Mobile phones

I suspect you'll be better off just bearing the cost - limiting use of the phone as much as possible (especially if you've a phone that has data roaming.)  The problem is that I believe you need a fiscal code (i.e. similar to a National Insurance Number) to purchase an Italian network SIM.  It's just one of the many ways the state here keeps ties on you.  Unless you can persuade someone else already here to buy one on your behalf.  I could be wrong - perhaps someone else has been able to buy one without the fiscal code.

If this post is related to the other ones - then you will have a codice fiscale as you have bought a house.  It is written in the act of purchase.  Failing that just turn up at a mobile phone shop and ask for a sim card, they will automatically generate your codice fiscale using your passport.  (This is not valid for house purchase or opening a bank account, but its fine for a phone).  Its much cheaper buying an Italian sim. 

I have a UK phone with Vodafone Passport on it plus an Italian SIM. This year I have discovered that it's actually cheaper to make calls over say, 10 mins, with the UK phone. Passport is a 75p charge for every call, but you can then use your inclusive minutes. I use the Italian SIM for short calls within Italy and so Italians can phone me more cheaply. Italians (assuming they're in Italy at the time of the call) don't pay to receive an international call. Hope this is useful SGH

Get a Lebara sim card 19p a minute or if you both have one even cheaper.