Italy Service
The Italy SIM card, combined with an international mobile phone, is the most simple and economical solution for making and receiving phone calls while in Italy. ALL incoming calls, regardless of their origin, are FREE! Outgoing rates, as outlined below, are extremely inexpensive as well. Since this SIM card is prepaid, there are no monthly fees and no need for a contract.
Having an international mobile phone while traveling overseas is indispensable in terms of security and convenience, and with a prepaid SIM card, it is also affordable!
Benefits:
- 5 EUR (US $7) starter credit
- A local mobile phone number in Italy
- FREE incoming calls
- Text messaging
- No yearly contract, monthly charges or credit check
Rates
Domestic Calls
Domestic rates are per minute for outgoing calls.
All incoming calls, regardless of where they originate, are free with your Italy SIM card.
Calling to |
Per minute rate |
TIM mobile phone |
EUR 0.10 ($0.14 USD) |
Landlines |
EUR 0.28 ($0.35 USD) |
Other mobile phones |
EUR 0.28 ($0.35 USD) |
Helpful Phone Numbers
Emergency Medical Assistance Service: 118
Fire Department: 115
Guardia di Finanza (Tax Police): 117
Police: 113
Emergency (Carabinieri): 112
Breakdown Service: 803116
International calls
All incoming calls, regardless of where they originate, are free with your Italy SIM card.
Calling to |
Per minute rate |
United States |
0.50 EUR ($0.60 USD) |
Canada |
0.50 EUR ($0.60 USD) |
Europe |
0.50 EUR ($0.60 USD) |
Coverage
Activating your service
Your Italy SIM card will provide you with an Italy mobile phone number that is printed on the reverse of the SIM card packaging under a bar code and will begin N. tel 3.
To activate your service,
- Travel to Italy.
- Be sure that the battery is adequately charged.
- Insert the SIM card into your GSM phone*.
- Turn the phone on.
- Begin calling. (Once you make your first phone call your SIM card will also be activated to receive calls).
* You will need to snap out the thumbnail sized SIM card along the perforated edge of its holder and then insert the SIM card into your international mobile phone with the gold contacts of the SIM card facing the metal contacts of your mobile phone.
^ Your phone will prompt you for a 4-digit PIN code, which is located on the tri-fold envelope affixed to the SIM card. The PUK is only required to unblock your phone if you enter in a PIN code incorrectly. Follow your cell phone manual instructions to correctly use the PUK to unblock your phone.
Making and receiving calls
How to make a call
To make an international call from your Italy mobile phone dial 00 then the country code and phone number.
For example, to call the United States, dial 00 then 1 and then the phone number.
How family and friends call you
Family and friends need to dial the international prefix then the country code and your mobile phone number.
For example, when calling from the United States, callers need to dial 011 39 and then your mobile phone number.
Recharging your account
To add credit to your Italy SIM card, you will need to purchase RICARICard airtime vouchers. You will find these vouchers at most convenient stores, tabac shops and petrol stations in Italy. They are available in 3 denominations: 3 EUR ($3.87 USD), 25 EUR ($32 USD) and 50 EUR ($64 USD).
RICARICard airtime vouchers are available at face value, so a 3 EUR voucher will cost you 3 EUR and subsequently will credit your Italy SIM card with 3 EUR.
To recharge your account:
- Purchase a recharge voucher.
- Scratch off the silver covering to reveal the 16 digit code.
- Call 4916 from your Italy cell phone (this call is free of charge!).
- Select option 2 for the recharge option.
- Select option 1 for the RICARICard recharge option.
- Enter the 16 digit code.
- The number will be repeated back to you.
- Press 8 to confirm.
If the service is not available, you can key in: *123* RicariCard Code # [SEND]
For more information, dial 119 in Italy from your mobile phone.
Do not purchase another Italy SIM card when your credit is depleted. You only need a recharge voucher!
Contacting Customer Service
Customer service for your Italy SIM card is available 24/7 by dialing 1860 from your mobile phone. Select option 2 for English.
Service life
Each recharge extends the validity of the SIM card for 12 months from the date of the recharge, plus one month in which you may only receive calls.
If you do not recharge your SIM card within that period, the SIM card and phone number will be recycled and any remaining credit will be forfeit. To get connected again you will be required to purchase another SIM card.
Handset compatibility
This SIM card requires an unlocked international GSM mobile phone. If you do not have your own suitable handset, we have several models available for your review and consideration. Please click here for more information.
If you have difficulty using the service in your handset, please contact Customer service