Making a cell phone for international use

What kind of phone? Smart phone? Flip phone? What kind of service do you have for it now? Is it "locked?" If you bought from the carrier and are still paying for it a little per month, your mobile company probably won't unlock it so you can buy a SIM in Italy, but if you own the phone outright it can probably be unlocked. It must be unlocked to be able to use an Italian SIM in the phone.

As mentioned above, there is a whole lot more information needed to answer this question for you.

I will tell you what I do. I have ATT as my carrier and I purchase 1 month (30 days) of their "passport plan" for $60. It gives my 1 GB data, unlimited messaging, and phone calls to from/states are 35 cents per minute. I prefer this option as I have elderly parents and I know that this way my mother can call me the way that she usually does and the call will go right through. I do most of my "online" activities using wi-fi at the hotel.

Hi Andrew. Thanks
It's unlocked. So i simple purchase a nano chip (sim card) in Italy?
I'm assuming I'll find a cell store there?

First, before you think about getting an Italian SIM card, check with your current provider how much their rates are to use your phone in Italy and wherever else you are going.
A new SIM card gives you a new (Italian) phone number. You will then not be able to receive calls on your existing number until you put your old SIM card back.

Thanks Chris!
Thanks Carol!

Yes, you can find a TIM or Vodafone mobile store and buy a SIM. Bring your passport to the store - they'll need to make a copy of it to register the SIM purchase. Most SIM cards these days are "3-in-1" kits which is just one SIM card where the edges can be peeled off to make a smaller size. The smallest size is the nano SIM. So you don't need to ask for a "nano SIM" - just make sure the SIM you buy breaks down into one. They'll probably set it all up for you in the store.

thanks Andrew! And then of course it's a new number phone number, correct?

Yes, if you get an Italian SIM, you'll get an Italian phone number until you put the old SIM back in. You can still communicate with people (if you have a smart phone) using WhatsApp, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc. The "visitor SIMs" you can buy from TIM or Vodafone will probably have some calling minutes to call home. People can text you via WhatsApp saying "Call me!" and you can phone them back from your Italian number.

Andrew,
Love this info! I'm getting an iphone, which I'm excited about, so your info has come in a timely manner. Funny thing is, I DO NOT want to talk to anyone in the US when I'm on vacay. Lol Just want the convenience of calling "locally" in Italy.
Grazie mille!

Then an Italian SIM is perfect!