This is a super helpful video. I visited Rome last year and bought an Italian sim card so I could access google maps while I was sightseeing. It was essential for me. One warning: don't buy your sim card at the airport! Huge rip off. Get to your hotel or air b n b, then buy one in a neighborhood shop, they're everywhere. Glad you mentioned showing your passport, that surprised me but it's totally true!
Thank you! That makes sense and I would avoid exchanging money using the ATM and now getting a Sim card at the airport because they are set up for tourists.
Hi Eddie ! Welcome to my channel and thx for the binge watching ! Much appreciated! Which videos have you enjoyed and what would you like to see more of? Random comment : my daughter’s favorite toy is called Eddie the elephant 😄
@@DavidsDoseofItaly The life in Italy stuff is great, but we are planning a trip, but starting in the north - Milan (FORZA MILAN!) and Torino (ancestral home). So if you have any tips on that area, it would be great. I am a calcio fan from way back, just love the Italian game. Hoping to get there in the fall and see at least one game and one volleyball match (Hopefully the wife agrees).
@TaraTucker Hi Tara. I can't see your whole comment because the powers that be at YT delete some comments but I see them in my news feed. In essence I dont think you can get a regular TIM plan. I clicked on it myself as if I wanted to sign up and to be a TIM customer they want a codice fiscale which is like the US social security number. That plan also has an activation fee so your total cost is 30€. Those tourist plans are a bit more flexible as to who can get them. Do find out if they include an activation fee.
I have had the DOLCE VITA and bought it at the local tacheria, it worked flawlessly, I used it for my Mediterranean Cruise, but it did not work in Montenegro, the only place I used WIFI.
Grazie per il video! I am doing a study abroad program in Viterbo this summer and wanted to know more about using my phone while there. Although I've visited Europe once before (my trip was a short tour: London -> Paris -> Venice), I only used the wifi and nothing else. However, since I'll be in Italy for about three months I figured I should go with something more reliable!
Hi Samantha! Let me know how you like Viterbo as I've never been there unfortunately. Yeah, if you're going to be here for 3 months I recommend getting an Italian number and as I say in the video look into all of those companies and check out their option for travelers. Other companies that you can look into are Iliad and Very. I must admit this is a video I think I need to update as I made it before the pandemic.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thanks I will check those out. Yeah I imagine there are a lot of new things travelers need to be aware of since the pandemic, especially since it's not technically over yet.
We get a Tim card as soon as we land! Totally worth it. We have verizon and we simply pop out the chip and insert the Timm chip. Keep one of those handy pins in your wallet. We get several gigs of data and a few hundred minutes in case. I think we have $80ish max if we really use it a lot and need a second card for each phone. If you plan to separate, both get a card. It's far too easy to get lost in Italy lol
Why do you need a second card for each phone ? My mom has Verizon and is coming here next month so she’ll need a foreign plan. Good to know ! Thank you
Hi Dave, I am visiting Italy soon and would like your input. I have a Verizon iPhone currently. If I buy a Tim sim and insert it, would it work automatically? Are these phones unlocked? Have you used Zoom with the connection? Or hotspot?
@@jenifersebastian4834 I have not used zoom but it should work. I'd be on free wifi somewhere for zoom as you will have limited gigs of data with the Timm chip. They will activate the chip for you and I always insert my own... then once Im flying home, I take the many hours to swap my main chip back in. DO NOT lose that original chip!!! It's tiny. I heavy paperclip is all you need to pop open the spot for the chip.
I got two TIM cards (for myself and my wife) on our last visit to Italy, they worked well, but some option popped up and I mistakenly entered a reply that cost me another 5-10 Euro. Other than this I done it in France and UK with great savings and you get Google Maps GPS. Thanks for the video.
I used Alice back in the day. But i stick with my usa sprint. Wife has the unlocked phone and just uses her Romanian sim. If we had to get the Italian sim, I would choose TIM. Ciao David
Uè! As I mentioned in the video, it's all about weighing the options. I chose ATT as an example as they are one of America's major networks and cost wise I don't think it's worth it to use their abroad option. The point of the video is to present these companies and to get you thinking about which one is best for you. Having not had an American number since 2009 I am not sure what I would do if I was coming here for a week because it would depend on the length of my stay and how much data and mins I'd get over, not to mention of course the cost. However, I do use my Italian number in the USA and I've done this for the past few years without any problems.
If your phone is "unlocked" then for $35 buck this is great. I got lost in Rome, and couldt find wifi, to get maps, and thus I was lost. took a cab for $28 to room. I was less than a mile away, but traffic for cab was real. But $35 bucks for a month of phone service would be real nice. I just need to know if my crap android will work with TIM/VODO?? It is a Moto e ( a 2020 model). It is eligible for being unlocked. Its a tracfone. I will bring it with anyway.
Yeah. They’re reputable. There is a Tim store in the airport but I am not sure if you’re going to passing by there. It depends on the flight. Otherwise you can connect to Wi-Fi to communicate with the hotel or whoever.
@@jay9058 Buon viaggio! Hope all goes smoothly here in Italy! Reach out to me if you need help with anything else! My email and other social media contacts are in the description of this video.
Excellent content. Thank you! My husband, Croce, and I will be getting SIM cards when we arrive in Sicily March 14th. We will be living about 20 minutes outside Palermo. First, cell coverage. Then when we rent, need to tackle the task of getting Internet. I hope they don't take a long time to hook it up because I'll have to find an office and pay for service for my work if I have a long wait. Thanks for putting out such great info. I appreciate it.
Hi Carol! Thank you for the kind words! I have Fastweb and I don’t remember how long they took but it wasn’t an insane amount of time. My suggestion is to get a cell phone plan with a huge allotment of gig, 70-100 for example, and then use your phone as a tether modem while you wait for them to hook up your phone. Get fiber optic if you can, it’s super fast. Best of luck in Sicily!
Enjoy your videos, thank you. Question for you... We are looking at possibly getting the Tim Tourist card when we land in Naples in April, we will be there for 6 weeks and travelling around to 5 of the major cities. Will we be able to top up the sim card or will we just need to get a new one once the 30 days are up? The current price seems to be.... For you 50 GB and 200 minutes to call to Italy and abroad for €24.99 and we only plan on using the Data portion.
Nice, informative video. I have seen it reported by others that it may take at least a day after purchase for the SIM card to be activated. Have you experienced that? Thanks.
Salve David. We are back home in Fla now. Trip in Italy went well. Just a couple of minor set backs. I went to visit my relatives in pignataro. I relied on google maps that led us on the other side of mt V. Not where I wanted to be. Then, somehow didn’t pull a ticket for one stretch of the Autostrade and got slapped with a fine of 85e. You might want to let your subscribers know that even if the gate is open, look to pull the ticket for the toll Other than that, everything else went well. We are officially partnered with a winery in Abruzzo to move wine and related product from Italy to the United States. I look forward to meeting up with you on my next visit. Stay well.
Hi Louis. Glad you’re home safe. So usually Google Maps works out well for me however I always check the routes before I leave because in Italy there are always unexpected turns. That’s very strange how the gate was open because when I take the highway the gate only opens either when you pay or take a ticket. I think it’s fantastic how you were able to partner up to form this wine partnership, I think it’s wonderful too to create your own income and be your own boss. Please remind me when your trip to Italy comes near so I can mark it. on my calendar. I think our conversation will be very interesting!
Good to know. Network coverage and quality greatly depends on where you are. I had windtre and they were just ok. Fastweb is what I have now and they are decent.
Bravo. Really good info. Brava Valeria! I would probably get an Italian SIM card if I was staying there 3wks to a month. Cracked up when you referenced Gone With The Wind. 🤣😂
Dumb question but when you put the new sim card in does that mean everything (apps, settings etc) on your phone is wiped to factory reset essentially? So you have to redownload all apps?
Going to Italy in February and super nervous on not being able to find a place where they sell SIM cards, is there anywhere by the Milan Airport that I can purchase one?
Hi. February in Milan sounds very cold! I have only been to the Milan airports twice, and that was a long time ago. However, that area of Italy is usually well organized and so you should be able to find a place as soon as you land.
Yes. I mentioned cell phone plans here: The Real Cost of Living in Italy. What I Pay to Live Here. ua-cam.com/video/VviSGzDSYMY/v-deo.html I have Fastweb and I’m happy with them but their requirements are a bit stringent. I think you need to show them you work here im Italy
Hi Luis. That depends on where you are. You might be able to get one at the airport (here in Rome at least). Otherwise just go to a cell phone store in town. if you give me more info I might be able to suggest something more specific.
Check the train stations or somewhere near them for a store where you can get a SIM card. There is never a shortage of cell phone stores. I'd check the maps before you arrive and also have a look at the plans so you'll know exactly what to tell the people who work at the store.
I am not sure because I haven’t been to the Venice airport in 13 years. That airport is not incredibly big so you’re probably better off going into town to get one
Instead of a pre-paid plan I'd go with a regular Italian sim card and there are plenty of companies out there that have 100 gig a month, mine included but I have fastweb and you need an Italian bank account. I'd do a cost comparison and find out if your home cell phone carrier has an international plan before getting an Italian sim.
Hi Mary. Not that I know of unfortunately. I think in a general sense it is possible to activate a SIM online but I think it's harder if you're not Italian or in Italy. have you checked with your US carrier to see what their abroad options are?
Thanks for the quick response! You have confirmed what I suspected. Going with my carrier is an option but the price is hard to swallow. Buying at the airport has appeal and would still be less than my carrier. Looking like a good option! Thanks, again!
@@mtimler The reason why I don’t think you can get an Italian SIM from abroad was because when I was in England for my MA and needed to do some form or activity to keep my Italian SIM alive, I needed to ask a friend in Italy to do a 5€ top up. Couldn’t do it from the UK. But anyway, you’re very welcome! I am not 100% up to date on US cell phone carrier rates and their abroad packages (also, I made this video before the pandemic) however my mom was here this past summer. She has Verizon before she left she activated an abroad plan. It cost her 10$ every day she used her service over here and she probably spent 100$ in total for the 11 days that she was here. With that said I really do think that an Italian SIM is cheaper because you’re most likely not going to be making a lot of phone calls within Italy or abroad and those can get costly. More than using data. Also, you can use wifi when it is available here and if you’re here in Rome it’s not hard to find when you stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat.
Hello David. Can I place an order for the SIM card through voda fone on their web site or do I have to visit there store in Rome? And would it help with the transaction showing them my codice fiscale? I di like the idea of getting to keep the Italian cell number for 1 year.
You might be able to. They seem to offer that service and delivery happens within 3-5 business days if that’s ok with you. Also see if they require an Italian bank account to do this. Let me know how it goes! Good luck. 🍀
I have to correct you, there are 4 operators (Ilia also exists both with some shops and with autmatic sim distributors where you scan your documents such as passport and pay by credit card) and Iliad has both its ever-expanding coverage and roming agreements with wind at no additional cost and allows you to call in the usa or canada without limits both to landlines and mobile numbers. so, cpsto 9,99€ +9,99€ for mont for unlimites call in italy in usa/canada landing and mobil phone and hother 58 country in landing number always unlimited and 70 gb internet. I forgot the phone plan can be activated whether you are a tourist or an Italian it is the same it is very important when you make the sim to choose manual recharge and not by credit card so there are no automatic recharges after the first month
Hello David. Thanks for the video. My only concern would be messing up my phone when changing SIM cards. What stores do you recommend to get an Italian SIM card in Rome ? We will be staying near the Termini station. I do like the idea that they issue an Italian phone number. Would showing them my codice fiscale assist with the purchase?
I would go to any cell phone store at the termini train station. There really isn’t a preferred cell phone store to go to in Rome as in each one you get kind and rude people. It depends. As long as the numbers are saved on your phone you should be ok , or if your information is saved on iCloud for example then nothing is lost. I think just your passport will do
Lillie hi Lillie! Since you’re going to be here for three weeks I think that’s a good idea to get an Italian sim. I used to live in Salerno and so occasionally I’d go visit the Amalfi coast. I was recently there in 2018 and I don’t remember having any particular problems. I can’t guarantee coverage if you’re taking a boat or if you’re in some of the small towns, but that’s like anywhere in the developed world I think. Just out of curiosity , how are getting to the Amalfi coast and which end are you arriving at? Positano or Salerno? Let me know how you make out with the sim.
unfortunately no I’ve not heard of it. Probably because I’ve had an Italian sim for years. I’ve not heard others use it but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or isn’t good. I took a peek at the website and the cost starting at potentially three euros a day seems reasonable and online reviews appear good. I wish I had heard about this before I made this video !! But I’m not omnipotent 😆. The only possible drawback is that the battery life is limited (6-8 hours) and when you’re out all day, that might not be enough. I’m not sure what to recommend however I would try it. Why not ? But I’d need more information. If you’re taking the train to Salerno , I recommend the Italo train company. They’re often a few euros cheaper and the customer service tends to be a bit better. Book ahead online and just show the email to the conductor I dunno if you have transport already arranged, but to get to Amalfi I used to take the Sita bus company This is the stop goo.gl/maps/M7tiPYj7hWDkXYik9 It’s a twisty turny road but very picturesque. Alternatively you got the boats which go to Positano and Amalfi across from the link I just posted above. Head towards the port. It’s refreshing on a hot day !
Lillie the only bus company that I know of that does Salerno Rome is Leonetti. There might be other companies now but they’re reasonably priced. Those two are on my list of videos to make and eventually I want to vary up my videos to include more cultural videos such as moving here. The one on getting Italian citizenship I’m looking forward to doing because I myself needed help and opinions of others. In the meantime check out another Italian american youtuber Rafael Di Furia who has a lot of videos on this already. My eventual videos will be similiar but I got my own style 😎
No, you will get an Italian sim card. Certain apps however will ask you what number you want to use. Whatsapp is an example, I continued to use my Italian number to use whatsapp while I was living in England. English SIM, English number, Italian number used to use whatsapp.
Hey! Great Video. Do you know if I can just buy a SIM card in Italy when I arrive and then buy a 2 month plan? Or do I buy a SIM card and then buy data extra so to load it up with data ( so like a Prepaid Card?) ? And I also read that you need a codice fiscale to unlock and buy a card? Is it difficult to unlock and use your card?
Inge Terblanche Hi. Thanks! Yes you can buy a SIM card as soon as you get here but I highly doubt you can buy a two month plan. It’s most likely going to be a monthly one and no you don’t need a codice fiscale. Just show them your passport or something similiar.
Thanks for the info. Haha, yes, the curse of being bilingual is a real struggle, but a good one tho. Your brain is constantly looking for ways to convey the message and often finds the words in the wrong language. I can't imagine what polyglots who know more languages go thru.
it's true! at times around other Americans I want to use a word in italian and I know I can't! Polyglots? They should never live in a small town where only one language is predominantly spoken!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I came across your channel because I'm very interested in Italian culture as a whole and you have a lot of great content. I'm subscribing and binge watching what you have now. My next language goal is to become at least conversational in Italian.
@@Rualnys That is truly flattering! Thank you!! I am slowing upping the video quality so please excuse the earlier videos! Is anything in particular that I haven't covered that you'd like to see? Immerse yourself in the culture and language. learn words and grammar by context and you'll get there faster. Poi se hai bisogno di un aiuto, me lo chiedere quando vuoi!
I would personally just come here and go to hair salons and just see if they’re hiring. I got my haircut recently in a place just below my house one of the barbers originally was an Egyptian refugee. He made it work.
This was a great explanation.
This is a super helpful video. I visited Rome last year and bought an Italian sim card so I could access google maps while I was sightseeing. It was essential for me. One warning: don't buy your sim card at the airport! Huge rip off. Get to your hotel or air b n b, then buy one in a neighborhood shop, they're everywhere. Glad you mentioned showing your passport, that surprised me but it's totally true!
Thank you! That makes sense and I would avoid exchanging money using the ATM and now getting a Sim card at the airport because they are set up for tourists.
David! Great videos.
I found you today, and have watched at least six videos so far. Great stuff!
Hi Eddie ! Welcome to my channel and thx for the binge watching ! Much appreciated! Which videos have you enjoyed and what would you like to see more of?
Random comment : my daughter’s favorite toy is called Eddie the elephant 😄
@@DavidsDoseofItaly The life in Italy stuff is great, but we are planning a trip, but starting in the north - Milan (FORZA MILAN!) and Torino (ancestral home). So if you have any tips on that area, it would be great.
I am a calcio fan from way back, just love the Italian game. Hoping to get there in the fall and see at least one game and one volleyball match (Hopefully the wife agrees).
@TaraTucker Hi Tara. I can't see your whole comment because the powers that be at YT delete some comments but I see them in my news feed. In essence I dont think you can get a regular TIM plan. I clicked on it myself as if I wanted to sign up and to be a TIM customer they want a codice fiscale which is like the US social security number. That plan also has an activation fee so your total cost is 30€. Those tourist plans are a bit more flexible as to who can get them. Do find out if they include an activation fee.
Lots of good information here thatnks!
Glad to help !
I have had the DOLCE VITA and bought it at the local tacheria, it worked flawlessly, I used it for my Mediterranean Cruise, but it did not work in Montenegro, the only place I used WIFI.
Oh nice! I’m glad it worked well for you.
There’s no mention of DOLCE VITA in the Vodafone link. Is it definitely still available?
Grazie per il video! I am doing a study abroad program in Viterbo this summer and wanted to know more about using my phone while there. Although I've visited Europe once before (my trip was a short tour: London -> Paris -> Venice), I only used the wifi and nothing else. However, since I'll be in Italy for about three months I figured I should go with something more reliable!
Hi Samantha! Let me know how you like Viterbo as I've never been there unfortunately. Yeah, if you're going to be here for 3 months I recommend getting an Italian number and as I say in the video look into all of those companies and check out their option for travelers. Other companies that you can look into are Iliad and Very. I must admit this is a video I think I need to update as I made it before the pandemic.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thanks I will check those out. Yeah I imagine there are a lot of new things travelers need to be aware of since the pandemic, especially since it's not technically over yet.
Absolutely, In fact I think I need to "do inventory" on my channel and see what needs updating.
We get a Tim card as soon as we land! Totally worth it. We have verizon and we simply pop out the chip and insert the Timm chip. Keep one of those handy pins in your wallet. We get several gigs of data and a few hundred minutes in case. I think we have $80ish max if we really use it a lot and need a second card for each phone. If you plan to separate, both get a card. It's far too easy to get lost in Italy lol
Why do you need a second card for each phone ? My mom has Verizon and is coming here next month so she’ll need a foreign plan. Good to know ! Thank you
Hi Dave, I am visiting Italy soon and would like your input. I have a Verizon iPhone currently. If I buy a Tim sim and insert it, would it work automatically? Are these phones unlocked? Have you used Zoom with the connection? Or hotspot?
@@jenifersebastian4834 I have not used zoom but it should work. I'd be on free wifi somewhere for zoom as you will have limited gigs of data with the Timm chip. They will activate the chip for you and I always insert my own... then once Im flying home, I take the many hours to swap my main chip back in. DO NOT lose that original chip!!! It's tiny. I heavy paperclip is all you need to pop open the spot for the chip.
Why doesn’t the vodafone website mention the Tourist SIM card Dolce Vita?
It might not exist anymore. I’ll have to check
thank you for the video, it was helpful!
Glad to help
Dolce vita doesn’t seem to exist on Vodafone anymore. I can’t find any tourist option.
I got two TIM cards (for myself and my wife) on our last visit to Italy, they worked well, but some option popped up and I mistakenly entered a reply that cost me another 5-10 Euro. Other than this I done it in France and UK with great savings and you get Google Maps GPS. Thanks for the video.
Hi Craig. Really?? What was it exactly?
I used Alice back in the day. But i stick with my usa sprint. Wife has the unlocked phone and just uses her Romanian sim. If we had to get the Italian sim, I would choose TIM. Ciao David
Uè! As I mentioned in the video, it's all about weighing the options. I chose ATT as an example as they are one of America's major networks and cost wise I don't think it's worth it to use their abroad option. The point of the video is to present these companies and to get you thinking about which one is best for you.
Having not had an American number since 2009 I am not sure what I would do if I was coming here for a week because it would depend on the length of my stay and how much data and mins I'd get over, not to mention of course the cost.
However, I do use my Italian number in the USA and I've done this for the past few years without any problems.
David thanks for explaining about SIM cards . Coming to Italy in October 2021 wanting to stay connected everywhere I go . Love your videos .
Glad it was helpful! What company are you thinking of going with?
Vodafone dolce vita
@@michaelpettinella6992 They have good coverage. I replied to your scooter question in my reply to your 1,50€ BIT question.
If your phone is "unlocked" then for $35 buck this is great. I got lost in Rome, and couldt find wifi, to get maps, and thus I was lost. took a cab for $28 to room. I was less than a mile away, but traffic for cab was real. But $35 bucks for a month of phone service would be real nice. I just need to know if my crap android will work with TIM/VODO?? It is a Moto e ( a 2020 model). It is eligible for being unlocked. Its a tracfone. I will bring it with anyway.
I am currently paying seven euros a month and get more than what I need. In 2023 I don’t think it’s very hard to get phones unlocked.
I heard TIM was good, I fly out tomorrow. I was told it’s not a bad idea to get it at FCO before baggage claim
Yeah. They’re reputable. There is a Tim store in the airport but I am not sure if you’re going to passing by there. It depends on the flight.
Otherwise you can connect to Wi-Fi to communicate with the hotel or whoever.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thank you
@@jay9058 Buon viaggio! Hope all goes smoothly here in Italy! Reach out to me if you need help with anything else! My email and other social media contacts are in the description of this video.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thank you so much!
Excellent content. Thank you! My husband, Croce, and I will be getting SIM cards when we arrive in Sicily March 14th. We will be living about 20 minutes outside Palermo. First, cell coverage. Then when we rent, need to tackle the task of getting Internet. I hope they don't take a long time to hook it up because I'll have to find an office and pay for service for my work if I have a long wait. Thanks for putting out such great info. I appreciate it.
Hi Carol! Thank you for the kind words!
I have Fastweb and I don’t remember how long they took but it wasn’t an insane amount of time. My suggestion is to get a cell phone plan with a huge allotment of gig, 70-100 for example, and then use your phone as a tether modem while you wait for them to hook up your phone. Get fiber optic if you can, it’s super fast. Best of luck in Sicily!
Enjoy your videos, thank you.
Question for you... We are looking at possibly getting the Tim Tourist card when we land in Naples in April, we will be there for 6 weeks and travelling around to 5 of the major cities. Will we be able to top up the sim card or will we just need to get a new one once the 30 days are up?
The current price seems to be.... For you 50 GB and 200 minutes to call to Italy and abroad for €24.99 and we only plan on using the Data portion.
Hi. No you should be able top it up.
Nice, informative video. I have seen it reported by others that it may take at least a day after purchase for the SIM card to be activated. Have you experienced that? Thanks.
Hi John. Thanks ! I’m not sure, but I think that only applies when you are a changing carriers. If you’re brand new, it should be active immediately.
Salve David.
We are back home in Fla now. Trip in Italy went well. Just a couple of minor set backs. I went to visit my relatives in pignataro. I relied on google maps that led us on the other side of mt V. Not where I wanted to be. Then, somehow didn’t pull a ticket for one stretch of the Autostrade and got slapped with a fine of 85e. You might want to let your subscribers know that even if the gate is open, look to pull the ticket for the toll Other than that, everything else went well. We are officially partnered with a winery in Abruzzo to move wine and related product from Italy to the United States. I look forward to meeting up with you on my next visit. Stay well.
Hi Louis. Glad you’re home safe. So usually Google Maps works out well for me however I always check the routes before I leave because in Italy there are always unexpected turns. That’s very strange how the gate was open because when I take the highway the gate only opens either when you pay or take a ticket. I think it’s fantastic how you were able to partner up to form this wine partnership, I think it’s wonderful too to create your own income and be your own boss. Please remind me when your trip to Italy comes near so I can mark it. on my calendar. I think our conversation will be very interesting!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi David. I will let you know of my next visit. I am aiming towards an extended stay going into next year.
Great video! I’m loving this newly discovered channel 👍🏻
Welcome! I hope I can continue to make videos that you enjoy! Btw this is one video I may need to update as it's already a year old.
I will be going to Italy in September, can I find a place in Fco airport to buy sim cards
I believe so.
We did not like the other networks. Tim had nearly perfect coverage.
Good to know. Network coverage and quality greatly depends on where you are. I had windtre and they were just ok. Fastweb is what I have now and they are decent.
Bravo. Really good info. Brava Valeria! I would probably get an Italian SIM card if I was staying there 3wks to a month. Cracked up when you referenced Gone With The Wind. 🤣😂
Tina G yeah. Long term you should get an Italian number
I pls i want to come to Italy am an hairstyles hw do i go about it
Dumb question but when you put the new sim card in does that mean everything (apps, settings etc) on your phone is wiped to factory reset essentially? So you have to redownload all apps?
No I don’t think so.
Going to Italy in February and super nervous on not being able to find a place where they sell SIM cards, is there anywhere by the Milan Airport that I can purchase one?
Hi. February in Milan sounds very cold! I have only been to the Milan airports twice, and that was a long time ago. However, that area of Italy is usually well organized and so you should be able to find a place as soon as you land.
Is there a video for people who are moving to Italy permanently and need a cell phone? Or are the steps basically the same?
Yes. I mentioned cell phone plans here:
The Real Cost of Living in Italy. What I Pay to Live Here.
ua-cam.com/video/VviSGzDSYMY/v-deo.html
I have Fastweb and I’m happy with them but their requirements are a bit stringent. I think you need to show them you work here im Italy
Where exactly is the best place to buy a SIM card? Grazie.
Hi Luis. That depends on where you are. You might be able to get one at the airport (here in Rome at least). Otherwise just go to a cell phone store in town. if you give me more info I might be able to suggest something more specific.
Thanks. At this point we will either be flying in to Torino or Florence. Still not sure how our visit will be structured.
Check the train stations or somewhere near them for a store where you can get a SIM card. There is never a shortage of cell phone stores. I'd check the maps before you arrive and also have a look at the plans so you'll know exactly what to tell the people who work at the store.
Mille grazie.
Ciao David tra poco vado in’Italia se compro la SIM card Vodafone non avrò nessun problema per chiamare qui in America (usa?)
Ciao. Non lo so. Meglio se tu chieda a loro come funziona. Ho fatto questo visto alcuni anni fa quindi immagino che le cose sono cambiate.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Grazie.
Where to get sim in venice? Is it available at airport ?
I am not sure because I haven’t been to the Venice airport in 13 years. That airport is not incredibly big so you’re probably better off going into town to get one
Are there any prepaid plans with these companies that gives you 100-150gb a month?
Instead of a pre-paid plan I'd go with a regular Italian sim card and there are plenty of companies out there that have 100 gig a month, mine included but I have fastweb and you need an Italian bank account. I'd do a cost comparison and find out if your home cell phone carrier has an international plan before getting an Italian sim.
Would I lose any info on my phone by switching out the SIM card? Like my contacts?
No as long as your contacts are saved to your phone, you're good.
Thanks so much for the video! Is there a way to get a SIM card for use in Italy before I leave the US?
Hi Mary. Not that I know of unfortunately. I think in a general sense it is possible to activate a SIM online but I think it's harder if you're not Italian or in Italy. have you checked with your US carrier to see what their abroad options are?
Thanks for the quick response! You have confirmed what I suspected. Going with my carrier is an option but the price is hard to swallow. Buying at the airport has appeal and would still be less than my carrier. Looking like a good option! Thanks, again!
@@mtimler The reason why I don’t think you can get an Italian SIM from abroad was because when I was in England for my MA and needed to do some form or activity to keep my Italian SIM alive, I needed to ask a friend in Italy to do a 5€ top up. Couldn’t do it from the UK.
But anyway, you’re very welcome! I am not 100% up to date on US cell phone carrier rates and their abroad packages (also, I made this video before the pandemic) however my mom was here this past summer. She has Verizon before she left she activated an abroad plan. It cost her 10$ every day she used her service over here and she probably spent 100$ in total for the 11 days that she was here.
With that said I really do think that an Italian SIM is cheaper because you’re most likely not going to be making a lot of phone calls within Italy or abroad and those can get costly. More than using data. Also, you can use wifi when it is available here and if you’re here in Rome it’s not hard to find when you stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat.
Hello David. Can I place an order for the SIM card through voda fone on their web site or do I have to visit there store in Rome? And would it help with the transaction showing them my codice fiscale? I di like the idea of getting to keep the Italian cell number for 1 year.
You might be able to. They seem to offer that service and delivery happens within 3-5 business days if that’s ok with you. Also see if they require an Italian bank account to do this. Let me know how it goes! Good luck. 🍀
Ciao! Can you buy the SIM cards at the airport?
Greetings from Puerto Rico!
Hi from Rome. Yes you can. I am not sure if all the Italian cell phone companies are there but the biggies yes. Tim definitely.
I have to correct you, there are 4 operators (Ilia also exists both with some shops and with autmatic sim distributors where you scan your documents such as passport and pay by credit card) and Iliad has both its ever-expanding coverage and roming agreements with wind at no additional cost and allows you to call in the usa or canada without limits both to landlines and mobile numbers. so, cpsto 9,99€ +9,99€ for mont for unlimites call in italy in usa/canada landing and mobil phone and hother 58 country in landing number always unlimited and 70 gb internet. I forgot the phone plan can be activated whether you are a tourist or an Italian it is the same it is very important when you make the sim to choose manual recharge and not by credit card so there are no automatic recharges after the first month
Hello. This video is a bit old so I'll need to do an update eventually.
Hello David.
Thanks for the video. My only concern would be messing up my phone when changing SIM cards. What stores do you recommend to get an Italian SIM card in Rome ? We will be staying near the Termini station. I do like the idea that they issue an Italian phone number. Would showing them my codice fiscale assist with the purchase?
I would go to any cell phone store at the termini train station. There really isn’t a preferred cell phone store to go to in Rome as in each one you get kind and rude people. It depends.
As long as the numbers are saved on your phone you should be ok , or if your information is saved on iCloud for example then nothing is lost. I think just your passport will do
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thanks David. I appreciate you.
Question of the week. Have you ever used these companies??
Lillie hi Lillie! Since you’re going to be here for three weeks I think that’s a good idea to get an Italian sim. I used to live in Salerno and so occasionally I’d go visit the Amalfi coast. I was recently there in 2018 and I don’t remember having any particular problems. I can’t guarantee coverage if you’re taking a boat or if you’re in some of the small towns, but that’s like anywhere in the developed world I think. Just out of curiosity , how are getting to the Amalfi coast and which end are you arriving at? Positano or Salerno? Let me know how you make out with the sim.
unfortunately no I’ve not heard of it. Probably because I’ve had an Italian sim for years. I’ve not heard others use it but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or isn’t good. I took a peek at the website and the cost starting at potentially three euros a day seems reasonable and online reviews appear good. I wish I had heard about this before I made this video !! But I’m not omnipotent 😆. The only possible drawback is that the battery life is limited (6-8 hours) and when you’re out all day, that might not be enough.
I’m not sure what to recommend however I would try it. Why not ? But I’d need more information.
If you’re taking the train to Salerno , I recommend the Italo train company. They’re often a few euros cheaper and the customer service tends to be a bit better. Book ahead online and just show the email to the conductor
I dunno if you have transport already arranged, but to get to Amalfi I used to take the Sita bus company
This is the stop goo.gl/maps/M7tiPYj7hWDkXYik9
It’s a twisty turny road but very picturesque. Alternatively you got the boats which go to Positano and Amalfi across from the link I just posted above. Head towards the port. It’s refreshing on a hot day !
Lillie the only bus company that I know of that does Salerno Rome is Leonetti. There might be other companies now but they’re reasonably priced.
Those two are on my list of videos to make and eventually I want to vary up my videos to include more cultural videos such as moving here. The one on getting Italian citizenship I’m looking forward to doing because I myself needed help and opinions of others. In the meantime check out another Italian american youtuber Rafael Di Furia who has a lot of videos on this already. My eventual videos will be similiar but I got my own style 😎
Lillie I always make sure there’s language learning in each video !
Do you keep your original phone number when you change the sim card from the US or do you get a new #?
No, you will get an Italian sim card. Certain apps however will ask you what number you want to use. Whatsapp is an example, I continued to use my Italian number to use whatsapp while I was living in England. English SIM, English number, Italian number used to use whatsapp.
Hey! Great Video. Do you know if I can just buy a SIM card in Italy when I arrive and then buy a 2 month plan? Or do I buy a SIM card and then buy data extra so to load it up with data ( so like a Prepaid Card?) ? And I also read that you need a codice fiscale to unlock and buy a card? Is it difficult to unlock and use your card?
Inge Terblanche Hi. Thanks! Yes you can buy a SIM card as soon as you get here but I highly doubt you can buy a two month plan. It’s most likely going to be a monthly one and no you don’t need a codice fiscale. Just show them your passport or something similiar.
Do I sign up before I leave or when I arrive to Italy?
I’m not sure. It depends on the company but most likely you’ll have to get one when you arrive
ciao david! sai se la sim TIM turisti prende bene a salerno/colliano?
Ciao. Dovrebbe prendere bene li visto che TIM è un network nazionale e una delle più grandi
@@DavidsDoseofItaly okay grazie mille un saluto
Hi
Thanks for the info. Haha, yes, the curse of being bilingual is a real struggle, but a good one tho. Your brain is constantly looking for ways to convey the message and often finds the words in the wrong language. I can't imagine what polyglots who know more languages go thru.
it's true! at times around other Americans I want to use a word in italian and I know I can't! Polyglots? They should never live in a small town where only one language is predominantly spoken!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I came across your channel because I'm very interested in Italian culture as a whole and you have a lot of great content. I'm subscribing and binge watching what you have now. My next language goal is to become at least conversational in Italian.
@@Rualnys That is truly flattering! Thank you!! I am slowing upping the video quality so please excuse the earlier videos! Is anything in particular that I haven't covered that you'd like to see? Immerse yourself in the culture and language. learn words and grammar by context and you'll get there faster. Poi se hai bisogno di un aiuto, me lo chiedere quando vuoi!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Grazie. Sei molto gentile. Ho un amico che abita vicino a Faenza. Noi parliamo stesso in chat e questo me aiuta molto.
@@Rualnys grazie ! assolutamente si. Prima di trasferirmi in Italia chattavo spesso con gli italiani. Aiutava molto.
You need a tax ID number that you don't have.
For what purpose ? Do you mean the codice fiscale ? I have one.
TIM is the worst rip-off!
I just switched to them. No real problems
I pls i want to come to Italy am an hairstyles hw do i go about it
I would personally just come here and go to hair salons and just see if they’re hiring. I got my haircut recently in a place just below my house one of the barbers originally was an Egyptian refugee. He made it work.