TELEPHONES AND INTERNET CONNECTIONS

Telephone usage is usually not provided with your vacation rental, especially since so many Italians use mobile phones. Unless the description specifies that there is a telephone, assume that there is none.

If you require an internet connection, check with the owner. More and more vacation rentals in Tuscany have WiFi internet access, especially, for copper wire connections, if they are located within 2-3 km of the nearest telephone exchange. Even quite remote farmhouses can have antenna-based internet connectivity. Check this specifically with the owner if it's important to you.

Mobile phone connectivity in Italy is a rapidly changing sector. Check the travel forums for the latest details. Normally, if you're staying in Italy for a week or more and plan to use the phone, it makes economic sense to buy a local SIM card upon arrival and install it in your phone. These are often available in airports. Wandering costs in Europe are being brought under control, but a local account is still cheapest.

iPads can be used in Italy. You'll need to buy a Micro SIM card while using iPad in Italy since the standard SIM card won't work. A Vodafone Italy iPad SIM card for 128K which costs 20-30 Euros but you'll very likely need assistance in setting up the data plan etc.