Sony Ericsson W810

I have an unlocked w810i, and recently traveled to Italy. My current service is Cingular in the States and was under the impression that if I have an unlocked phone, I could use it internationally and pay the roaming fee. When I was in Italy the phone displayed, "For Emergency Calls Only", across the top of the phone. Can I still make regular phone calls while this is displayed? I too chicken to try it, some phones that have this message will contact 911 no matter what you dial.

Thanks in advance