Renting Cell Phones in Italy

I have been writing about cell phone use in Italy for almost 10 years now and while the developments in cellular service have been impressive, what astounds me the most is how often I need to re evaluate my opinions and update the facts in comparing Italian and US cellular service. It seems that the providers in both countries come up with significant and improved services on a continuous basis, which is obviously a plus for the customer. What is important for travelers to Italy who need to communicate by cell phone is that Italy, like the US, has excellent and affordable cellular service – even for the short term traveler.

Traveling only to Italy

There are different approaches to having cellular service in Italy – some better than others, depending on your personal needs. Fortunately, what is quickly becoming the most popular approach is also the least expensive. However, let’s start with some of the others as they do have their merits.

Possibly the most expensive way to obtain cellular service in Italy is to rent a cell phone at the airport. This is not only expensive but it is also inconvenient as you need to fill out extensive documentation and carefully read the terms and conditions as there are almost always terms that are not properly disclosed such as minimums or deposits. Still, if you haven’t made prior arrangements for less expensive and better services, renting a phone at the airport may be your only choice.

Second, many of today’s cell phones from US carriers such as TMobile, AT&T and, to a lesser degree, Verizon, work in Italy as well as other international destinations. The advantage to using your current carrier from the list above is that you can retain your US number and some of the phones work seamlessly without having to rent, purchase or make other arrangements for cellular service. However, you need to make certain with your carrier that the model of handset you have indeed does work oversees and that you are set up for overseas cellular service. The drawback with this approach is the expense. Typically, charges are around $1 (plus tax) for both incoming and outgoing calls. Furthermore, while it is “convenient” for people to be able to reach you on your usual US number, you may not be happy paying for “convenient” yet non essential calls to your cell while on vacation.

Typical Phone Rental

The third and last approach is definitely the least expensive of the group and is quickly becoming most travelers’ choice for cellular service in Italy. In brief, this method involves taking advantage of the local carrier infrastructure and, therefore, also the local rates. This is also the most reliable way to have cellular service as the service doesn’t have to rely on multiple carriers borrowing each other’s network (and hence the cost saving). How is this accomplished? In Italy, 90% of all cell phone users have pay-as-you-go (also know as prepaid) cellular service. That means that they are not tied into any contract and they simply pay in advance for the cellular service they need. This works out well for the traveler since, as long as you have call credit, you can use the service for as long or as short as you want. While outgoing rates are not quite as low as they have become in the US, all incoming calls (including from abroad) are always free in Italy, 24/7.

So how does one obtain cellular service in Italy? There are two ways – the hard way and the easy way. The hard way involves waiting until you get to Italy, then going to a cell phone store and buying a cell phone (or just the SIM card if you have an unlocked GSM cell phone). While you get the same or similar service, this approach is a bit messy as you don’t get the number before you leave, you eat into your vacation time, you need to fill out special forms and show your passport and, unless you can read Italian, you may be a bit challenged using the phone and service.

An easier approach is to rent or purchase a phone or just the SIM card before you depart. That way, you have the phone ready to use as soon as you land and you will have the phone number before you leave as well to give out to people (hint: leave your new number on your US number’s voice mail system). Cellular Abroad (www.cellularabroad.com) has a new service that is specifically designed for travelers going to Italy who need to call back to the US. In fact, calls from Italy to North America are only 0.35 Euros per minute. Furthermore, they offer a 24/7 customer service system where it is easy and convenient to add more call credit.

My advice is to review your needs and see what works best for you. Leaving today and need a phone ASAP? Rent a phone at the airport. Absolutely need to keep your US number and don’t mind paying the high costs? Check to see if your US carrier has a solution for you. Want an affordable solution for cellular service while in Italy? Tap into an Italian carrier’s system by either buying just the SIM card (if your phone is compatible), renting a phone (if you don’t travel often) or buying a phone and SIM package (if you travel to Italy often or are staying for two or more months). If you are still confused or have questions or want to place an order, visit www.cellularabroad.com for contact or order information.

Traveling to multiple destinations

Typical Phone Rental

If you are traveling to multiple destinations, while much of the above advice is applicable, the solution for the least expensive approach for cellular service in Italy only works in Italy. In theory, one can utilize the same technique buy purchasing different SIM cards for each country but that would be confusing as each SIM works differently and has its own unique phone number. However, there is a simple and inexpensive solution for travel to more than one country. You can get an international SIM card that works in many countries. There are presently a few on the market but, the vast majority work extremely poor – if at all - and are not user-friendly. Try the National Geographic International SIM Card. The service is considered the best on the market and there is a 24/7 toll free number – from the handset - associated with it. In terms of value, the main benefit is the free incoming calls in over 60 countries. Again, if you are a frequent traveler and already have an international cell phone, all you need to do is to purchase the stand alone SIM card. If you don’t have a cell phone that works abroad, you can either rent or purchase a phone/SIM combination solution. Frequent travelers will usually purchase a phone package while infrequent travelers often prefer to rent. Again, the main benefit of this service, besides having one number anywhere you travel overseas, is the unlimited free incoming calls that you can receive in most countries. You can take advantage of that by leaving your new international number on your usual US voicemail. In theory, you can be on the phone hours per day without paying a dime.

I hope that this helps resolve some of the confusion involved with cellular service in Italy. As of September, 2007, the above information is current. Please contact info@cellularabroad.com if you have any questions about cellular service in Italy.