewhere. Since I go every year, I finally purchased a wonderful Nokia at TIM. Loved that phone. I loved it so much, in fact, I loaned it to my son's grandmother so she could use it in Italy. She lost it somewhere....

Inexpensive phones work just fine if you just want to make calls and text. You could buy one online, or wait until you get there. Either way, you will need your passport. Buying one at FCO is difficult unless you have access to Terminal 3 as that is the only place I know of with stores (TIM and Vodafone). Easier to do at Termini train station. I think the TIM store is on the first (Second in Italy) floor. I bought the nice little Nokia at the TIM store on via del Corso, next to Column of Marcus Aurelius, across the street from the Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping mall. They spoke English and were really nice.

Sorry, but I never rented as it seemed too expensive and I was afraid of losing it.

Last summer my son bought me an iPhone (I think his grandmother paid for it). I buy an international data plan and it works for me.

"I think the TIM store is on the first (Second in Italy) floor. "
Oops. Dmae got it reversed. The American first floor is the Italian ground floor. The Italian first floor is the American second floor. I have to confess I don't remember whether the TIM store is on the upper or lower level of Termini (probably easier to refer to them that way). :-)

A few years ago we bought a used unlocked quad band phone on the internet specifically to take to Europe. Since it wasn't a new model it was only about $30. We bought a prepaid SIM card here in the US from TMobil for $10 and made sure the phone actually worked. When we arrive in another country we buy a SIM card for use there. We get the least expensive card as we only use the phone for emergencies or to contact a hotel. The cards can run from 10 or 15 Euros to 30 Euros or more and usually have 10 to 30 minutes on them. The minutes can last up to a year. We always have minutes left over when we leave but we think it's worth it to have the phone.

Michael, I think the TIM store is on the upper level.

kann,

I doubt that renting a phone will be the most cost effective solution. It would help to have a bit of further information.....

• What do you plan to use the phone for?
• Do you require data?
• How much do you want to spend?
• Do you anticipate using the phone on future trips to Europe?
• Will you only be travelling in Italy (now or in future)?

Some of the options you could consider.....

1. Purchase a PAYG phone when you arrive - this will be the least expensive option, as you'll have a local calling plan and rates. This is not a method I ever use, so can't offer any specific comments but I'm sure one of the others will have further information. When purchasing phones in Italy, you'll likely have to register with your Passport, may need help setting it up (all the menus will be in Italian) and you'll have to be clear on the method for topping-up.
2. Purchase an unlocked quad-band GSM phone off E-Bay or Amazon - if you just want a basic voice & text model, you should be able to find one for about $25. For a "basic" phone, I found that the Motorola V-551 was a reliable model, but if you prefer a "candy bar" model, those are available too. With that option you can either buy a SIM card when you arrive OR buy a SIM card from one of the travel phone firms. If you use a local SIM card, the same rates and conditions will apply as mentioned above (depending on which plan you choose). If you use a travel SIM the rates may be slightly higher but billing is often post-paid rather than PAYG (calls charged to a credit card), and will be somewhat consistent if you travel to different countries in Europe.
3. Purchase a Phone with SIM from one of the travel phone firms - some of the firms you could check are Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Telestial, Mobal, EuroBuzz, Lebara, MaxRoam or OneSIM (there are others). Depending on which phone or plan you choose, costs can be quite reasonable (ie: phones for $29 and SIM's for $5, plus usage of course). Check their respective websites for details. One advantage of using a travel SIM is that you'd have a working phone as soon as you step off the plane, and wouldn't have to take time looking for local shops.

If you do decide to buy a phone off E-Bay or Amazon, be sure to check the Charger to ensure it's designed for "world operation" (you will of course need appropriate Plug Adaptors to connect this to outlets in Europe).

Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I'll be landing at Milan Malpensa and I'm not sure where the stores you are mentioning are located, but I'd feel more comfortable landing with a working phone rather than have to stop and buy one and set up there. Thanks though.

@Ken I plan to use the phone for keeping in touch with my friend with whom I'm traveling. When I land, I'll have to take three trains to get to where she is. I've never been to Italy before, so I'll want to tell her when I land, when I get on the train, and when it will arrive so she knows when to pick me up. I'd like to be able to call and text her. I'm sure I'd like to call my parents in New York once or twice, but I may be able to Skype with them on my computer so we don't have to factor that in.

I don't know if I'll require data.. That would be a bonus, but I'm sure I can get by without it.

I'd like to spend as little as possible.

I do not currently anticipate using it on future trips to Europe. Though I would love to go there again, it does not have to factor into this decision.

I'll be in Italy and Spain for a short while, so any phone I use must work both places.

I'm looking into the options you listed now. Thanks for all your help.

ETA my friend will be using her regular phone, a Samsung with AT&T while overseas. I believe her number will be the same, but does that mean if I get a phone with a local Italian phone number that calling her would be an international call?

kann,

ETA my friend will be using her regular phone, a Samsung with AT&T while overseas. I believe her number will be the same, but does that mean if I get a phone with a local Italian phone number that calling her would be an international call?

If you have an Italian phone number you will have to make an international call to the U.S., which will be billed in accordance with the terms of whichever plan you choose when you buy the SIM. You'll only need to dial +1 and then her usual 10-digit number. Texts are by far the cheapest option since received texts are usually FREE, and only a small charge for sent texts.