sim card

I was in Varenna with its 2 tiny stores. I am sure that the little butcher won't sell sims. I can't believe that the tiny veg lady does either but maybe???

I think the smallest denomination is 10 euro, which includes 5 euro of prepaid minutes. I usually go for at least 20 euro (15 euro of prepaid minutes), because 5 euro won't last me long. Once you run out, you can top up at any tobacconist store displaying the logo for the provider you choose (most tobacconists do). All tobacconist shops have a rectangular sign with a big white T on blue or black background. They are authorized dealers for tobacco products, postage stamps, telephone recharges, lotto tickets, bus tickets (you name it). Tobacconists are Gov't authorized dealers and are like an extension of a post office and telephone company and bus company.
Malpensa does have a store. Every town will have one or more cell phone authorized dealer..

Ok Nigel. I should have said all towns with over 5000 people.
I don't think Varenna reaches 1000.

Hmmm, I wonder Nigel, was that a tiny lady selling regular-sized vegetables, or was she a regular-sized lady selling tiny vegetables? And should her shop be considered an off-the-beaten-track don't miss site for the Lake Como area? Just how tiny is she?

Bonnie, I'm assuming you have a quad-band, unlocked GSM Phone? I wouldn't bother searching for a SIM card at MXP, as there's a TIM store at Milano Centrale. Here's the details: www.milanocentrale.it/en/store/detail/tim1 As you're going to Varenna, you'll have a wait of up to two hours, as your arrival time at Milano Centrale may not coincide with an immediate departure to Varenna. Therefore, you'll probably have some time to shop for a SIM card. You may need a Codice Fiscale to buy the card, and will have to register with your Passport. How are you getting from MXP to Milano Centrale? I assume you're arriving at Terminal 1? One important point to note is that you'll be on a Regionale train to Varenna, so BE SURE to validate your ticket prior to boarding. Unvalidated tickets can result in hefty fines, which will be collected on the spot! Be ready to disembark promptly, as the train only stops for about a minute. Happy travels!

Have purchased sim cards many times in Italy, most recently this past July in Florence, and have only needed my passport.