The telephone system in Italy is largely managed by Telecom Italia, but there are also several private firms.
Phone calls within Italy can be made by dialling the full area code including the initial zero + the number of the person you want to call.
Public telephones are available throughout Italy. A local call from a public telephone requires the use of telephone cards (carta telefonica), which is widely used and may be purchased at any newsagent, tobacco shop or bar (coffee shop). The prepaid telephone cards are issued for the amount of €1, €2.50, €5 and €7.50 and will allow calls up to that amount. You can also use small € cents for the amount of 10, 20, 50, €1 as well as credit cards in some cases (credit card telephones can be found in Hotels, airports or other major tourist places). Long distance calls (Interurbane) between major cities can be dialled directly on the public telephone by using the proper area code number.
Calls from Italy to the UK can be dialled directly (dial 0044 + area code without the initial zero, + phone number).
Calls to the Republic of Ireland can be dialled directly (dial 00353 + area code without zero + phone number).
Calls from the UK and Ireland to Italy can be dialled directly (dial 0039 + complete area code with the initial zero +phone number).
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones are widely used in Italy. You can use your UK or Ireland phone in Italy if your mobile is internationally active (roaming). Check your mobile company before leaving for Italy and activate roaming in order to make and receive calls with no restrictions.
If your mobile is not allowed to receive or make calls in Italy, you can buy a new SIM card which gives you a new mobile number in Italy. In this case you can buy a "pay as you go" card, normally called scheda pre-pagata in any mobile phone shop and have a new mobile number for the length of your holiday. The "schede pre-pagate" costs €25, €50, €80, €100, €150.
The major networks available are offered by Telecom Italia (TIM), Vodafone and Wind.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Emergency Police: 113
Carabinieri: 112
Fire Department: 115
Road Assistance: 116
Medical Emergencies: 118
International Inquiries: 176
Phone Directory Assistance: 12