TIM Card in Italy
 

It was suggested that I post this here, originally posted on Howard Forums:
My son will be going abroad in a few weeks, for a study abroad program and I would like to get him an Italian SIM card before he leaves, so he can make local calls and call other kids in the program.
http://www.telestial.com/view_produc...T_ID=LSIM-IT01
I have looked at this one, but have a few questions. One is there a better place to get a TIM Sim card, or any other Italian provider (he will only be in Italy, and would like to have it in the phone before he leaves, I don't want him to buy one when he gets there). Second, if I purchase this card, is there a way to up the balance here in the states, before he leaves.

Thanks for the help.

I doubt you will find a better source for a foreign SIM card than Telestial but I'm certain you can find cheaper sources. If he just waits until he arrves in Rome it will be much cheaper. Last time I was there they had a TIM kiosk at the airport (FCO).

If you must buy it before he leaves you can check out www.cellularabroad.com or www.SIMphoneE.com but I think they all charge about the same price.

Buying a prepaid card in Italy is rather easy, I'll tell your son to get on by himself, he'll surely find much help with Italians, there's really no problem.

We hear this all the time.....the transaction to buy a local sim card takes about 10 minutes......in most cases, the clerk at the mobile phone store will help you with such things which might or might not be important as to setting up voice mail, setting, if possible, the voice menus to Englishj (I had a hell of a time with my TIM card figuring this out)....as to not knowing his number well there's e mail, sms messages, one quick call to let people know his number, forwarding services such as voicestick or kall8 where the destination number can easily be set on the web....

Telestial triples or quadruples the prices then adds on shipping costs. There are people who value "convenience" but it sure is a big price to pay IMHO.

Have a look here:

http://stores.ebay.com/SAMAT-SAS-di-...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I have dealt with this gentleman (bought a recharge for my existing TIM SIM), and all went well. He offers to sell you SIM cards at a reasonable price.

Read the information carefully, as you will have to supply him with the required information to obtain a 'codice fiscale', plus a scan of your passport to register the SIM.

Thanks for the help, per all of your suggestions I am just going to have him buy a TIM sim once he gets to the airport.

Thanks again