For those who are planning to stay in Italy for a week or more the best option is to purchase an Italian Sim card. If you have an unlocked European phone the Italian sim will work perfectly. Tri-band or GSM phones usually work in Italy or else one could find phones even for 35 euros with a 5 to 10 euros credit inside already. The most well known phone services are Vodafone, Wind and Tim. On taking the sim for a longer period of time look for offers that allow you to send both messages and free calls for a limited time just for 5 to 8 euros per month.

If you already use Vodafone check before leaving your country,  if your stay is just for short while this could be enough.

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1. Public phones