Gina_M

Do all Italian Sim card companies take 72 hrs to activate/register like TIM does? I would like to get my SIM once I am in Italy because it is cheaper, but don't want to have to wait 72 hrs to use my cell phone. Are there other reputable companies fodorites have had experience with that do not have the long wait time?

If I get the SIM before my trip, can you register the TIM now so it will be active upon arrival in Italy?

Thanks,
Gina

Henry

Gina M,
You can buy a TIM SIM and make a call in the store. I have.

Henry

SusanP

Henry is right, there is no 72-hour waiting period. When you buy the TIM card, have your passport so they can register you, and you can use it immediately. If you buy it ahead of time, you can fax your passport to register it before you leave, but it doesn't always work. I know this from experience!

J62

I got a TIM SIM card before my last trip to Italy and didn't have to register. I popped it into my phone at home and it worked right away here in the US. Same upon arrival in Italy.

It cost a little bit more to buy before the trip, but it was good to have the phone # in hand to give out before we left home.

SusanP

J62, I'm curious, when did you do that? I got mine this past February and couldn't use it until it was registered.

J62

I got mine June 2007, so perhaps the rules have changed.

kybourbon

I saw this on a website selling Tim SIM's.

PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT able to register your Italy (TIM) SIM card
between the 9th - 16th of August.

TIM registration offices are closed annually during this period. You can still purchase your Italy (TIM) SIM card, but will have to wait with registration until the 17th of August. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Gina_M

Thanks for the input. If you can use it immediately upon purchase, I will wait until I get to Italy to buy a SIM.

I read the information about the 72 hr wait from a post on this website. Must have been incorrect info. Thanks for clearing this matter up for me.

Gina