using Whatsapp in Rome

I thought it would be free (?)

It uses WiFi so if you are a place that has free access it’s free.

If you're using Wifi, it's free. If you're using network data, you'll pay for the data.

WhatsApp is free but it requires a connection to the internet so it depends on what your provider charges for accesing the internet using mobile data.

t is always free. Using whatsapp calling a restaurant, would be free only in a WIFI spot. Does that mean, I do not have to buy a sim card to make local calls in Rome?

The restaurant in question would need to be on WhatsApp. WhatsApp does not connect to random phone numbers in Europe unless they have signed up their phone to be on WhatsApp.

Many hotels and BnBs use WhatsApp for communicating with clients so it is helpful but only because they set up their WhatsApp account connected that number.

If you want make actual phone calls cell to cell or landline you will need a European SIM not WhatsApp.

Hope that helps,
-Tod

Hi Tod, I guess that was my real question. Thank you for wording it correctly. I was thinking maybe whatsapp could replace using a local sim card to call for reservations. I figured the small trattorias may not have their phone number connected to whatsapp.

A local sim card would be beneficial.

Thanks again.
Jim2420

If the restaurant's website displays their WhatsApp number (many do) you can call them there for free (obviously you will need cellular data or wifi connection to some hot spot).

To call a landline for very low price you can try Google Voice or KeepCalling. If you make a regular call to a land line from your US phone, it will be treated like an international call made from your cell phone to Italy, and those are expensive.

Both GoogleVoice and KeepCalling will still require you to be connected to the internet (via cell data, or wifi hot spot), however, unlike WhatsApp, those VoIP plans allow you to call land lines as well, and the price per minute is insignificant.

I use both GoogleVoice or KeepCalling to call my cousin's house (after working as a telecom tech for 40 years for TIM, the largest mobile phone provider in Italy, he refuses to have a cell phone in retirement) and it costs about 1 cent per minute. Make sure you set them up on your phone before you leave, as I don't think you may able to do so while abroad.

Or you could have Consumer Cellular as the cellular provider on your phone - just enable international roaming and when you arrive in Italy you instantly have data AND calling - both local and back to the States - activated.

Since Consumer Cellular is actually a MVNO, are you sure it can work overseas?