Italy phone and data plans
 

Sorry for bringing this up but, things change so quickly in this realm. Leaving US for 2 weeks in Italy in July. 3 generations of mobile device users. Will use wifi systems as much as possible for calls and texts back to and from US.

Recommendations for best (ie least expensive/best service) for calls/texts if wifi not available? My phone at least is Galaxy 3 Unlocked.

Thank you in advanced for any suggestions.

What is your usage? Also, who is your carrier? If you have T-Mobile Simple Choice plan, you can data roam and text free in Italy using the T-Mobile U.S. SIM with 0.20/min voice.

ATT is carrier. My experience is even when sign up for their International plan it gets pretty pricy.

Usage is moderate but would like to text a decent amount.

Thank you for thoughts/help

If the phone is unlocked go to the TIM store. We were just there at the beginning of May and I got the tourist offer (it is still on the website) => 200 minutes for Italy and abroad calls and 2gb of internet (this did include texting too). I think I paid €30 with taxes. We were in Italy for 12 days and I had no problems. Not sure what AT&T charge for roaming but I know that Verizon isn't cheap and this was easy.

How many SIM cards are you talking about? There may be a scaling issue with time. I have had one issued in 5 min/card as well as 20 min/card after waiting in line at a TIM store. It depends on how familiar the sales person with packages suitable for short term tourists as well as whether you hit the store during a busy time.

I like the TIM store on the secure side (and only in the secure side) of the FCO for Skyteam flights, but it looks like you are in a hurry to change your flight there. The FCO TIM staffs are very familiar with packages suitable for short term visitors.

Thank you. We will be flying in and out of MXP/Milan. TIMS stores there?