Telephone

Mobile Phones

Italy uses GSM 900/1800 (not compatible with North American GSM 1900). You can rent a cell phone that is delivered to you in advance of your trip. However, calls are expensive. We recommend this option if you plan to use the phone only for emergencies.
For most guests, we recommend purchasing a cell phone on location. Phone stores are located at airports, and in most cities. European cell phones do not require a service contract; you purchase prepaid phone cards as needed. TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) and Vodafone are the major phone companies. They offer prepaid accounts for GSM phones. Prepaid cards can be purchased at newsstands, tobacconists, mobile phone stores. You are not charged for incoming calls, and calls made within Italy are considered local.
If your U.S. phone is unlocked, you may be able to use it with an Italian phone card. Check with your provider to see if this is an option for you.
Mobile phone numbers start with a three-digit prefix, such as 338, 335 and others.

Telecom Italia Mobile web site: www.tim.it/eng/
Vodafone web site: www.vodafone.com/

Phone Cards

Public phones accept phone cards sold at post offices, newsstands, tobacconists and internet cafes.

Phone Codes

In Italy the area code (i.e. 02 for Milan, 06 for Rome) is part of the phone number and must always be dialed. To call from abroad, dial the country code 39 + the telephone number (including the O). The O must be dropped when calling mobile phones. To call the U.S. from Italy dial 001, the area code and telephone number.