Milan - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vodafone is very affordable and works well all across Europe. - Jun 2018
I use Tim, my husband uses vodafone. It's pretty much the same by means of cost and coverage. We ditched our home-country plan. - Sep 2016
If you work for the Consulate you will be issued one. For non-USG people or family members of USG personnel, you'll want to get a phone. Lots of options. You buy the equipment and then you buy a SIM card with a plan separate. It is not like the US with the 2 to 3 month contract where you agree to pay them exorbitant fees, you get trapped paying for years, they get to name your first-born, etc. in exchange for a free phone. Biggest providers are TIM (Italian telecom), FastWeb, Wind, and Vodaphone. TIM has best coverage and service and by far higher prices. Vodaphone has surprisingly spotty coverage - I recommend against. Wind is cheapest but support is not as strong, although coverage adequate. Fastweb is a good compromise of quality and price. - Aug 2013
Everyone has one. Both pre-pay and contracts are available. More expensive than in the US but not unreasonable. - Jun 2010
Italians sure do love 'em! - Dec 2008
A must. You can obtain them at the U.S. Military Bases if you have access. - Jan 2008