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?

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

Either I'm imagining things, or else it was working - for both calls and data - for trips to Italy, Poland, Budapest, Vienna and London over the past couple of years, typically on local networks that you would recognize. And the costs have been steadily decreasing over the period. Think about it - what's stopping them from making deals for foreign territorial coverage just as they made the deal with AT&T in the US?

I'm assuming you've also researched eSIM plans. There are a hundred threads on here about that.

Jim2420, who is your current provider? Maybe someone can suggest the best deal for calls in Europe.

Thank you for the clarifications. Yes, my Mint Mobile has international time you can buy. My phone can take 2 sims card. I never use the other slot so maybe I will get a local sim for the 2 weeks next year March.

Jim

Jim2420, how long will you be in Italy? With Wi-Fi available in most hotels, restaurants and museums, maybe the Mint Mobile $5 30 day no data plan will cover your needs.

Here are some recent posts on sim cards in Italy that may be useful.

Vodaphone Sim Card

Airalo quick questions

Hi JeanM, thank you. I will be in Rome for 12 days. I know Rome since I have been there a few times. I used to bring an old phone and just buy the sim. That was 15 years ago. Thank you for the sim connections. I have time, but I feel preparing is half the fun.
Thanks again,
Jim

MintMobile is part of T-Mobile now.
I have Tmoblie magenta and 5Gb per month of data overseas is free, I’m sure that Mint may be able to upgrade you for a month and then when you return you switch to your old plan.

Thanks Roberto, Yes, I know that Mint has an international plan and I will check into that.

Jim

In the meantime set up Google Voice (choose a number etc.) and maybe KeepCalling. You should be able to use it while overseas to call landline numbers. WhatsApp can be used to, but you can't call land line numbers with WhatsApp, you can only call other WhatsApp users (which in Italy is everybody, since the providers there charge for text messages while WhatsApp is free). However occasionally, like to call a restaurant or hotel you may have to call a land line number, and in that case you should be able to use KC or Google Voice. Both must be set up while in the US.

In any case, you still need to be connected to the internet to use all of the above, so you either pay for cell data (maybe Mint Mobile has a low cost international plan) or connect to the wifi in your hotel or any hot spot, like a restaurant. Or ask if you can upgrade to Tmobile Magenta for a month, and when you return you switch back to the lower cost plan. If you are over 55 y.o. (like me) their plans are cheaper.

Thanks, Roberto

Jim

Whatsapp uses internet, so you just need to pay for it, that's all

Hi Jim2420 and all:

I also have Mint Mobile at home. Next time in Italy, I will not use their international plan bc I’m there a bit too long to justify the cost (sold in 1, 3, 10 day increments). But, you may want to look at that for your visit! My husband did that in UK two years ago and had no problems.

When I visit Italy this time, I’ll do 2 things:

1. Add the Mint $5 call/text for 30 days (no data), with 100 mins calls and 100 texts. I know the convent does not have what’s app., for example). I’ll also enable WiFi calling.
   
2. For data, I’m going to try Saily Italy eSIM data plan. They have a range of options for different GB levels up to 30 days. I also like the VPN/security and good reviews from well respected sources.

In the past, I’ve successfully used the TIM tourist sim -bought online/ register in store. Thanks to Philip in Hobe Sound for that advice! Back then, it required a physical sim and, in my case, a few trips to their Venice shop (due to surprise closing early and then system down for a few hours the next day ) so a bit of time lost. But very cheap €14 /month for plenty of data.

Lots of choices and great advice here on the forum! Best wishes!

Follow up directly from Mint Mobile regarding adding the “$5 30-day no data plan for 200 mins calls/text,” and how to use in combination with local SIM card of your choice:

Here’s how to set up dual SIM on your iPhone SE (my phone) so you can use Mint Mobile for calls/texts and your Italian SIM for data:

Insert both your Mint Mobile SIM (or eSIM) and your Italian SIM into your iPhone SE.
Go to Settings, then tap Cellular.
Under Cellular Plans, label each line (e.g., “Mint” and “Italy”) for easy reference.
Tap Default Voice Line and select your Mint Mobile line for calls and texts.
Tap Cellular Data and select your Italian SIM for data usage.
If you want to use Wi-Fi Calling with Mint, tap your Mint line, then tap Wi-Fi Calling and turn it on.
That’s it! You’ll use Mint for calls/texts (including your Minternational Pass) and your Italian SIM for data.

Thanks Shawn. I will be following your advice. I am early because I am not going until next March. I just am gathering info. Building up dreams.

Regarding the phone internationally, just buy an eSIM. It’s the best way to connect while overseas. Airalo is what we’ve used the last 3 years. Forget buying a physical SIM card and swapping them out. The eSIM is built into ones phones. Sometimes phones will have two or more. Look into it.