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Verizon Smart Phone in Italy

My wife and I would like to be able to use cell phones on our trip to Italy to connect up when we go different directions and generally for information and navigation. We use Verizon here in the US. What's the best way to keep access while traveling? Does anyone have experience getting a Verizon international calling plan? I've also heard you can rent cell phones. Thanks!

Posted by
6898 posts

Verizon is a carrier. What kind of cell phone do you have? Different phones do different things.

Posted by
1078 posts

I have the Verizon Iphone 4S and have used it on several trips to Italy with no problems. Just to clarify, I also have the International calling plan ($4 a month) because I rep 2 EU companies.
I notify V when I am leaving for the EU, ,and prior to "wheels up," enter *228 to enable use in Italy, and have enjoyed seamless service while traveling. Note, I do disable data, however, call, receive calls( from the U.S.)and text without issues.
It is a little pricey compared to buying a chip locally, however, for me, it is more convenient. My son, who also travels the EU does buy a chip for his IPad mini for data and navigation-my IPad is first generation so this isn't an option. If you are going to be using the phone for navigation, you will get hosed using the Verizon plan.
Finally, it's been a while since I checked out the rental option but when I did, the price was obscene.

Posted by
1161 posts

I would contact Verizon to confirm they will work in Italy .
Also whether they are unlocked to other carriers.
There has been a glitch that even unlocked ones only have been for txt and voice not allowing another SIM to make a data connection,they might have got a fix by now?

Posted by
154 posts

Verizon will have more specifics for you on if your phones will work in Italy. If they can work Verizon does have better international rates than they used to. If you just want to make calls now-and-then and emergency data usage then they would be the best option probably. If you plan to make a lot of calls within Italy then getting a sim-card in Italy will be the cheapest but you do have the issue of if it will even work in your phone. That is why sometimes buying a cheap basic phone and a sim-card once you arrive ends up being the cheapest and easiest option.