cell phone-unlocked?

You must also be sure that it is a quad-band phone working on the GSM network. (I think it is mainly Verizon phones that are not GSM, so this may not be a concern, but quad-band is.)

And don't forget the SIM...!

I bought an unlocked Motorola v190 quad band phone on ebay for $17 delivered. I'll need to buy a sim/tim card (In USA they are called sim cards, in Italy they are called TIM or SIM. So, sim/tim cards) Your phone number in Italy will be different, since it goes with the Sim card. I don't know if it is worth unlocking your existing phone.

Just to clarify one point, SIM cards (Subscriber Identity Module) are called the same thing in all countries. TIM refers to one of the Cell networks in Italy (Telecom Italia Mobile). The other major networks in Italy are Vodaphone, Wind, and 3.

Kathy, As you're with T-Mobile the SIM card in your phone will work in Europe provided that you have a quad-band phone. Not all GSM phones sold in the U.S. have the two European frequency bands, so you'll need to verify that. Which model phone are you using? If you travel with your T-Mobile SIM, you'll be "roaming" so it would be a really good idea to check with your carrier to determine what roaming plans they offer. If you're only planning to make occasional voice calls and send texts, roaming with your home network should be fairly cost effective. If you decide to use roaming with T-Mobile, it won't be necessary to get your phone unlocked. You'll also need to notify T-Mobile that you'll be travellling, so they don't de-activate the phone when they see it operating in Europe. It would be a really good idea to check the phone Charger to ensure that it's designed for "world operation". You will of course require Plug Adapters. Cheers!

You say I need a SIM card but won't the SIM card already in my phone work? I will check and see if it is quad band. Thanks for your tips.

Kathy, I have T-Mobile service and have used it in Europe. As previously mentioned, you need to make sure you have a quad-band phone. If you want to buy a prepaid SIM in Europe from a European carrier, then you need to make sure the phone is unlocked. On the other hand, if you want to use your T-Mobile service in Europe, then you need to sign up for their international roaming service (no charge to sign up). You then pay a fee per minute (about $1 to $1.25 per minute for most European countries. The rates are posted on their site. If you use the T-Mobile service, make sure you know how to retrieve voicemail (instructions are on their site) from abroad.

As others have said, "it depends". This article walks you through all your options: http://www.lodgephoto.com/blog/going-wireless-in-europe-what-you-need-to-know-about-cell-phones/12/ Mathew

Ken, I do have an electrical adapter so am I right in thinking that my phone charger will work or does it still need to be designed as "world operations"? Everyone thanks for your helpful ideas. Today I called T-mobile and am going through the process of unlocking the phone. Still wondering which is better the roaming charges from T-Mobile or going to find a sim card to purchase in Italy.

Kathy, In order to determine if the Charger is designed for "world operation", you need to check the nameplate data on the Charger, looking specifically for the words "Input Voltage". If the label states 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, the Charger will work fine in Europe with only a Plug Adapter. I'm assuming the Plug Adapter you have has two round pins?

Hi Kathy! I went on a 3 week tour of Europe in late 2009 early 2010. I also have T-Mobile as my carrier. I called T-Mobile and found out the cost of a phone call made from each country I was planning on visiting. I also found out the cost of texting. I have a Samsung phone and for the most part, I kept my phone OFF unless I was calling home or needed to text. I think it would definitely be a good idea for you to contact T-Mobile just to see what all you need to do just to double check! Amanda