Cell phone lost in Rome -- how to replace?
Jun 3, 2008 | 1:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 213
Cell phone lost in Rome -- how to replace?
Well he's done it!My son is studing in Rome this summer and two days into the trip his new Verizon global cell phone is history! Naturally he's not sure if he left it somewhere (or "whatever.")
In any case, I would like him to have one (screwed into his head?) so I am hoping that some of you will have suggestions. Is there a good place (or company) to buy one in Rome; perhaps a very inexpensive one which has Europe roaming capabilities, but is mostly to be used in Italy? Refillable SIM?
Verizon won't send a new one there, but then again I'm not sure I want to buy another $250.00 phone (and the rates were going to be high anyway!)
Thanks -- Husband with fretting wife
Jun 7, 2008 | 8:38 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 252
Incoming is free with all the different services in Italy. Pay as you go is standard in Italy and contracted phones are very rare. The only major issue is that I believe you need a Codice Fiscale (Italian Social Security Card) to register when buying a phone. If you can't get that card, he can try to buy one secondhand.
Jun 7, 2008 | 9:16 am
#5
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Incoming is free with all the different services in Italy. Pay as you go is standard in Italy and contracted phones are very rare. The only major issue is that I believe you need a Codice Fiscale (Italian Social Security Card) to register when buying a phone. If you can't get that card, he can try to buy one secondhand.
Last edited by bdemaria; Jun 7, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Jun 7, 2008 | 9:18 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
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He doesn't need a CF to buy a phone, only an ID. Vodafone is the best for this. I've had several friends come for a month or longer and decided to buy a Vodafone SIM card to slip into their unblocked phones. Just an ID, that's all. If you trust him to not lose his passport, just take that with him to the store to buy a pay-as-you-go phone. Yes, all incoming calls are free. He will be able to call long-distance to you as well. With some companies, he can choose to make the US his "preferred" country and it gives a discounted rate of something like €.15 per minute or so.
Jun 7, 2008 | 9:41 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
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Posts: 2,563
Have you tried to call the number since the phone was lost? There are some funny stories in the newspapers about people bluffing and getting the person on the other end of the line to give their name, thereby being able to locate the phone and get it back. Might need an Italian speaker in this case?
My favorite one was the stolen PC, where it had photo capability and the owner somehow logged into it and the machine took a picture of the thief and sent it to the owner.
Romelle
My favorite one was the stolen PC, where it had photo capability and the owner somehow logged into it and the machine took a picture of the thief and sent it to the owner.
Romelle