Call me! 

If you like to plan ahead, figuring out your phone plan is something you can begin before your move. 

If you’re already in the process of paying off your phone, you should pay the remainder in full before leaving the country. Doing this unlocks your phone and allows you to use other providers! But if you plan to spend less time in Italy than your other residence, consider asking about your provider’s international plan instead. 

Phone plans are pretty affordable in Italy compared to countries like the U.S. and Canada. If your phone is unlocked, you can use two sim cards; one in Italy and the other in your second country of residence. Many companies sell affordable, unlimited month-to-month plans for people in the country temporarily. Companies like AT&T, in the U.S., even allow you to keep the number for $5 a month until you’re ready to continue the service the next time you’re back from Italy. 

Aside from prices and coverage, an important factor when choosing a phone company is the store locations. It’s much easier going in person for help than calling or trying online, especially since the apps are typically in Italian, like ho. which offers close-to unlimited plans for as low as €8 a month. It’s common to find Vodafone, Tim, wind, and Tre in larger cities, which is good since they’re some of the best rated. 

If you want to make international calls without paying a lot for a monthly international plan, a calling card is always an option. But even simpler, Skype offers plans for as low as $3 a month depending on the countries you’ll be calling. You can download the app on your phone or computer and set up a reusable number. 

Another app you’ll hear about is WhatsApp. It’s used for calls and texts, using only data, that’s extremely popular in Italy. This is probably because data tends to be cheaper than service here, and wifi can be used for the app if you run out of service or are in a weak area. 

So, you’ve put your original sim card in a safe place, and you’ve sent your friends and family your new number. Now it’s time to make some calls. 

“Pronto” is the most common response you’ll hear from Italian speakers when they answer the phone. It simply means, “ready” like they’re ready to speak. The tradition goes back to when phones were connected manually by operators. “Pronto” was an easy way the caller would say they were on the line, wanting to be connected. 

If you’re calling someone you’re familiar with, they might answer with “dimmi”. This means “tell me”. Even if you don’t speak Italian, you’ll quickly pick up these words and phrases since they’re used so frequently. 

Besides unlocking your phone, the best way to get started is finding a phone store in your new city that carries multiple providers. There you can ask which has the best coverage in your area and what deals are currently being offered. And, on your way, take a look around to see which providers have stores, for help in the future, near you. 

With such affordable and easy-to-set-up plans, you’ll be exchanging numbers with neighbors and friends in no time.