I never thought I was stupid before but trying to understand what I need for cell service in Italy has me reconsidering. Below are my questions and then under that a wonderful but slightly aged post by californiacuore. Everything I think I understand about TIM cards is based on their post and californiacuore, if you're still around, thank you! Can someone please tell me if everything in the post is still accurate? And here are my additional questions:
1) I have an old iPhone X. Is there any reason it won't be supported in Italy or compatible with a TIM card?
2) Do I need anything other than a TIM card? Is there any situation where I would need my cell provider's international roaming? (I have Mint Mobile if it matters.)
3) I am arriving FCO at 11:00 pm. Will the TIM store be open? If not, then what?
4) How long does the whole purchase/activation transaction take?
5) What exactly would an eSIM let me do, how does it work, and is my phone compatible with it?
Thanks!
I've use TIM for longer trips to Italy. Having an Italian phone number is way cheaper than using your US number.
Here are some ways to make it work.
- Get all your friends/relatives on WhatsApp BEFORE you leave. Use WhatsApp to call/text them in the U.S.
- Since you won't be calling the US from your new Italian number (you'll be using WhatApp) and not making lots of local Italian calls, you don't need an expensive complicated plan. Get at most a 15G plan for data. (use the data at cafes or your lodging to do most of your sending/writing, etc). I used GPS, Google maps, took pics and sent them out sometimes and in one month only used 2G. In the 3 months of having my TIM card I never came close to using the 10G /month I paid for. DON'T LET THEM SELL YOU A HIGH DATA PLAN! There is internet at your hotel, bars, cafes, etc. If there is internet you can use that and not your TIM plan data.
AT THE TIM STORE
1. have them put the new SIM card in for you. Put your SIM card in a small case. (do it mindfully...you may be tired so make sure you know where you put your U.S. SIM card!)
2. Have them install the TIM APP on your phone. It's great for checking data, etc.
3. Have them test the phone to make sure it works.
4. Send a WhatsApp to someone to make sure it works before you leave.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THEM
1. are the prompts in English? If not, have them change the prompts to English.
2. how do I check my balance? (have them show you. It will be on the TIM app, but they'll walk you through it).
3. Confirm the fees for domestic calls and domestic texts
4. How do I buy more time if needed?
If you arrive in Rome FCO.
Last time I bought my SIM card there, the TIM store was near Hertz and Avis and the information desk, before you got to baggage pick-up.
I like having my Italian number BEFORE I leave the airport. Then I can quickly WhatsApp my family/friends to let them know we arrived safely.
Hope this helps!