Question about cell phone use

We are leaving next week for three weeks in Italy, and I have struggled with this, also. We are mostly interested in data, too, since we'll have a car for part of that time and want to use the phones for navigation. I was able to analyze my data usage on my phone for a recent trip using navigation, and realized I would be in danger of going way over the allotments on the Verizon plans. The SIM cards I saw online to purchase here in the States didn't get great reviews, so we've decided to purchase the cards there. I contacted our first hotel and they will show us where to get them. We'll just have to let people know our new phone numbers.

Check with T-Mobile and see if they can give you a Month plan. Depending on the phone you have they should be able to install a T-Mobile SIM card in it.

We have T-Mobile and have coverage all over Italy. We have unlimited data/texting in Europe and no contracts.

To place phone calls we use Skype since its a flat fee and not billed per minute. Skype lets you call a phone number (you don't have to use the video at all - just the audio and it works exactly like a phone. T-mobile charges crazy high rates for international calling so we avoid talking on the regular line as much as possible. (If someone calls us we pick up but immediately ask to call them back at then call them at their phone number using our skype app).

Note: Europe doesn't have 4G coverage like the US so you'll mostly be running on 3G. This works well for most tasks but may be a bit more lag than your used to when using your phone for more intensive actions like GPS tracking/navigation etc.

Anne,

It would help to know what type of "old phone" you're using, as some older Verizon models won't work in Europe.

Your basic choices are.....

• Buy a SIM when you arrive in Italy. I don't know which ones offer the best data access, but hopefully one of the others can provide that information. You'll have to register using your Passport, but the sales person should be able to do the set-up so you won't have to deal with that. There are several networks and a variety of plans, so you'll have to wade through that (TIM is the largest network in Italy).
• Use a travel SIM from one of the travel phone firms such as Roam Simple, Cellular Abroad, Telestial, Mobal, EuroBuzz or Lebara. These often use a number based in the U.K. but operate in all countries of Europe with fairly consistent rates. Many use post-paid billing (calls charged to a credt card), so no worries about topping-up. These are a cost effective option for voice and text, but data costs can be steep.
• Sign up for a T-Mobile plan as someone else mentioned. Their data service is 2G I believe, and if you want faster service the cost will be higher.

Good luck!

The phone is a Motorola Razr Maxx. Looking online, it is supposed to be able to be used on global, gsm networks as long as it has the updated android software (it does).

Anne,

I'm not thoroughly familiar with that model, but the specifications for the Verizon model indicate that it will work on European GSM systems.

Buying a SIM card, or even a phone, in Italy takes about 15 minutes unless there's a line of people waiting, then it could take half an hour.

I have had so many issues with Verizon that a few years ago I bought a TIM phone at the train station in Milsno, have used it every summer since then.

Hi Anne,

I had the same concerns. I have Verizon and their global package is ridiculously expensive. I bought a SIM card from Eurobuzz for $9. Their plans are much cheaper than Verizon, and I don't plan to use the phone much anyways. Mainly for GPS. For internet use, as long as you are in a wifi spot, it is still free.