I understand how to use a US-based iPhone while traveling in Europe to call back to the US -- if international assist is turned on, you just use the phone as you would at home (or alternatively put in 001 first).

My first question is this -- if I am traveling in Italy and want to call a local phone number, do I just call:

39-123-4567

or do I do something different?

Second question -- if I am traveling in Italy and want to call a phone number in Switzerland, do I have to put the exit code (00) in first or will the international assist add it for me?

If you're using the phone anywhere outside of the US, to call home, locally or to Switzerland, the call will be an international call and you'll pay the roaming fees.

It's best to have a local SIM, or use something like Skype to make the call.

Thanks. I understand about the cost of the calls, I'm trying to figure out HOW to do it.

International assist adds the US prefix for you, so when dialing back to the US you just use the phone as you would normally. For other countries (even the one you're in), you make the call as you would if you were still in the US.

Great! Thanks, flyfish!