Inexpensive ways to call home from Italy?

We just returned from 2 1/2 weeks in Italy and found that at most Internet Points you can both use the internet and make international phone calls which cost only 17 cents a minute. You could buy a card or you could just make the call and pay afterwards. Places like this abound in touristy cities like Venice and Rome.

If you'll have a laptop with you, you can use Skype and either call someone at their computer for free or use Skype Out, which, at least for U.S. to Europe, is about ~2 cents per minute - not sure about the opposite direction, but probably similar.

I've also used the internet cafes and paid good prices.

Another option (assuming you don't have Skype) is to buy a PIN Card at a local tobacco shop/newstand. Ask them to point you to a pay phone where you can use it. Follow the directions on the card. I find I can get at least a few 20-30 minute calls home on a five Euro card.

Phone cards are the cheapest way to call home to the US. The Europa card costs 5 euros and has something like 180 minutes of calling time. You can use it from your hotel phone or pay phones, just dial the 1-800 number and enter the PIN that comes with your card. The are available at tobacco stores all over. Doesn't help people call you.... but then when I'm on vacation in Italy I'm not that interested in being accessible 24/7!

I always go to a wal-mart and buy a prepaid AT@T prepaid phone card. Just call the 800# on the back to get the access code for Italy. You can also add money to the card as needed by calling the 800#. It's easy and also reassuring to hear the AT#T operator when you are so far from home!!!

THANKS ALL FOR THE GREAT SUGGESTIONS. I LIKE THE IDEA OF THE PHONE CARDS THE BEST SINCE I DON'TNEED A LAPTOP OR INTERNET CAFE.

Definitely go with the Europa card, aleady mentioned here and by Steves. So much time for 5 Euros, and so easy to use!

Can I purchase the Europa card here before I leave or only in Italy??

Get it in Italy at any Tobacchi shop. Just say, "Avete schede telefonica, per favore? Europa?"

We are leaving for a two week trip shortly. I purchase a $19 cell phone and a $29 SIM card from www.callineurope.com. Outgoing calls to the US are about $.49/minute, but incoming is free. Since we want to be able to be reached by family in case of any emergencies, this seemed to be the best way. I'll post how it went when we get back.

Bought the Europa card yesterday. For 5 euros (as noted above) I got 250 minutes. Easy to find and use.