Using Your iPhone in Italy

If you’re moving to Italy and are worried that your smart-phone wont be able to make the trip – have no fear, Italy has all the mobile phones and smart phones that one can find in the U.S.
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the quality of cellular service, as it isn’t that fast, and you get a lot less for the money. Also, if you’re in a semi-rural area like I do it can be spotty.  “Can you hear me now?” Is no longer funny.

Don’t fear, using your iPhone in Italy is not impossible.

I will say that if you already own an iPhone make sure it’s unlocked before you move. If for some reason you find yourself in Italy with a locked phone you can still contact your carrier and see about getting it unlocked, it’s just more difficult. There are of course “people” who know how to do these things and you can use your best judgement on choosing a “person” to unlock your phone.

There are two major cell phone carriers here. Vodafone and Tim. I have an unlocked iPhone 4 and use Vodafone’s prepaid service. I try to stay off the internet while I’m out as much as possible – unlike my near constant “checking” of stuff with my phone when I had glorious AT&T.

You can check out the plans they have once you get here, but right now Vodafone got me the best “bang” for my buck. However, had I been under twenty-five Tim would’ve been the way I went as they have a plan for “young” people that is pretty good.

I would avoid a contract if you can. I’ve heard horror stories about getting billed for all sorts of things – and what not from multiple people who had to learn the hard way and I decided to trust their advice on that subject. You of course can decide what is best for you.

If you think you’ll just sign up for a plan and get the “free” iPhone, just know that there will be fees and charges, and other things – and purchasing an iPhone outright will be in Euros and therefor WAY more expensive.

If you’re traveling to Italy and are wondering if your iPhone will work, I’m sure your carrier at home has an International plan you can use, that will probably be pretty pricey, but an alternative is to simply switch out your sim card for a pre-paid one while you’re here. That whole unlocked-phone thing will still apply of course.

There are places that have Wi-Fi but internet here is no where near as fast as the states and it seems to be even slower on your mobile device at times (this I say from experience.)  Keep in mind, that with aps like Skype and Magicjack calling back home to the states is as easy as dialing a number. I use these free aps to connect with my friends and family back in the States and even to conduct business when I need to call the U.S. However, I found that I get the best call quality when I am literally right next to my router, and even then my phone calls aren’t always perfect, so please keep that in mind.

Like everything when you move to Italy, you simply need only to keep an open mind, and a gentle attitude. Things here are not like they are in the States. Once you get passed that you’re experience will be lovely.

love & iPhones,

nicole

P.S. I’m like 999999999999999.9 % positive this information would also apply to any other smart phone. But a little bit of pre-move investigative work wouldn’t hurt.

Nicole Olea

Nicole Olea’s love language is communication. She does this best using her keyboard as a freelance copywriter and editor. Creative and resilient with high-level experience in social media management, content creation, and eCommerce marketing, Nicole Olea was a professional volunteer, sharing her skills with various non-profit organizations who paid her in hugs. For the last 20 years, she’s lived a quasi-nomadic life, moving across the country and the Atlantic with her active-duty husband and their three kids. She’s awkwardly stumbling toward her goal of becoming a saint. She’s got God-sized dreams and wants you to have them too!