We have an ATT cell phone that is no longer in use. Can we get it unlocked at ATT and buy a sim card in Italy for use. Can we buy minutes to use in Italy from ATT here? We need only the minimum number of minutes for a five-day business trip. Does all the advice just posted to Caryn for the French cell phone hold true for using one in Italy, as well? PS We're technologically inept.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Bets, the first thing you'll need to determine is whether the Cellphone is a GSM quad-band model. If that's the case, you could approach AT&T to obtain the unlock codes. If you're still with them, they should be willing to take care of that for you. You could also roam with AT&T, using one of their travel plans. ¶ If you're no longer with AT&T, another option you might consider is to use a "travel SIM", since you only need the "minimum number of minutes". Have a look at the websites for Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial and Mobal. ¶ If you're currently with Verizon, you might ask them about their "travel phone" service. They can supply a phone which will operate in Europe for a period of up to a month. The rates are not as good as some of the GSM networks, but for minimal use that might be an easy option. Good luck!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Yes, the advice given to Caryn holds true in Italy, too. How do you plan to use your phone? Emergencies only? Calling home to the US? Calling other places in Italy?...... IF your phone is quad-band, and IF it is unlocked, you can just buy a SIM card (which comes with the phone number and some minutes) as soon as you land in Italy, probably even before you leave the airport...... As Ken suggested, you might also look at travel SIM cards like Mobal and other post-paid services. With Mobal, you buy the SIM for a minimal price, then your calls are charged to your credit card as you make them. Your phone number is permanent (it never expires, so you can travel again two years from now and use the same SIM card), and you only pay for what you use. The per-minute charges are higher than a prepaid SIM, but you don't end up with unused minutes, or run out of minutes at an inopportune time.
Posted by
Missouri City, Texas
11 posts
I used my AT&T cell phone all over Italy and Germany this past June and had no problems at all I do not have any special plan with them. It worked just great. Sending text in Italy and Germany was only 0.20 each even back to the USA. If you have a laptop with SKYPE and the people who you want to talk to also have it use it. Computer to computer is free.