Update on buying SIM Card at FCO

Old Sep 28th, 2016, 06:28 AM
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Update on buying SIM Card at FCO

I will be traveling from California to Italy next week, arriving at Terminal 3 at FCO. From there I will pick up a rental car and drive directly to a small village in Tuscany near the coast. Since I won't be going into Rome or passing through any larger towns on my way, I hope to be able to purchase a SIM card for my unlocked GSM iPhone 6 at the airport. I've done some travel forum searching and see many posts stating that there is nowhere to purchase a SIM card after arrival at Terminal 3 without going to a different terminal and, perhaps, having to go through security (which requires a ticket). Most of those posts are several years old, however. The current FCO shopping map shows a TIM store in the Terminal 3 arrival area. Can anyone who has been there recently confirm that there is, in fact, a TIM store that can be accessed after arrival at Terminal 3 where SIM cards can be purchased?
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 06:51 AM
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While also several years old information, I found the problem was not that there was no store but, when I asked, they said they were sold out of sim cards. Given that, whatever the reason, sim cards seem to not be reliably available at FCO and, if you must have one, I'd urge you to buy one online before you leave home. Or alternatively locate a store that's on your driving route, just in case.
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 07:06 AM
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The reason why you don't see recent postings is that many those who come here to post question about buying one don't bother coming back to report the current situation. We only have reports, like mine, who has done it several years ago and since then have switched to other ways of getting a SIM card that works in Italy.
I have also had this "out of stock" situations despite everything-always-works-for-me-what-is-your-problem postings.
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 07:08 AM
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Store locators for various brands:

Vodafone store locator - https://trova.vodafone.it/negozio
Wind store locator - http://www.wind.it/n...leSpots.action#
TIM store locator - http://www.tim.it/tr...io?nt=on&nat=on
Tre (3) store locator - http://www.tre.it/as...ntri-assistenza
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 07:15 AM
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This recent thread on the topic indicates that the traveler was successful in getting a SIM card at the TIM kiosk in Terminal 3.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...terminal-3.cfm
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 07:46 AM
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Since reports are mixed, a backup plan is always a good idea (and costs you nothing).
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 12:33 PM
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Indyhiker: Thanks for pointing out the recent thread. Not sure how I missed it. Very helpful.
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 02:57 PM
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There have also been several recent reports on TripAdvisor about success in buying SIM cards at Terminal 3, near the baggage carousels.

Just stay away from the places selling "international sim cards".
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 03:01 PM
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>>>>> Just stay away from the places selling "international sim cards".>>>>>>

Why are these bad?
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 03:46 PM
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There is a booth called Exxatta Communications (sp?) right beside the luggage carousel. AVOID THEM - look at the reviews on Trip Advisor - no one gets the very expensive service they have paid for.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowT...ome_Lazio.html
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 03:56 PM
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You're welcome! Be sure to report back! I've otherwise gotten my SIM cards at the Termini TIM store. It's been only slightly contained chaos. I'd welcome another option.
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 06:52 PM
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Does anyone know if the TIM in T3 or in the Termini is open on a Sunday?

Thanks.
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