Tim Card from eBay? or purchase in Italy

[feeble8]

If I walk into a Vodafone or TIM store at the Rome airport and want to purchase a prepaid card will they sell it to me without a codice fiscale?

If I purchase a card from a vendor such as Telestial, is that card already registered and ready to use, and is this easier?

8

[Motel75]

Originally Posted by feeble8

If I walk into a Vodafone or TIM store at the Rome airport and want to purchase a prepaid card will they sell it to me without a codice fiscale?

If I purchase a card from a vendor such as Telestial, is that card already registered and ready to use, and is this easier?

8

1) Yes, as long as you have your pseudo-codice fiscale with you. I hope my last post didn't mislead you -- it doesn't matter if it's a "real" CF or not -- no one cares.

2) Who knows. No, it isn't easier. Just buy your SIM when you arrive. Use the money you save to call your friends and family to let them know your number (40-60 cents/min on most prepaid SIMs, or call from a calling card for less).

[msjfb]

I have experience with TIM: you can set all voicemail prompts and menus to English. However, in 3-4 attempts over a couple of trips, I have NOT been able to speak with an English speaking operator (dial 119). I had to make do with my very basic Italian. In large cities, you will probably find an English speaking person in a TIM shop if you need assistance.

Frank

[montelatici]

It is possible to generate a codice fiscale because it is based on code extrapolated from name and date of birth.

For things like an individual buying a pre-paid SIM, it really doesn't matter because it does not have a fiscal impact. The vendor will generate it for you and is committing no crime. It allows the vendor to fill in a required blank on the on-line application. The thing that the vendor will also do is make a copy of your passport and this with your name will be sent to the authorities. If a crime is committed and your number is involved you will be identified, just as the CIA agents that were indicted by the Italian authorities and are now under arrest warrants in the EU.

If you try to open a bank account or do something important fiscally only the plastic Codice Fiscale card with your name and other personal details will be accepted along with your identity card or passport. This plastic card confirms that you are registered with the tax authorities and allows the government to check on large money transfers or purchases that may be criminal.

As far as Italian cellular phone companies are concerned, travelling all over the world, I can assure you that they are one of the most advanced services in Europe and top-tier in the world.

Disorganization in Italy is greatly exagerated, especially by Germans.

[MATHA531]

Originally Posted by montelatici

It is possible to generate a codice fiscale because it is based on code extrapolated from name and date of birth.

For things like an individual buying a pre-paid SIM, it really doesn't matter because it does not have a fiscal impact. The vendor will generate it for you and is committing no crime. It allows the vendor to fill in a required blank on the on-line application. The thing that the vendor will also do is make a copy of your passport and this with your name will be sent to the authorities. If a crime is committed and your number is involved you will be identified, just as the CIA agents that were indicted by the Italian authorities and are now under arrest warrants in the EU.

If you try to open a bank account or do something important fiscally only the plastic Codice Fiscale card with your name and other personal details will be accepted along with your identity card or passport. This plastic card confirms that you are registered with the tax authorities and allows the government to check on large money transfers or purchases that may be criminal.

As far as Italian cellular phone companies are concerned, travelling all over the world, I can assure you that they are one of the most advanced services in Europe and top-tier in the world.

Disorganization in Italy is greatly exagerated, especially by Germans.

Have you ever tried to get a small pizza at an Autogrill bar?

[Effendi]

Originally Posted by montelatici

Disorganization in Italy is greatly exagerated, especially by Germans.

Come on, I understand some patriotic feeling, but honestly speaking disorganization in Italy is embarrassing, as well as the knowledge of any foreign language. The only good thing in Italy is that usually people are helpful and quite open-minded when we talk about understanding other's problems. Germany has its problems, but it's still another world, maximum respect.

Services of Italian mobile companies are surely at the top level, along with other countries, but most of the times dealers are not prepared to help foreign customers. It's getting better now, till a couple of years ago it was a total mess. And we also have some nonsense laws which don't help.

[Motel75]

Originally Posted by montelatici

Disorganization in Italy is greatly exagerated, especially by Germans.

Heh-heh. I'd also point out that the level of organization and efficiency in Germany tends to be grossly overestimated.

[HowieB]

The only issue when you buy in Italy: what happens if you need some help or configure some option? What if you need to configure UMTS and need their assistance?

[Effendi]

Originally Posted by HowieB

The only issue when you buy in Italy: what happens if you need some help or configure some option? What if you need to configure UMTS and need their assistance?

You learn Italian!