Hi guys we are travelling to Italy for three weeks and are wondering what we should do with our phones and credit cards.
I ordered a qantas cash card which arrived today and though about purchasing a prepaid sim with a few small phones call and data to us to get around over there.
We would use the Qantas cash card for purchases such as food etc.
Any ideas on what is best given we only have 4 days before we fly out???
Looking for suggestions on how to pay and phone sim cards with lots of data.
Thanks having a read now. I do have other cards but apparently all come with fees.
+1
I would go with Vodaphone or TIM. I read that 3 and Wind coverage are not as comprehensive. You can purchase sim cards easily, but I do suggest you go to the mobile store to purchase rather than buying off places like supermarkets so the staff can assist you with setting up the sim.
When I was in Italy/Europe, I used EE's sim (UK company) and their partner in Italy was TIM. The 4G coverage was excellent.
As for food, I found that many restaurants and cafes do not accept cards. Probably because of the high fees. So do carry some cash with you.
Great - thanks for the feedback we are taking approx 10k aussie, but splitting half that with the card, but assuming Qantas cash is the way to go given my such short notice.
Qantas cash is probably the way to go. At least you’ll get QF points as well…
For your sim , get a local one when you arrive. I used 3 UK when I was last there but the data coverage is pretty crap.
Is 10K spending money or does your accommodation come out of that.
Accommodation will come out of that, but just got 6 nights already, so only 2 weeks and a bit to come out…I think its enough?
@XCelR8: yes it should be enough. Just watch your shopping!
How are you getting around ? Car or train ? Both?
We go to Europe almost annually, and never bother with different SIM cards or alternate solutions. We make sure we turn off roaming data, and use the widely available free wifi connections to catch up when it is convenient.
We use WhatsApp for our messaging.
The rest of the time we are enjoying our holiday.
I used TIM there earlier in the year and it had great 4G coverage everywhere and we did a road trip from Rome to Lake Como. They have a desk in the arrivals area of Rome airport with English speaking staff who will help you set it up (doesn't need much setup though) and I thought the price was pretty reasonable.
Thanks can you remember the price - i will only need 1 month. Thinking maybe 2-3gb data at the most.
I think I got the "TIM International 1000 Super" plan for tourists. 10GB for 28 days. 10 euro for the sim (includes 5 euro credit) plus an extra 5 euro to purchase the plan. See here.
I’m italian…
get TIM (the Italian Telstra) for $20 you’ll get 3 Gb for a month.
Make sure you get enough cash as a lot of places, especially out of cities, don’t like credit cards that much.
When I’m over there I always withdraw from ATM with Citibank or ING
Great thanks! Ill make sure we dont put it all on the card :)
Any recommendations where to change money then?
No worries, I found not that convenient change money over there that’s why I only withdraw money off any ATM.
Agreed just withdraw cash from ATMs. Very few will charge you. Most will also be available in English so if it does ty to charge you you will know about it.
*note the Qantas cash card may charge you I don't know about its fees.
If you want lots of data, buy a sim in the country. You should be able to find something close to where you fly in if you do some research. E.g. if you fly into Rome, you'll probably take the train into the city, and there is a vodafone store in the train station
http://www.romatermini.com/en/store/detail/vodafone1
You've already limited yourself to the Qantas cash card if that is all you've got and 4 days left so hard for anyone to give you any advice there. Next time you go overseas this may be a good read https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/cards_with_no_overseas_tra…