I read somewhere that you cannot call 800 numbers from Italy. Is this true even if I'm using my own tri-band phone w/international SIM card or does it only apply to land lines?

You cannot call US 1-800/888 numbers from most countries in europe. In some countries however you can call them, but they are not toll free.

Likewise - if indeed it is possible for you to use your cellphone to call the number, you will be charged a roaming fee for it.

Certain companies like AT&T and Sprint do have toll free numbers in Europe. Most European toll free numbers begin with "0-800"

Calling 800 toll free number using a mobile phone is not free at all because this will consume airtime.

If you need to call a US toll-free 800 number from Italy, try getting a geographical number (e.g. 212- number for NYC), in case your 800 number cannot be called from Italy, as mentioned.
Generally, toll-free numbers in US either cannot be dialled from abroad or if it can be called, you will pay the normal landline or cellphone charge for calling US. There are some 'international' toll-free numbers in US which can be called from certain countries without charge - for Europe they usually start 0800 or 00800, and they should be indicated as such.

nope, not from a mobile phone. But you can dial USA 800 numbers from Italy using Skype if you have an account

Just to add that even if you are dialling an international toll-free number from a cellphone, there may still a charge, but this depends on your provider and the provider you roam on. It should always be free from landline, including payphones.

yeah! Skype is an option. And it's free to call an 800 number from anywhere.

Also, the term "triband" is ambiguous. Which three bands do you have? I had a 850/900/1800/1900 mHz phone and a 850/1800/1900 mHz ("one" type of triband) phone. The quad band phone worked well everywhere while the "triband" phone which could only use the 1800mHz band in Italy was useless in Cinque Terre and Lake Como with a TIM SIM card. It worked well in big cities: Milan, Genova, etc.

Some companies have engineered their 800 numbers to work from international locations and others have not. You don't know if the number will work until you try, but it will not be free.

I have used this method in France but do not know if it works in Italy as well. You might try it:

for a number beginning 800 dial 001880
for a number beginning 877 dial 001882
for a number beginning 888 dial 001881

You still pay but at least you can connect...........maybe.

Larry J

Thanks Larry for the information.