*PLUS the price of (1) initial call credit voucher ($26.00 for €10). This credit is necessary for your service to work - it will be in your cart when you check out. This gives you 28 international or 112 local minutes! (estimated time - excludes multiple €0.16 flagfall costs) See per minute rates below!
Information and Talk Rates Chart
Key Features
Local phone number for Italy
Free incoming calls
Free Voicemail Calls
Text Messaging
Italian toll-free calls (800-803)
Initial Credit
€10.00
112 min. Domestic
28 min. to U.S. & Canada
Local calls within Italy
Incoming Free
€0.09/min outgoing
€0.16 setup fee per outgoing call
International Calls
Incoming Free
€0.35/min to U.S. & Canada outgoing
€0.55/min other European outgoing
Text / SMS Rates
Incoming Free /
€0.09 ea. to an Italian #
€0.50 ea. to an International #
You also get:
Italy cell phone number with service through UnoMobile
Easily-added additional talk time by pre-purchasing recharges before or during your trip from Cellular Abroad or locally at many points of sale in Italy, including gas stations, newspaper stands or cafes.
7 days/week toll-free (from a landine) English customer support.
7 days/week recharge service (add talk time any time you need!)
Great rates and service!
Initial € 10 recharge gives about 28 minutes of calls to the US, Canada or about 112 minutes within Italy
Unlimited FREE incoming calls and SMS messages
Calls in Italy as low as €0.09 per minute (€0.16 setup fee per call)
Calls back to the US and Canada only €0.35 per minute.
Voicemail - Free unlimited calls to check your messages
Unlike other telecom providers, your Uno Mobile SIM card has been pre registered and is active and ready to go. We do not require a scan of your passport.
How do Cellular Abroad rates for Italy compare to your current carrier?
Cellular Abroad
AT&T*
Verizon*
Sprint*
T-Mobile*
Incoming
Free
$1.29
$1.29
$1.29
$0.99
Outgoing local
$0.22
$1.29
$1.29
$1.29
$0.99
Calls to N. America
$0.44
$1.29
$1.29
$1.29
$0.99
*Cellular Abroad's rates are all inclusive. Other network pricing excludes tax, approximately 20% of value.
Please visit our Italy Pre-Paid SIM Card page for further information including exact rates.
Our Rental Services
Your phone will also be equipped with a working SIM card for Italy. The card is linked to a prepaid account so that you will never receive a phone bill and will always be in complete control of your expenditures. If you have depleted your credit you can still receive incoming calls from anywhere in the world since they are free. Note: There is no initial talk time credit with the rental fee. At least one voucher must be ordered together with your cell phone rental.
Included in your Standard Italy Phone Rental:
Your Standard Italy Phone Rental includes a Motorola V180 quad-band GSM phoneand an Italy Rental SIM Card with initial credit. This phone is a compact, easy-to-use, flip-style phone with a color display.
What you get:
A Motorola V180 (or comparable model) rental handset, with a battery, fully charged and ready to go
A pre-paid Italy rental SIM with a local phone number
Recharge credit available direct via SMS from Cellular Abroad
If you receive your cellular rental missing any of the listed items, please contact us immediately.
Included in your Deluxe Italy Phone Rental:
Your Deluxe Italy Phone Rental includes a BLU™ Speed quad-band GSM phone and an Italy Rental SIM Card with initial credit. This is a WiFi enabled phone with full QWERTY keyboard.
What you get:
A BLU Speed rental handset, with a battery, fully charged and ready to go
A pre-paid Italy rental SIM with a local phone number
Recharge credit available direct via SMS from Cellular Abroad
If you receive your cellular rental missing any of the listed items, please contact us immediately.
Cellular Abroad Cell Phone Rental Service for Italy
The service is on the Vodafone network, which has the most extensive coverage in Italy. The Italian Uno Mobile service we provide is prepaid, which means you do not have to sign any contracts nor will you receive any unexpected bill. When and if you need more talk time, simply buy it locally or through Cellular Abroad via our 7 days/week, USA based, toll free hotline. Lastly, while outgoing rates are inexpensive, incoming rates are even less – in fact, they are always from anywhere in the world!
IMPORTANT! If your trip to Italy is for over 2 weeks, we recommend that you consider purchasing one of our Italy phone packages as the price is comparable for an entry level cell phone. In addition, you get a new unlocked cell phone that works in 200 countries, including the US and Canada, and we offer free ground shipping. The vast majority of our customers prefers to purchase rather than rent a phone for Italy.
Dialing Information
Your Italy Cell Number to USA: 001 – area code – phone number
US to Italy Cell: 011 – Your Italian phone number (starting with 39)
Your Italy Cell Number to Italy: Direct Dial Italian number
Italy to Your Italy Cell Number: Your Italian number (minus the 39 country code)
Important: Most US toll free numbers are not accessible from overseas. Be sure to get valid international numbers prior to your departure.
Please Note: Cellular Abroad does not provide support for service when roaming outside of Italy. Checking voicemail or calling UNO support numbers while roaming outside of Italy will incur additional international charges.
Activation
Rentals
The SIM card has been installed
Make sure the phone is charged and the menu settings are in English
The initial credit has been preloaded
Your service is active
Once you arrive in Italy you may make or receive calls
Phone Purchases
The SIM card has been installed
Make sure the phone is charged and the menu settings are in English
The initial credit has been preloaded
Once you arrive in Italy your first outgoing call activates the service
SIM card only purchases
Snap out the SIM chip from the SIM card and insert the chip into your GSM Phone with the metal portion facing down as to make contact with the contact prongs.
If the menu settings do not appear in English consult your phone manual to change the language setting
The initial credit has been preloaded
Once you arrive in Italy your first outgoing call activates the service
PIN and PUK Information
If at any time you are prompted for a PIN code by the phone or a voice menu service the default PIN code is 1111. The PIN (Personal Identification Number) code prevents unauthorized access to the SIM card in your phone. If you enter the PIN code incorrectly 3 times in a row, the SIM card will be blocked. To un-block the SIM card, you will need to enter the PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code. Please consult your manual for how to disable the PIN-check feature.
Voice Mail
Activating your voicemail
Dial 401002 SEND (Choose option 4 for the language options then option 2 for English)
Pressing option 7 will activate this service.
Checking your voicemail
Checking your voicemail is a free call from within Italy
Dial 401003
Select 5 for the language options
Select 2 for English
Follow prompts to check your messages.
The default PIN is 1111
Checking Your Credit
Dial *5002# SEND and your balance will be displayed.
Purchasing More Talk Time The most convenient way to buy credit is direct from Cellular Abroad. To use the same credit card you used to order from us, text the number "1" to our Recharge Hotline +447872281074 and we will instantly text you back a recharge code. A recharge code costs $26 for 10 Euros, which is worth approximately 32 minutes of calls to the US or Canada, or up to 112 minutes within Italy.
You must have sufficient credit for at least 1 outgoing international SMS text message (USD $0.44)
Text the number "1" to phone number +447872281074. You can obtain the '+' symbol by holding down the '0' key (or '*' key depending on your handset model). The '+' symbol is required.
If successful, you will be sent a confirmation text message with your recharge code. See Adding more talk time below to load your call credit.
If not successful, or you don't receive a code, call Cellular Abroad at 001 310-862-7100 (M-F, 8am-4pm PST)
Dial *5002#rechargecode# then send. Example *5002#1234567890# send.
Alternatively, you can try this:
Dial 401002.
Following prompts enter your 10 – digit recharge code.
Troubleshooting
If you are unable to make or receive calls switch networks on your phone. Consult your phone’s manual. The steps will be like these:
Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Available Network/Change Network > Search
Select a different network carrier than the one currently shown.
If you are receiving no reception bars, emergency calls only, SOS, or no service check your phones band setting: Consult your phone’s manual. The steps will be like these:
Menu > Settings/Setup > Network > Network Setup >Band
Make sure you select 900/1800
Customer Service
Cellular Network or Service issues:
From your handset – Dial 401001.
From a landline – Dial 00-80036233333. This will direct your call to Cellular Abroad (open 7 days/week).
To reach Cellular Abroad for recharges, billing or hardware support:
From a landline, (NOT from payphones, mobile phones, and majority of hotels) Cellular Abroad can be reached 8am to 4pm PST, Monday - Friday with English customer support and recharge services by dialing this number: 00-800-3623-3333. Please note that some hotels may charge for toll free calls. You may reach us from your cell phone at +1-310-862-7100 (not a toll free call) or via email at support@cellularabroad.com.
Calling Rates
These rates are expressed in US dollars and are based on per-minute charges. Remember, all incoming calls are free regardless of origin.
Calls are billed every second after the first minute.
Text Message Rates Incoming – Free
Outgoing Domestic
Outgoing International
€0.12 (approx. $0.16 US) message
€0.35 (approx. $0.44 US) /message
Roaming Rates:
Calls in Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, Holland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are 0.23 Euros to receive from anywhere, including the USA and Canada and 0.49 to call within these countries or back to Italy per minute. Calls to Canada and the USA are 1.50 Euros per minute. For free incoming calls, please consider the National Geographic Travel SIM.
Service Life
Your Italian SIM card is good for one year. Each recharge extends the life of your SIM card for one year from the date of the recharge. If one year lapses then your SIM card and phone number will expire.
To inquire about the possibility of extending your SIM card’s service life while outside the SIM card’s country of origin, contact the telecom provider's customer service, Cellular Abroad does not provide support for this feature.
"We were able to enjoy our belated honeymoon and stay in contact with our commercial real estate office and close a $1.0M deal!!!" Jody—Rock Hill, SC
Helpful Tips
Would you rather own your phone? Check out our package deals for Italy! ..
Traveling to multiple countries? You may want to consider a Talk Abroad™ rental package. ..
When do I order?
You can order as far in advance as you like - even months prior to your departure. We will ship your rental at the appropriate date in order for you to receive it prior to your departure. Rentals are shipped ground or express service and will arrive 2 business days prior to your set departure date.
How many minutes do I have? Along with your rental you are purchasing an initial $26.00 credit voucher which will start you off with about
32 minutes of calls to the US or 65 minutes of calls within Italy. Additional vouchers may be purchased from Cellular
Abroad or from many retailers throughout Italy.
$26.00 for initial talk-time voucher (1 per phone).
Round-trip shipping and handling fee (see below).
How much is shipping?
If you order at least 2 weeks in advance, round-trip Ground shipping is only $12.88. If you are leaving soon, we offer round-trip 2-day Express for $29.96, or Overnight Express for $39.96. Rentals will arrive 2 business days prior to your set departure date.
What is the latest I can order a rental phone?
You can order up to one business day prior to your departure as long as you call in before to 1:30pm Pacific Time. Exceptions can be made on a limited basis, even if you are leaving early in the morning - we can usually get your phone to you. Please call our 800 number (rather than order via the web) in order to confirm that we can get you a phone rental on time.
When do I get the phone?
You will receive your cell phone rental two days prior to your departure, unless you require next day delivery.
Does the cell phone come charged?
Yes it does, but it’s always best to test the battery and charge phone before your departure.
Can I charge this phone on my trip?
Yes, you will receive an international charger and relevant plug adapters, so you can charge the phone in the U.S. or at your destination.
How do I return the phone?
Round trip shipping is included in your shipping fee. You will be provided with a return sticker label, which you can put on the box the phone arrived in, or your own box. If using your own box please do not use an extremely oversized box. (Canadian rental customers click here)
What happens if I cancel?
If your rental has not shipped, you will only be charged a $25 reserve fee. If your rental has been sent out, you are responsible for the one week rental fee plus the shipping fee.
What will the rates be for people calling me from the US?
That depends on the international long distance rates charged by their Long Distance Company or international calling card.
Does Cellular Abroad offer insurance against loss or damage?
The Renter is responsible for loss or damage to the equipment in part or in whole. Lost, stolen or unreturned phones will be billed for the loss of the phone per our Terms & Conditions
We have an office in Italy and I personally am in Italy for about 2 months out of the year and I of course use this solution. I can assure you that this is the least expensive and most to convenient way possible to communicate with back home! 7 days/week customer service and top up service directly through Cellular Abroad is an important added value!
Sebastian Harrison, President, Cellular Abroad
Roaming
While the Uno Mobile SIM card does roam outside of Italy, please note that roaming rates applicable. Still, for short excursions outside of Italy, particularly in Europe, using the Uno Mobile SIM card may still be your best option. Otherwise, we recommend the National Geographic Travel Phone for rent or purchase.
Roaming Rates:
Calls in Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, Holland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland are 0.23 Euros to receive from anywhere, including the USA and Canada and 0.49 to call within these countries or back to Italy per minute. Calls to Canada and the USA are 1.50 Euros per minute. For free incoming calls, please consider the National Geographic Travel SIM.
Multi-Country Travel You can also purchase other SIM cards as well for other countries to where you may be traveling. (This option is good for those planning on doing a lot of local calling.) We also offer an international roaming National Geographic Talk Abroad™ rental that is convenient for travel to multiple countries. (This option is useful for those wanting a single number for use in multiple countries and who will be making more calls back home than locally.)
Testimonials
Here are just a few of the many unsolicited testimonials from our customers who have used this service in Italy
Dear Friends at Cellular Abroad,
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when I arrived in Italy and found that your advertisement was true. All I did was activate my phone and made a call immediately. It was amazing and the calls were as clear as if I were at home. One of the most amazing discoveries was that I could go to the Tobacco shops in Italy give them my cell number and they could load extra time on my card automatically. I couldn't believe it ! Go into the shop, buy minutes in Euros and in just a few minutes they were loaded to my phone. Having one of your phones made our trip to Italy even better. We had friends that we traveled with and could keep in touch with them while on the autostrada and other cities. I'll never travel without your phone again.
-JT
My trip was fantastic (I went to Sicily), and the phone worked perfectly. Your service was excellent and I will definitely use Cellular Abroad for my next European holiday.
-MH
You really provide a terrific and valuable service to your clients!
N.S.
Director
Let's Go Publications
www.letsgo.com
You and your company are by far the most efficient and pleasant people and organization I have dealt with. I will be in touch with you regarding a rental in November and will repeat the 5 phone rental in February.
-JK
Having a cell phone with me during my recent trip to France and Italy gave me such a level of comfort that is almost indescribable. I was able to communicate with my family on a daily basis during a rather stressful time for my husband. I used my SIM card minutes to notify my husband that I was available to talk with him. He would return my call, using a phone card that offered overseas phone service at a very low minute rate. Think about it! If ever I go abroad in the future, or I have friends who are going abroad, I will recommend your service, no question about it!! Thank you.
-KVJ
My experience with Cellular Abroad was nothing short of spectacular. Having a local number made it easier for local contacts to get in touch with me and provided me with an economical way to stay in touch with those back home. Thanks!
-RK
It was great to have use of a cellular phone in Italy. We were able to "call ahead" to hotels, restaurants & other places that we needed to contact. I will certainly use your service again when I travel in Europe.
Sincerely,
-AR
First of all, I ordered an Italian SIM card from your company yesterday - of course I haven't received it yet. But I wanted to take a minute to give your company a compliment prior to asking a question.
As a long time CEO of both private and public companies I have often been frustrated with the low level of customer service that many organizations seem to accept in their dealings with customers. After ordering your SIM card I spent some time on your website to learn more about the "process" of using TIM while in Italy. I must say that your group has thought of everything - you have answered virtually everything that a customer might have issues with, and you have done so in a clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow manner, even understanding the potential for language issues.
Thank you for taking the time to set out your instructions so clearly - I hope the TIM service is as good as your own!
-FC
Just a note of thanks for the cellular phone rental while I was traveling in Italy. It was indispensable. We used it everyday to keep in touch with relatives in Italy and back in the States. It was a great help when we were lost and needed directions, when we needed to confirm reservations and when our plans changed at the last minute. I will surely contact you the next time I travel abroad.
-L.R.
It worked out great for us. We were spending 2 weeks in Italy and leaving behind our mothers who are both in their 80's. Since we are primary care givers, it was necessary for them to get in touch with us if needed. It was a great relief to carry our phone and know that they could get in touch with us. Thanks again,