Italy (Telecom Italia Mobile - TIM) Prepaid SIM Instructions

www.cellularabroad.com
+1 310 862-7100

Please be sure to read these instructions before you leave!

If you experience any technical difficulties with your phone or SIM card and you do not contact Cellular Abroad for technical support by phone or by email during your trip, we cannot offer any refund or compensation.

Dialing Information                           
Your phone needs to be an unlocked dual-band, tri-band or quad-band GSM phone capable of functioning on the 900/1800 MHz GSM bands in order to accept the SIM card.

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 TIM support numbers while roaming outside of Italy will incur additional international charges.

Setting up your Unlimited Data SIM Card

WARNING: You must ALWAYS maintain a credit of at least €1.00 on your account to be able to continue using the unlimited data plan. Cellular Abroad is not responsible for loss of credit from misuse or roaming charges incurred outside of Italy resulting in a negative balance and loss of data coverage. To check your balance, see "Checking your credit" below.

RIM BlackBerry phone users will not be able to use BlackBerry Enterprise Suite, BlackBerry Messenger or Push Email services. Blackberry phones will still be able to browse the internet, but Cellular Abroad makes no guarantee that they will function correctly.

SIM Card Setup

  • Your SIM chip is in the envelope attached to these instructions.
  • Your Service has been registered by Cellular Abroad
  • Insert the SIM chip into your phone - typically the SIM bay is found underneath the battery on most standard GSM phones. iPhone and iPad users have SIM trays that slide out from the top/side. The metal portion of your SIM chip should be facing the gold metal contact prongs inside your phone.
  • Power on your phone. If your screen displays an "Insert SIM" or "Invalid SIM" error, please make sure the SIM card is inserted correctly and securely. If you pick up a network and are able to use your phone functions, your phone is ready to make and receive calls.

Data Plan Setup
Included are the data plan instructions for some current popular smart phones. If you are unable to set up data using these instructions, consult the user manual for your phone. You can also call Cellular Abroad at 1-800-287-5072.

REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE YOUR 30 DAYS OF UNLIMITED DATA:

  • Create a new text message
  • Enter "PRO INTERNETSENZALIMITI+" as the body of the text message. This is case sensitive, and must be typed exactly. Do not include the quotation marks.
  • Send this message to number 40916 (this is toll-free)
  • You will see a confirmation on the screen.
  • This can only be done from Italy.

IMPORTANT: If you enter the data settings below before you go to Italy, make sure you do not activate your data profile until you arrive, or you may lose the credit required to activate your 30 day unlimited plan due to the expensive data roaming tariffs.

Android OS Phone Setup

  • Select Menu > Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks
  • Leave Data Roaming unchecked
  • Select Access Point Names
  • In APNs screen, bring up the menu screen and select Add new or New APN
  • Set the following case-sensitive options:
    Name: TIM Italia
    APN: ibox.tim.it
    Proxy: <leave blank>
    Port: <leave blank>
    Username: <leave blank>
    Password: <leave blank>
    Server: <leave blank>
    MMSC: <leave blank>
    MMS proxy: <leave blank>
    MMS port: <leave blank>
    MCC: Do not edit this record
    MNC: Do not edit this record
    Authentication type: "None"
    APN type: Leave blank, or choose "Internet" if given a dropdown list
  • Tap the menu screen again and select "Save" or "Save APN"
  • Your new APN should appear in the list on the "APNs" screen
  • Do not activate this APN until you arrive in Italy to avoid expensive roaming fees.
  • To activate your data account, tap the dot next to the APN name to turn it green.
  • Once activated, you can start browsing.

iPhone, iPad and iOS Phone Setup

  • Select Settings > General > Network > Cellular Data Network OR
    Settings > Cellular Data > APN Settings for iPad
  • Set the APN to: ibox.tim.it
  • Leave the username and password blank.
  • Once set, you do not need to save
  • Set your Data Roaming toggle OFF before arriving in Italy to ensure you do not use your credit on expensive roaming fees.
  • Set your Data Roaming toggle ON when you arrive in Italy
  • Start browsing.

Other Phone Model Setup

  • Most phones have similar Data Network or Connectivity settings menus. Below is a list of the most common settings:
    Name: TIM Italia
    APN: ibox.tim.it
    Username: <leave blank>
    Password: <leave blank>
    Bearer: GPRS
    Authentication type: "None"
    APN type: "Internet"
  • If you are unsure about your settings, call our support hotline at the number below.

To Check Your Voicemail

  • Dial 4919
  • To cancel messages: press 77 while listening to the message or 7 after the message has finished.
  • To save a message: press 9.

Checking Your Credit

  • Within Italy: Dial 4916 and an automated message in Italian will state your credit.
  • Outside Italy: Dial *123# and your credit will be displayed on the screen.
  • Alternatively: Locate the “Servizi TIM” menu, scroll to select “Timcard,” then scroll down to select “Credito”.  Your credit will then be displayed on the screen.

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

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.

Service Life
Your data service is good for 30 days from the time it's activated. Additional 30 day credit extensions are available online from our website or buy adding at least 25 Euros of call credit locally through a tabac or TIM store*. 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 between recharges 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.

*At the 30 day cycle, your SIM card will automatically deduct 24 Euros and renew your unlimited 30 day data plan. If your credit is below 24 Euros, you will be charged the standard data fees (which are pricey). Therefore, if you intend to use your TIM SIM card for more than 30 days for data, we recommend that you carefully monitor your credit and ensure that you have at least 25 Euros of credit at each 30 day cycle.

You will find a copy of these instructions on our website at http://www.cellularabroad.com/italySIMop.php

Cellular Abroad is not responsible for typos, misinformation, change of service or menu prompts, lack of coverage or other possibilities that result in a lack of service or otherwise resulting in not being able to make or receive calls. We try to supply the most accurate information possible.  Carrier rates, service plans and related information can change without notice. If you find any discrepancies between these instructions and your actual experience with the phone service or if you have useful additional information, we would appreciate any clarifications, suggestions or corrections. Please send your comments to comments@cellularabroad.com.

© 2008 Cellular Abroad