To Cell or not to Cell Revisited

As far as cell phones companies go, things are just not the same in Italy as they are here in the states.  This is what I learned when I tried to get a phone in Rome for my 17 day stay in Italy.  In November a friend from Italy visited New York and got a phone for a month that cost him $30.   That included unlimited texting and calls within the US, and I thought I would do the same when I got to Rome.  Well, that was not the case.  I tried several places, most of which didn’t offer monthly plans.   I finally found one store that offered me a phone for 90 Euros but I was going to have to pay for all my calls after 15 minutes and it wasn’t cheap by the minute. 

A friend of mine who travels a lot recommended Travel Cell (a company that rents international cell phones).  I decided that I would find a cheaper way when I got there.   It is not easier or cheaper.  It is close to impossible and I wish I had gotten travel cell.  It is worth the high minute charges if you think you want a phone for local calls if for no other reason than the convenience of having a cell phone.    My friend who used Travel Cell said that they mail you the phone a few days before you leave, the service was great and the company is reliable.  If I decide to get a phone the next time I go to Europe I am not going to try to get a phone there.  I have learned that sometimes going with a sure thing is the best way to go.

To Cell or not to Cell?

Last year when I went to Italy, I decided that I absolutely didn’t want to be attached to a phone.  I wanted to get away from it all and so I did.  And it was a great decision!  However I didn’t stop to think about needing a phone to contact people while I was there.  I was meeting up with people and they said what is your phone number and I didn't have one, and finding a payphone that works is now, universally impossible.  I had a friend who visited me this fall from Europe and he bought a monthly cell phone when he got here for $30 a month with unlimited texting and U.S calls.  I thought that is a great idea!

This year I have decided to buy a phone when I get there for any local calls to friends or restaurants or anything else I need a phone for.  You can decide to rent through companies like Travel Cell, but they tend to have pricey per minute charges.  Apparently they sell phones at most Tobacco Stores or magazine stands in Europe as well as the airport.  Buy a calling card for any international calls you might need to make while there.  If you are in need of making or getting a lot of international calls then your own cell is probably the best bet.  But be aware that AT&T & T-Mobile are the only 2 companies that are truly compatible with European Phone Technology & calls from your US cell phone can cost you a bundle even with your International package.  I will report back about my experience buying the Italian cell phone after my trip to Italy in September.