International Phone Plan Options for American Expats in Italy
This page summarises the best ways to keep a U.S. phone number active for two‑factor‑authentication (SMS) and incoming calls while you reside in Italy.
1. Keep Your Current U.S. Carrier and Roam
Carrier & Plan What Works in Italy Typical Cost 2FA & Voice Notes T‑Mobile Go5G / Magenta Unlimited incoming/outgoing SMS, 256 kb/s data, voice $0.25/min Domestic plan cost only Short‑code delivery reliable; Wi‑Fi Calling free; DIGITS app available AT&T + International Day Pass SMS always free; voice/data triggers $12/day pass (max 10 days per cycle) $12 only on days you use voice or data Wi‑Fi Calling bypasses daily fee; keep phone in airplane mode when idle Verizon + TravelPass Same rule as AT&T $12/day SMS alone does not start a pass; beware background data
2. Google Fi Wireless (Recommended for Long‑Term Expats)
Unlimited texts worldwide; cellular calls 20¢/min.
High‑speed data included on Unlimited Standard ($50) and Premium ($65).
“Unlimited Essentials” ($35) omits roaming data.
Short‑codes work because Fi uses T‑Mobile’s IMSI, not VoIP.
Activate once in the U.S.; can pause billing for up to 90 days.
3. Ultra‑Low‑Cost U.S. SIM Just for 2FA Texts
Option Monthly Cost SMS in Italy Voice in Italy Ultra Mobile PayGo $3 plan + pay‑per‑use $0.10 per incoming SMS $1.49/min (or forward to VoIP) US Mobile $4–$15 (various) 250 free roaming texts on many plans Wi‑Fi Calling free; cellular voice at plan rate T‑Mobile Simply Pre‑paid $10 keep‑alive $0.05 per roaming SMS $0.25/min
4. Port Your Number to a VoIP Service
Service Cost Short‑Code Reliability Incoming Calls Google Voice Free (one‑time $20 port‑in) Works for most big tech; some banks block Rings in Voice app; can forward OpenPhone / Sonetel / VoIP.ms ≈$10 Varies by provider App or SIP device
Recommended Set‑ups
One SIM does it all: Google Fi Unlimited Standard eSIM.Cheapest keep‑alive: Dual‑SIM phone with Italian data SIM + Ultra Mobile PayGo (SMS‑only).Full U.S. feature set: Keep T‑Mobile post‑paid, add Italian data SIM.All‑VoIP: Port to Google Voice; switch accounts to app‑based 2FA where possible.
Practical Tips
Enable Wi‑Fi Calling before leaving the U.S.
Prefer authenticator apps over SMS where possible.
Use Airplane mode to avoid surprise roaming fees.
Use your U.S. SIM at least once every six months to avoid deactivation.
Forward calls via VoIP to keep them free.
Bottom‑Line
Best single‑plan: Google Fi Unlimited Standard ($50).Lowest‑cost 2FA keep‑alive: Ultra Mobile PayGo or US Mobile ($5/mo).If you already have T‑Mobile Magenta/Go5G, keep it.
Prices current as of April 2025.