[nscribner]

I have read through many of the threads here but am still in the dark about some basic issues for an American (me) arriving for the first time at FCO with an unlocked, basic GSM mobile that I have used previously in Portugal, Germany, Austria and Czech republic with various SIMs. Seems much more complicated in Italy.
1. Codice Fiscale - Effendi's link to a blog of instructions is a dead link. Further, many folks report it was not needed, presumably the retail store arranged one if necessary. Therefore, I suppose I go to the next store on the block if the first one refuses ?
2. Help in English. This has generally been my largest problem in the past -- where or how to get instructions in English, especially if the phone menu will be in Italian. I might get very lucky with a phone store clerk, but most will not take the time, or speak English well enough. WHICH of the biggest companies is my best bet -- Vodaphone, TIM, WIND ?
3. Recharging if I do not speak Italian (or have an Italian credit card) -- Best method ?
Thanks for assitance, Neal