TIM phone

I've only used TIM until now (Wind), and bought the phone for less than €30.

You should definitely be able to buy a SIM card at the station in Genova, either in a TIM store or at a tabacchi that sells different cards. I think you can set the phone (I guess the card, too) to default to English, but the texts from TIM (balance remaining and cost of call) will be in Italian. I asked the salesperson to set it for me when I bought the phone.

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My experience has been the same as Zoe's. Get the chip set up at the store and set screen settings to English. Adding time/money on the card could be harder, if you don't hear an English option, but someone could help you with that, too.

The Mobal SIM will be MUCH more expensive than a TIM or Wind SIM. And yes, if you're buying the SIM in an phone store, make sure they set the phone to English before you leave.

If you will need data, the TIM Welcome package is a good deal. For €30, you get a SIM card, 2 GB of data (4G speeds where available), 200 minutes of outgoing domestic or international calls (incoming calls and texts are free), and €5 of credit for outgoing texts or more calls. If you do not need data, for €20 you get a SIM and €15 of credit for texts and calls.

Let us know how it works out if you try to buy in Italy. I've heard mixed stories, and have personally had mixed results. I've been told you need to have a "codice fiscale" which is the Italian equivalent of a Social Security number to buy a SIM. When I tried the TIM stores would not sell me a SIM (2 stores in 2 cities) but a smaller dealer sold me one after making a copy of my passport.

I've stopped using foreign SIMs. Sending a brief text message isn't too expensive, I don't speak any foreign languages so I'm not going to be phoning anyone in the country I am visiting (and if I need dinner reservations or to confirm the next hotel the front desk staff have always been happy to do it), and to call home I use a chat application and free wi-fi in the hotel.

You can add minutes at a tabacchi or at a phone store, usually must pay in cash and sometimes there is a minimum amount that may be more than you need. Calls are cheap, though.

John's post reminded me: you definitely need your passport to buy a SIM in Italy, and you are supposed to need a Codice Fiscale. To get one, follow the directions on the bottom of this page, and print it out and take it with you: http://www.prepaidgsm.net/en/italy.php. That way you have one if you need it (sometimes I've needed it, sometimes not).

Thanks everyone for the great info. I'm thinking of buying a TIM SIM card before I leave. Has anyone had a problem doing this?

Not sure buying a TIM card in the US will work. As others have said, and my personal experience, you need to show your passport to get a SIM card in Italy.