As soon as you arrive in Italy, it's a good idea to purchase a prepaid telephone card, called a scheda telefonica , for 5,000 or 10,000 lire. You'll have to break off the corner and insert the card as directed on the telephone. The small screen at the top of the phone will indicate how many units are available. Most numbers in Italy start with 0 plus the area code, followed by the number. If you are calling from outside Italy, you do not need to dial 0.
International rates are higher in Italy.
If possible, charge your calls back home. Find out from your long-distance provider the Italian local access number before you depart. Toll-free 800 numbers do not function outside North America. I'd like to leave a message. Vorrei lasciare un messaggio.