Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Guide – Communications

EU citizens can benefit from the “Roam Like at Home” system, an agreement between mobile operators in EU member countries enabling EU nationals to utilise another network within the EU without incurring additional fees. This deal eliminates roaming fees for European people using their domestic mobile phone plan in Italy. Basically, within the parameters set in the contract, calls, SMS, and data traffic will be billed according to the same conditions as in the home country.

Nonetheless it is usually advised to:

• Check the terms and conditions of your tariff plan: to find out the specifics of your plan and the data roaming limits, contact your operator;

• Think about additional package: to prevent unforeseen expenses, consider purchasing an additional tariff if you anticipate using a lot of mobile data while travelling;
• Pay attention to data traffic: even for plans with unlimited data or really rates, mobile operators may place restrictions on data consumption. There can be more fees if this limit is exceeded. When you are on the verge of or have already hit the limit, the operator must notify you via SMS;

Keep in mind that free roaming is only accessible for brief international visits. Even within the EU, your operator might impose an extra fee if you travel abroad for a number of months.

Before using their phones in Italy, visitors from non-EU countries should verify the roaming fees as they can be expensive. Consider the following options to save money:

• Buy a local SIM card: you may easily find prepaid Italian SIM cards from tobacco shops, phone stores, and airports. Major Italian operators (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Fastweb) offer affordable packages including calls, SMS, and mobile data;
• Opt for an eSIM: for people who would rather not physically swap out their phone’s SIM card, several operators let you activate a virtual SIM;

• Check phone compatibility: to use a local SIM card or eSIM without issues, make sure your smartphone is unlocked and compatible with Italian mobile networks.

Be sure to consider the following factors before committing to a mobile plan with an Italian operator:

• Activation fees: verify whether there are any additional fees that certain operators may impose for service activation;

• Contract duration:a lot of mobile plans have a 12- or 24- month lifespan which might for short not be appropriate for short stays. Choose a plan with no commitments that you can cancel whenever you want. Read the cancellation conditions and associated penalties thoroughly before signing;
• Ads that look too good to be true: deals that look too nice to be real should be avoided. In order to receive any discounts, operators must provide you with comprehensive information about the requirements. Additionally, confirm that all required data is accessible, such as:

• • The operator’s legal address and phone number and email address;
  • The entire price of the service and any extra charges;
  • Terms of payment;
  • Any right of withdrawal and how to exercise it;
  • The start date of the contract;
  • Terms and procedure for cancellation.
• Post-contract information: verify that you receive all pertinent information, including a written copy of the terms and instructions on how to exercise your rights, in a durable format.

If it is not absolutely required, it’s best to turn off data roaming while in Italy to prevent unforeseen fees for phone use, downloads, and automated software upgrades. Alternatively, public spaces  including cafes, restaurants, airports, and train stations offer free Wi-Fi connections that make communication simple. Using e messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, which let you send messages, make calls, and conduct video calls using just Wi-Fi and don’t mobile data, is an economical option to cut expenses even further. In this manner, you can conveniently and inexpensively manage your communication with friends and family without worrying about foreign charges.

It’s really simple to locate free Wi-Fi connections in many Italian tourist destinations. The majority of large train stations and airports provide free Wi-Fi, but in order to access it, you typically need to register with an email address or phone number.  Additionally, public Wi-Fi networks are available in squares and popular tourist sites in many Italina cities. Libraries and museums frequently provide free connections to guests, enabling you to browse or communicate while learning about the local way of life.  In addition, a lot of cafes and restaurants give free Wi-Fi to their customers, so don’t’ be afraid to ask the staff for the password.

You may stay connected without worrying about expenses because of these possibilities. To make the most of your time in Italy, it is crucial to understand the dangers connected to public networks.

How to safeguard your personal information

Even seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, carry some level of cyber danger. Unquestionably, public Wi-Fi has benefits including ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, but it is important to remember that these networks are not always safe and our personal information could be compromised.

Despite the fact that many public Wi-Fi networks need a password, connecting to them present serious risks. Weak passwords, improper router security settings and out-of-date software frequently make these networks vulnerable. They thus become prime targets for hackers, cybercriminals, and other parties looking to eavesdrop on our online activity. Using unproctected public Wi-Fi networks can make even routine tasks dangerous, like monitoring accounts or making transactions online.

In order to surf securely when using a public Wi-Fi network, it is imperative to take the following precautions:

• Avoid sensitive transactions: steer clear of using unprotected public Wi-Fi networks to access your bank account or make online purchases;

• Use secure messaging apps: avoid using chat to convey private information;

• Employ a Virtual Private Network (VPN): a VPN shields you from possibly security breaches by encrypting s your connection. By hiding your IP address and encrypting data to keep it safe from prying eyes, a VPN establishes a secure connection between your device and the Internet;

• Connect to official networks: to prevent connecting to phoney networks, always make sure the network name is correct and authentic;

• Activate particular device settings: turn on any settings that need your consent before connecting to a network on your devices;

• Update your devices: keep your operating system and antivirus program up to date to stay safe from online dangers.

You can reduce the dangers associated with privacy and data security by following these easy procedures when browsing on public Wi-Fi networks.

• Check your tariff plan: to find out the specifics of your plan and the data roaming limits, get in touch with your supplier;
• Be mindful of data limits: even plans with unlimited data may have limits, so be sure to inquire about any additional fees;
• Check your device’s compatibility with Italian networks and make sure it is unlocked;
• Watch out for activation fees: before agreeing to a contract with TLC supplier, confirm whether there are any additional activation fees for services;
• Safeguard your personal information while using public Wi-Fi: use a VPN, stay away from sensitive transactions, and refrain from sending private information over unencrypted chat networks;
• Stay informed: make sure you are provided with all the information required to safeguard your rights and the confidentiality of your information.