How to Use Your BlackBerry in Italy

Unlocked BlackBerrys can be used worldwide.

When traveling, many people will choose to use a local cell phone service provider in order to stay connected to family and friends. However, you may wish to continue using your own BlackBerry smartphone while abroad. Fortunately, if a traveler "unlocks" the BlackBerry, a local Italian cell phone plan can be bought using a simple SIM card.

Things You'll Need

• Italian SIM card

Instructions

1. Unlock the BlackBerry phone. See the Resources section for assistance in how to unlock a BlackBerry.

2. Buy a SIM card from a cell phone store in Italy. Most travelers will choose to buy a pre-loaded SIM card that allows for a certain number of minutes to be used.

3. Remove the battery case and replace the American SIM card with the Italian SIM card. Replace the battery and power up the phone.

Tips & Warnings

• SIM cards are small. Be sure to keep your American SIM card in a safe place as you will need it when you return.

• BlackBerrys can only be unlocked if they have a SIM card. If they are on the "CDMA" system, they cannot be locked.

References

• CNET: Tackling the Cell Phone Unlock

Resources

• Cell Corner: Unlock Code Sales
• GSM Phone Source