Mobile Service
In Italy your mobile carrier will use the services of TIM, Vodafone or Wind, all of which have service centers in major cities (in Palermo they're all in the same part of Via Libertà). Italy's mobile networks and service are among the world's most efficient and, all things considered, most economical. You may even find it practical to purchase a cell phone account (using pre-paid cards) in Italy for your use while you're here.

Wireless & Smart Phones: While you won't find a lot of free WiFi access in public areas (some hotels and restaurants offer it via password access), your smart phone or PDA should automatically connect to a local 3G or EDGE network easily enough. TIM has more coverage outside cities than Vodafone (which partners with American telecom company AT&T). Bear in mind that your carrier's "roaming" charges for such service (outside your home country) may be substantial, and that your phone's internet and network settings can make a difference in that regard. Yes, changing certain settings can actually save you money. This site is reasonably mobile-friendly, but if you've arrived with an iOS (iPhone) or Android-based smart phone you were probably directed to a special home page.

Voice: Prepaid or billed telephone cards like AT&T, MCI or BT are increasingly being replaced by cell phones. Using such a card, you'll still have to make a toll free or local call to make a connection to your service's access number for Italy. From an Italian phone booth (these are becoming a rarity), you can do this with a prepaid domestic telephone card (carta telefonica), purchased for €10.00 from a tobacco shop, newsagent or (in some cases) bar. Italian residential and hotel telephone rates, based on those of Telecom Italia (the national telecommunications company) are among Europe's highest. We recommend that you avoid using Telecom to make international calls.