Call Italy

Making an international call to Italy can be expensive. However, you can reduce the costs of calling abroad by using a pre-paid calling card, setting up an international plan with your cellphone provider, or by downloading a mobile app. If using a mobile app, remember to connect to Wi-Fi first in order to avoid roaming fees. When you dial Italy, make sure to dial 011 (the exit code) and 39 (the country code) before entering the party's phone number.

Steps

Making the Call

1. Type the exit code. In order to dial Italy, you will need to type in the exit code (also known as the international dialing code), as well as the country code. The international dialing code for Italy is 011 and the country code is 39. These codes do not change.
2. Input the area code. The area code you put in depends on which area you are calling. If you are calling Rome, for example, the area code is 09, but if you are calling Venice the area code is 041.
   • The way to call a party in Italy is to dial access code + country code + area code + phone number, for example, 011-39-041-###-####.
3. Consider time changes. At the time of your call, have an idea about the local Italy time. This will ensure that you are not calling someone in the middle of the night. You can find time converters online, or ask Google or Siri what the current time is in Italy. Type in or ask, "What time is it in Italy?"
   • For example, Italy is six hours ahead of New York. Therefore, in order to reach your party at a reasonable time of the day, you will need to make the call at 1 or 2 p.m. You will need to place the call even earlier if you are trying to reach someone during business hours.

Using a Pre-Paid Card

1. Purchase a pre-paid phone card. You can purchase pre-paid phone cards from local convenience stores, chain pharmacies, and national retailers, like Wal-Mart or Target. The cost of a card ranges from $2 to $30 dollars. While some cards are located on wall and spinning racks near the register, other cards are located behind the register.
   • Before purchasing the card, ask the clerk which cards they recommend.
   • Alternatively, you can set up an online account with a provider, like Zaptel or Tel3Advantage. By setting up an account, you can choose a phone card from a variety of options and reload your card online.
2. Input the access and PIN number. Each card has an 800 number or a local access number, as well as a PIN number. In order to make a call, first dial the access number and enter your PIN. Then, listen for the prompt and input the phone number you are calling.
   • Make sure to manually dial the full number of the party you are calling, including the international dialing code, country code, and area code.
   • Most cards are activated at the time of purchase at the register. While some cards have a scratch off coating that conceals the PIN number, other cards will have their PIN numbers located on the receipt.
3. Check the fine print. Before purchasing the card, make sure to check the card’s cost per minute, i.e., rate, surcharges, rounding rates, and expiration date. Rates vary depending on which country you call, as well as what kind of phone you use, for example, a cellphone versus a payphone. Furthermore, some cards have disconnect fees, maintenance fees, and surcharges of 35 cents or more. Call the toll-free number on the card to find out about rates and fees if they are not listed.
   • Some cards employ rounding where they round up in increments, like increments of three. This means that a one minute call is charged for three minutes.
   • Cards might also have an expiration date of 30 days meaning if you do not use the card, it will not work after that date. Other cards might charge a non-usage fee if you go a certain amount of days without using the card.

Considering Alternatives to Calling Cards

1. Set up an international calling plan with your provider. Contact your cellphone provider to see what kind of plans they have in order for you to make international calls. Ask about the rates and coverage, specifically for Italy or Europe.
   • Unlimited data plans can vary from an extra $50 to $100 per month depending on how many lines you have on the plane. Or, an extra $5 to $15 dollars for a reduced price per minute rate (versus the standard rate).
2. Use a mobile app. Today, there are a variety of mobile apps that allow you to call internationally. Using a mobile app is a cost-effective option if you use Wi-Fi to place the call. If you do not use Wi-Fi, make sure you have an international calling plan before using a mobile app to place international calls. If not, you will be charged roaming fees even if you are using the app.
   • Connect to your Wi-Fi at home or at a café before placing a call with a mobile app.
   • Some popular mobile apps that are free when using Wi-Fi are Google Voice, Rebtel, Skype, FaceTime, Vonage, and WhatsApp.
3. Monitor your data usage. Many international cell phone plans have limits on data usage and minutes. Therefore, keep track of your data usage, especially if you cannot find a Wi-Fi connection and do not have an international plan set up.
   • Monitor your data usage by checking your account online. Or download your service provider's mobile app so you can monitor your data on the go.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Call Guatemala
• Call the United States From Switzerland
• Call the USA from Spain
• Call the Philippines from the United States
• Dial International Phone Numbers from America
• Call New Zealand from Australia
• Call Scotland
• Call the UK from the United States
• Call Ireland From the United States
• Call a Foreign Country

Read more ...

What links here

• Dress in Italy