In
Italy pre paid phone cards (carte telefoniche)
are the best option for telephone use. These
are generally more economical and safer
than carrying cash around and some phones
do not accept cash anyway. They can be bought
at newsagents (l'edicola), tobacconists
(tabacci), post offices, most news stalls
and bars for varying amounts. These are
generally more economoical and safer than
carrying cash around. Local phone cards
are bought in Euro amounts and are used
until the credit expires. To use them tear
off the breakable section at the top before
inserting in the payphone. When you dial,
its value appears in the window. After you
hang up, the card is returned so you can
use it until its value runs out.
The best option for dialling internationally
is to buy a card with a calling number (these
do not insert into the pay phone but can
be used at pay phones). Instructions and
numbers are listed on the back of the cards.
Some of these have a set rate for phoning
at any time of day. The international code
for Italy is +39 When dialling in Italy
you must dial the regional area code (prefisso),
which begins with a 0.
Directory & Operator Assistance:
For general information in English, dial 176.
To place international telephone calls via operator-assisted service, dial 170 or long-distance access numbers.
You can make collect calls from any phone by dialing 172-1011, which will get you an English-speaking operator. Rates to the United States are lowest on Sunday around the clock and 10 PM-8 AM (Italian time) on weekdays and Saturday.
From major Italian cities, you can place a direct call to the United States by reversing the charges or using your phone credit card number. When calling from pay telephones, insert the required coin, which will be returned upon completion of your call. You automatically reach an operator in the country of destination and thereby avoid all language difficulties.
