College prof here. Make sure to have DC check with the specific program for recommendations. We've had problems at our own university's program when students opt for either the cheapest route or the one that works best for their family and friends _back_home_ and then can't reliably join a local text chain to (for example) coordinate a meeting spot with a class group. What should technically operate fine in theory doesn't always work on the ground. Also:

+1 to all the PPs who advocated not to have DCs depend solely on wi-fi calling.

Make sure to check what will happen with the phone plan when DCs hop EasyJet to a different country for the weekend. They can get slammed for data and map usage under the wrong circumstances.

The “Flown Abroad” parent Facebook group answers this question and more for families with students studying abroad.

Anonymous wrote:Tell them to download WhatsApp for texting internationally. If/when they meet international students, it’s what they use across the pond.

That and Signal which is very popular too.
It comes with the same advantages as Whatsapp.

https://signal.org/download/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't need an Italian phone number (i.e. using Whatsapp, FB messenger for calls) and just need data, consider an eSIM. Most work in multiple countries. Example:https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Italy specific eSIMs would be cheaper but I assume your kid will want to travel across Europe and need to plan accordingly.

We used an airalo esim when in Italy last year and my daughter used one while spending a semester in Greece. It’s great except that you do not have an actual phone number that works for calls. Important to switch two-factor authentication to email from calls before leaving the US.

Or get a Google Voice number (free) and use that for 2FAs. You can also receive and make calls using the Google Voice app over wifi once setup (need a phone number to set it up which you will have in the US).

PP you're replying to-- good tip! This is what we might do next time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you don't need an Italian phone number (i.e. using Whatsapp, FB messenger for calls) and just need data, consider an eSIM. Most work in multiple countries. Example:https://www.airalo.com/europe-esim

Italy specific eSIMs would be cheaper but I assume your kid will want to travel across Europe and need to plan accordingly.

We used an airalo esim when in Italy last year and my daughter used one while spending a semester in Greece. It’s great except that you do not have an actual phone number that works for calls. Important to switch two-factor authentication to email from calls before leaving the US.

Or get a Google Voice number (free) and use that for 2FAs. You can also receive and make calls using the Google Voice app over wifi once setup (need a phone number to set it up which you will have in the US).

Kid used eSIM on an unlocked phone for local calls. We use WhatsApp to keep in touch.

Navy family - Iliad is super cheap - $11 month with 120 minutes to US monthly. Cell service in Italy is dirt cheap.

Tell them to download WhatsApp for texting internationally. If/when they meet international students, it’s what they use across the pond.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t they use what’s app to text and call if data service is from good provider like T mobile which already has international plan.

That’s fine, if all they want to do is text and call, but if they need to use their phone for other things and can’t necessarily count on being in Wi-Fi range, eSIM cards are just so easy and give them access

Agreed. Roaming charges abound, and public wifi isn't always available - using public transportation apps or maps for navigation - you need more than just text and call. eSIM is the way to go for full accessibility.

We have Google fi and it works in France. It should also work in Italy.