Cell Phones/SIM Cards US or Italy

Rick's opinion is that it is cheaper to buy the SIM card in Europe, in the country you'll be using it in. That's a general statement, some travelers' experience may be different.

What about a US based cell phone;I would need an international plan and roam, what about calls to from the US to me in Italy-those calls would be a normal call at normal rates?

Paul: I don't know for sure, as to the specifics you're asking about--you'd want to ask the providers what their pricing is, they know their plans better than we do here. But I can tell you that these days it can be surprisingly affordable to buy a basic "pay as you go" cell phone in Europe. No conract required, the phone comes loaded with prepaid calling time. The cheapest new phones run about $40 - $75. And while you can buy European SIM cards online from the US, they're usually over-priced. Many people these days are keeping it simple and just buying a cheap phone when they arrive in Europe and a SIM card--pretty affordable, all this has changed in the last few years. Most SIM cards in Europe are about $10 to $15 (but I don't know specifically Italian prices). They come with a European phone # and starter credit, and you buy additional prepaid credit as you go. Simple and affordable.

Thanks Kent appreciate the advice and info

Paul,

First, can you confirm that your Phone is a quad-band GSM model? Be sure that the Charger is designed for use on 100-240VAC.

I'm not sure if it's possible to purchase an Italian SIM card before leaving the U.S.? There's no reason you couldn't buy one when you arrive, as there are probably shops in the airport. Once you have the phone working, just send a text to friends with the new number.

Regarding a "US based cell phone", you might want to check with your local AT&T or T-Mobile shops to find out what options are available. Previously, only contract customers were able to "roam", however I believe this may be changing.

If you were using a US-based phone number, those calling you from the US would pay normal charges as if they were calling you in whichever "home" area the number was based in. On the other hand, you would be billed an incoming call rate which is probably around $1.99/minute (since the call to you in Italy is originating in the US). If you were to call back to the US, you would likely pay the same rate, however calls you make to numbers in Italy would be less expensive. I believe both GSM networks in the US have roaming plans which reduces the rates slightly (check with them for details). Using text is much less expensive.

You could also look at "travel SIM's" such as those from Cellular Abroad, Mobal, Telestial or others. If you consider those, be sure to check the rates carefully so that you have a clear idea of what it will cost.

Using an Italian SIM will provide the least expensive rates for calls in-country, as long as you're in Italy. If you were to travel to France (for example), you'd be charged a "roaming " rate. With an Italian SIM, friends calling from the US would pay long distance to Italy. I believe your incoming calls (in this case) would be free. If you decide to go with the Italian SIM, be sure to find out how to top this up.

Hope this all makes sense?

Happy travels

Is there a residency requirement or waiting period when purchasing a SIM card in Italy? I seem to recall reading about that on this site, but can't seem to find the thread now... That may determine whether the added expense of purchasing in advance at home is worthwhile.

It's cheaper to use a EU sim card.If you use a T-mobile service in Europe it will be $.99/min form Western Europe and $1.99 from Eastern Europe. It' s free to sign up fo Tmobile international plan, but per min rate is high.

Hi thanks for everyone's input I am now more confussed as ever- I will not be using this phone all to much in Italy, it's for my family to call me and me them-So is it still better to have them call a Italy number on the cell phone, free incoming but for them to have overseas charges? I was thinking of going to T-Moblie to ask if I can just get a SIM card for international usage?

Have you heard of Mobal.com? They offer a GSM World phone good for use in 150 countries for $49 and it includes $20 in calls. They also offer a $99 phone that woeks in 170 countries including the USA and includes $99 in calls.

They give you a British phone number. The phone and number never expire. You can toss it in a drawer after your trip and still have it to use on your next trip. (They do recommend making one call every few months though, just to keep it current.) The charges are made to your credit card, so you don't have to buy minutes.

I used the $99 version during my trip to Paris and Switzerland in August, 2008 and it worked flawlessly. Never found a place, even in the Swiss Alps, where I had no signal. And my sister in the US was amazed at the call clarity. The per minute rate is NOT a bargain. Paid about $1.50 per minute to the US, but if you will use it only sporadically, it's not so bad given the cost of the phone. The $99 phone gives you more than an hour of talk time. The $49 phone gives you 13 minutes. But since it's charged to your credit card, you don't have to worry about buying minutes you may never use.

At any rate, you might want to check it out and see if it would be an good option for you. Mobal.com

I do not have a current plan/phone (verizon) that will let me use it overseas-I do have another phone unlocked that I used and bought a SIM card in the US before I left, but realize it has expired. I wanted to know if I should purchase one again and have the number handy before I leave or buy one in Italy (cheaper and will it expire) or go to say TMobil and see if I can get a SIM just for international calls?