What is the best and least expensive way to call the U.S. from Italy. I have heard that you can buy the pre-paid calling cards in Italy that will facilitate this need. Any suggestions.

Rather than repeat a lot of information already mentioned here - - <BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=34407859<BR><BR>htt p://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=34402827<BR><BR>htt p://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=34402393<BR><BR>The re are lots of other threads on this subject - - one common word they share (for searching) is &quot;costco&quot; - - not saying that Costco cards are the best. They have simply been cited often as cards that can be purchased in the US and will work in Europe. Cards purchased IN Europe may offer a better value.<BR><BR>And I am still a big believer in the value and convenience of buying a pre-paid mobile phone (buy it there) and ask &quot;home&quot; to call you whenever you want to talk.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

I think a local phone card is the best bet. My Costco/MCI card did not work in Rome and I had called the day before I left to the card's toll-free number to verify the Italy access number! <BR>Mara<BR>ps It did not work in London either but it did work in Paris -

Willow,<BR><BR>Just go to to the nearest Tabacci shop (they are everywhere, your hotel can probably direct you to the closest one) and ask for an international phone card. Some money exchange booths also sell them. I bought one for 10 Euro which gave me something like 1 hour and 50 mins. They also had one for 5 Euro too. You scratch off the stripe on back to reveal your pin # &amp; dial the English # on back and follow the instructions. It's really easy and reasonably priced.

I would second buying international phone cards in Italy. Easy to find and easy to use. We encountered two types of cards, both simple to figure out even if you are &quot;Italian-challenged.&quot;

Before my trip to Italy last fall, I had called MCI (whom I have my long distance with). For an additional $2/month I could sign up for an international plan. My calls to my home number were 7 cents a minute and to other numbers in the US were 9-17 cents a minute. I was not sure it would turn out that way when I got my bill but it did. We called home every day and talked 20 -30 minutes a day. It was very reasonable and there is an 800 number you dial into MCI so I always had an english speaking operator or english directions. I loved it!!!!