Ciao - Are public pay phones readily available in Rome? I'm thinking they might be scarce. I used an international card 5 years ago, purchased from a small store and it worked well. However, I can barely find a public pay phone booth in the United States, so if you have recent experience using the card in Rome, Venice, Sorrento, please share. Grazie!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I don't remember seeing any payphones in Italy as recently as last year. But that reminds me of the old joke that Italians can't use phonebooths because there's not enough room to gesture. :-)
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Lynne, I read somewhere that Italy averages two cell phones per person, so taking your phone with your or buying an inexpensive one in Italy might be a better option. You will usually find public phones at "post and telegraph" offices, but you have to look for them. Last year I bought a simple phone (TIM) with about 60 minutes on it and it cost about 40 euro.
Posted by
OP
Forestville
8 posts
Hi Zoe - Did you purchase the phone at a department store? I'm guessing that it was a temporary phone? Disposable? If you can provide a few more details that would be great. I have an old phone (not worth taking to Europe) and do not want to use extra cash to buy a smartphone or iphone at the moment.... thanks-