Flame123

For an upcoming trip I would like to get information about where would be the best and most reliable place to purchase either an Italian SIM card to use in my smartphone or whether it is a better idea to purchase a complete new inexpensive phone there? I appreciate getting your replies about the pros and cons of each option as well. Thanks in advance for your help!!

Andrew

I bought a SIM card in Parma at a TIM store (like a T-Mobile or Verizon store in the US) for my unlocked GSM phone, and it worked fine - but that was in 2009. Some countries are much more strict than others about how they allow the sales of these prepaid SIM cards to foreigners. In Italy, I think I had to let the TIM store copy my passport. In other countries, you can buy these SIM cards at convenience stores like you are buying candy.

You need to make sure your phone will work in Europe - if you are from North America, the GSM phones here use different frequencies than in Europe. Most newer smartphones seem to be "quad band" / world phones that will work anywhere but if you aren't sure, it doesn't hurt to make sure. The phone must also be unlocked by your carrier.

If by chance you are an AT&T customer now, if you switch to T-Mobile (or if you are already a T-Mobile customer), T-Mobile's Simple Choice plan includes international roaming that is very cheap in many European countries, with free unlimited texting and data.

DebitNM

"If by chance you are an AT&T customer now, if you switch to T-Mobile"

Verizon customers can also switch.

DebitNM

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...a-budapest.cfm

kybourbon

I've used TIM several times as I found their prices to be better than Wind or Vodaphone. There's a TIM store in Termini (upper level).

Andrew

Sure, and Sprint customers can switch too - but an AT&T or T-Mobile customer is more likely to have a GSM phone that will work in Europe.

DebitNM

One of the things with T Mobile's current switch and they pay ETF is that you have to get new TMobile phones and trade in your old phones.

nochblad

Flame123

are you American?

the best choice depends upon -

- where you are from
- do you want to make a lot of voice calls
- how expert are you with data services which could include Whatsapp, Skype etc

can you elaborate?

Andrew

My next Europe trip will likely include countries that are not part of T-Mobile's international roaming plan. I plan to buy a local SIM card (probably in Croatia) for local calls but use Skype to call home. I already have a US Skype phone number, so people can call me for free and I can talk for free when on WiFi. Skype phone numbers cost $18/3 months or $60/year - for in-calling only. (Making calls out is a separate plan or you can buy Skype credit and pay per minute, generally a few cents a minute and you can make a one minute call and tell the person to call you back for free.)