Cell Phones (for US-based guests)

Try and look away, just try...

It’s important to note that it's unlikely your US cellphone will work in Italy, as the network systems are completely different to those in America. We recommend checking with your cellphone provider several months before you depart for Italy to see if your cellphone can be "unlocked" to work on the European GSM system.

Depending on the age of your handset and the carrier you use (T-Mobile and Cingular are most likely to be able to be unlocked) this may be possible for a small fee, and allow you to use your phone in Italy, and probably in the rest of Europe too.

For further information about the European cellular system and unlocking your phone, click here. For information about purchasing Italian TIM cards (chip that allows your phone to be used - check link above for an image) for your unlocked phone or renting a phone in Italy, click here or here. TIM cards are available for sale on Ebay but we suggest you read up on them and restrictions on their use before buying anything.

Please bear in mind that international phone cards are sold in Italy ― tabbachi, or tobacconists, and newsstand kiosks are the best places to buy these ― and of course, there are phones in every room at Lupinari, so ask about how to dial internationally and the likely cost of calls when you check-in.

(Hoff pic is random we admit, but it makes this rather dry post a tad more interesting.)