tourist sim card italy price

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Best Tourist Sim Cards in Italy in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, having a sim card is essential to stay connected while traveling. Access to the internet makes navigating new cities a breeze, allowing you to find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share photos with your loved ones on the go.

While roaming is always an option, the charges can quickly add up when traveling internationally. That’s why we recommend either getting an eSIM or a local sim card to access local phone rates. Luckily, obtaining either option in Italy is incredibly straightforward.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about purchasing a sim card in Italy, including the latest pricing and the best sim card that suits your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in italy for tourists.

There’s a good chance you’re going to spend a bit of time waiting in lines when you visit Italy and with the recent development of eSims there really is no need to spend time waiting just to get a sim card.

The best sim card in italy is the Airalo eSim . With Airalo you can purchase your eSim online before you arrive in Italy and activate it at the airport. You won’t waste time finding a store, waiting in line or communicating with the staff. The prices are fairly similar to purchasing a local sim card and you can get as much or as little data as you require.

The cheapest sim card in Italy is offered by Iliad. For just 8 EUR you can get a massive 100GB of data. There are a few catches, however. Firstly, there aren’t a lot of Iliad stores around Italy which makes it quite challenging to obtain a card in the first place. Secondly, there is a hard 8GB cap on EU roaming which makes the card somewhat impractical if you plan to explore other countries. Lastly, some travellers have reported recurring credit card charges with Iliad so it is a good idea to pay with cash.

If Italy is the first part of a larger EU trip then you’re going to want to ensure you get a good local sim card with plenty of data when you arrive. I recommend the Vodafone tourist sim card as it includes 15GB data that can be used around the EU – this should be plenty.

Italy Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Italy costs between 8 EUR and 25 EUR in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Italy will cost between $4.50 USD and $34 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Italy which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $14.5 USD.

Italy Sim Card Providers

In Italy, the main sim card providers are Vodafone, Windtre, and Iliad. Vodafone is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the country, offering reliable network coverage and a wide range of plans to suit different needs. With a focus on seamless connectivity and customer satisfaction, Vodafone provides services such as voice calls, data, and mobile applications.

Windtre is another prominent provider known for its affordable plans and high-speed internet connection. It offers comprehensive voice and data services for both prepaid and postpaid customers. Windtre also offers additional services like mobile TV and streaming platforms.

Iliad, the newest player in the Italian market, has gained popularity with its low-cost plans and unlimited data offering. Known for its transparent and straightforward pricing options, Iliad appeals to budget-conscious consumers who prefer no-frills services.

These three providers offer competitive options in terms of network coverage, data plans, and pricing to cater to the diverse needs of customers in Italy.

Vodafone Tourist Sim

Vodafone is a renowned telecom company that offers affordable and reliable tourist SIM cards in Italy. These SIM cards come with a variety of plans to suit every traveler’s needs, including data, voice calls, and text messages. With extensive network coverage throughout Italy, tourists can stay connected and share their experiences seamlessly. Vodafone’s user-friendly website makes it easy to purchase and activate SIM cards, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers exploring Italy.

Vodafone Italy Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Vodafone tourist sim card in Italy is 25 EUR.

The plan offered by Vodafone stores includes 30GB data (15GB in EU) + 600 minutes + unlimited social media valid for 30 days.

Windtre Tourist Sim

Windtre is a well-known telecommunications company in Italy providing convenient and affordable tourist sim cards. These sim cards offer reliable coverage nationwide, ensuring seamless communication for tourists exploring Italy’s mesmerizing attractions. With various plans to choose from, visitors can stay connected, make calls, send texts, and access data without worrying about excessive roaming charges. Windtre’s tourist sim cards are a traveler’s perfect companion, enhancing their overall experience in Italy.

Windtre Italy Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Windtre tourist sim card in Italy is 14.99 EUR (+ a 10 EUR registration fee aka tourist tax).

The plan offered by Windtre stores offers 20GB data + 100 minutes valid for 30 days.

Iliad Tourist Sim

The Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem, has captivated readers for centuries with its tale of the Trojan War. Today, tourists visiting Italy can stay connected with Iliad’s affordable and convenient sim cards. With extensive coverage across the country, Iliad ensures seamless communication for travelers. Enjoy unlimited calls, texts, and high-speed internet to share your Italian adventures with friends and family. Don’t miss a beat while exploring Italy’s exquisite destinations; stay connected with Iliad sim cards.

Iliad Italy Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Iliad tourist sim card in Italy is 8 EUR.

The plan offered by Iliad stores includes 100GB data (8GB in EU) valid for 30 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Italy

Identify mobile providers: Vodafone, Windtre and Iliad are your best options in Italy.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Italy

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Italy at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Italy then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Italy have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Vodafone, Windtre and Iliad. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Italy are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Italy with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Italy. The Airalo Italy eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $14.5 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Italy without having to venture outside.

Airalo Italy

Our preferred eSim provider in Italy is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Italy and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Italy eSim uses the Vodafone, Telecom Italia and Wind Tre networks to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Vodafone, Telecom Italia and Wind Tre networksnetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Italy.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Italy eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD 2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $8 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $10 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $14.5 USD 10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $24 USD 20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $33 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $14.5 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Italy

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Italy eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Italy eSim uses the ILIAD Italia/Wind Tre/Vodafone Italia/Telecom Italia/Wind Trenetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Italy

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Italy eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD

What is an eSim?

An eSIM, known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike traditional SIM cards, it does not need to be physically inserted or removed.

Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to switch between different mobile networks or plans without having to physically swap SIM cards.

eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, especially for frequent travelers or individuals who regularly switch between mobile networks or travel internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.

To activate an eSIM, users can scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device can connect to the selected mobile network and enjoy voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

Using an eSIM can be beneficial for several reasons.

One reason is the convenience it offers. Instead of physically inserting or removing a SIM card, you can easily switch between mobile networks or plans. This is especially helpful for frequent travelers who need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries.

Another benefit is the dual SIM functionality. With an eSIM, you can have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This is useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.

Additionally, eSIMs save space. Since they are embedded within the device, there is no need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space within the device, allowing for smaller devices or the use of extra space for other components.

eSIMs also offer remote provisioning. Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store. This provides flexibility and convenience in managing your mobile connectivity.

Lastly, eSIM technology is future-proof. As it becomes more popular, more mobile networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, you can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.

Overall, eSIM technology provides flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it a compelling choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

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Buying guide: The best SIM card in Italy for tourists

Traveling without a mobile connection seems like a thing of the past. In this article, we will help you  choose the perfect Italian SIM card for your next trip  abroad. We will cover the four mobile providers in Italy and give advice on their plans. We’ll also provide an overview of each provider’s features so that you can make an informed decision about which plan is right for you. 

Let’s get it started!

RECOMMENDED

Need an esim.

If you’re short on time, check the options from our most recommended providers for mobile internet around the world: Airalo and Nomad.

Italian SIM Card companies available

When it comes to finding the best Italian SIM card for your next trip, there are four main providers available.  Vodafone, Windtre  (formerly Wind and 3),  Tim , and  Iliad  all offer prepaid SIM cards with different plans designed to meet the needs of travelers. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Vodafone SIM Card options for tourists

Vodafone is one of the most traditional mobile providers in Italy and offers excellent coverage throughout the country. They have many different offers for people who live in Italy (most of them require an Italian bank or local document). For tourists, they currently have only one offer available, the  Vodafone Dolce Vita,  which includes:

• 30 GB in Italy (15 GB in the EU)
• 600 minutes domestic and to many international destinations
• Valid for: 30 days
• No activation cost

Price : €24.99

This SIM card is sold exclusively to tourists traveling in Italy and it is basically the only prepaid option they have available. You will need to present an official ID document when making your purchase.

Check all options from Vodafone Italy here.

Windtre SIM Card options for tourists

Windtre is the result of a merger between two established mobile providers in Italy, Wind and 3. The merger expanded the wireless network coverage in Italy and provided customers with better services at competitive prices. Since 2017, we have always gotten prepaid SIM cards in Italy from Wind and we must say that we are still happy with the options they continue to offer after the rebrand.

The best prepaid SIM card for tourists from Windtre is called “ Tourist Pass ” and it includes:

• 20GB (13.7 GB in EU)
• 100 minutes in Italy and 100 international minutes

Price : €14.99 + €10 activation cost

Click here to read more about Windtre tourist offer.

Tim SIM Card options for tourists

TIM is another popular mobile provider in Italy that offers both prepaid and postpaid plans. They currently have one prepaid SIM card designed for tourists which is called  Tim Tourist . It includes the following:

• 50 Giga (no EU coverage)
• 200 minutes to call in Italy and abroad

One important thing to mention is that Tim does not offer EU coverage with their prepaid SIM card plan. Even though there is a rule of no data roaming in the EU, mobile providers are entitled to limit their plan availability outside of the country and it is exactly what they do.

Read more about Tim’s SIM card options.

Iliad SIM Card options for tourists

Iliad is a new mobile provider in Italy that entered the market in 2018 and has become very popular among Italian citizens and tourists. They came to shake up the market, offering  very affordable prices . They have two offers of SIM cards that would be suitable for tourists:

• 150 GB data in Italy (10 GB EU roaming)
• Unlimited minutes/sms in Europe, the USA, Canada, the UK, and 60 other countries
• Valid for: 1 month

Price : €9.99 + €9.99 activation cost

• 300 GB data in Italy (13 GB EU roaming)
• Calls and SMS in Italy and Europa for €0.28/min and €0.28/SMS
• Valid for: 1 month 

Price : €13.99 + €9.99 activation cost

Iliad’s prices for prepaid SIM cards in Italy are the cheapest you will find, but make sure you buy just a one-month deal and not a long-term plan.

Read more about the Iliad offers here.

Which is the best prepaid SIM card in Italy for tourists?

Now that you know all the options available, it is clear that  Iliad offers the cheapest prepaid SIM card in Italy  for tourists.

However, there is a catch. Iliad’s plan is an amazing deal but their  data coverage in the EU is limited , so if you will be traveling to multiple countries, it may not be the best offer for you. If this is your case, it may be worth considering an international SIM card instead (more on that later).

For traveling only within Italy, Iliad is currently the best option for getting a local SIM card.

Where to buy a SIM card in Italy

There are two ways you can buy a SIM card for your trip to Italy:

The easiest way to buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy is by going to any  official mobile operator’s store . Just pick the provider you like best and check where they have the closest store. Most of them will also help you set up the phone and activate the SIM card for you.

Newspaper stands and small local markets also normally sell prepaid SIM cards and additional credits, if you need those.

Even though some of the Italian mobile providers offer the possibility to purchase SIM cards through their website, in our experience, this never works. We once tried buying online and there were so many errors with processing and with the order that we decided to give up.

If you want to buy your SIM card online to avoid the hassle of looking for a store when you arrive in Italy, the  best option is to get an e-SIM instead .

Don’t know what are e-SIMs?  Read our blog to know how e-SIMs work

Best SIM card if you will be traveling to multiple countries

Even though you can clearly get affordable deals on prepaid SIM cards in Italy using the local providers, they, unfortunately, don’t offer a lot of data on other EU countries. If you will be traveling to multiple countries, we recommend considering an  international SIM card instead .

We have tried many options for SIM cards in the past and our  favorite two brands are  Airalo and Nomad . They both sell e-SIMs that work internationally. You simply select the destinations you will be visiting during your trip and you can buy a mobile plan that is tailored to your needs.

The internet speed is very good and being able to activate your phone as soon as you land is a lifesaver.

Most popular questions about SIM cards in Italy

Can i buy a sim card at the airport when i arrive in italy.

Yes, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport. However, the prices and offers at airports are normally  much more expensive  than at regular stores.

If you want to get connected as soon as you land, consider getting an  e-SIM instead .

Do you need an ID to buy a SIM card in Italy?

Yes,  you will need a valid ID  to buy a SIM card in Italy. This can be either your passport or an Italian ID card. Some of the stores also accept other forms of identification such as driver’s licenses. Just make sure to bring it with you when getting the SIM card.

Tourists are not able to get long-term mobile plans because they require you to present proof of residence or have an account at an Italian bank. So make sure you are looking into prepaid SIM cards and not long-term plans.

How do I activate my SIM card in Italy?

As you have seen, most of the prepaid SIM cards in Italy come with an additional activation fee. The people who work at the store usually help you get started, but in general, it is very straightforward. You can just  put the SIM card  into your phone and  follow the guidelines  on how to select or activate the specific plan you bought.

It is very important that you activate your specific plan right away, otherwise, you will consume data with the general fees, which are usually very high.

Isn’t there free roaming within the EU? Why is the EU data coverage so limited with Italian providers?

Yes, there is free roaming within the EU since the law was passed in 2017. However, that does not mean that the data plan you have in your home country will be fully available abroad. What local mobile providers do is limit the availability of EU data coverage to only a part of the total plan.

The best way to avoid this limitation is by  buying an international SIM card . Check  Airalo  or  Nomad  for the best options.

Read also :  All our SIM card guides

Will I pay for the roaming in Italy?

Yes, you will pay roaming in Italy,  unless your SIM card specifically provides EU data coverage . Make sure to read carefully about the limitations of your specific plan before traveling abroad.

Most American mobile providers do not offer EU data coverage unless you purchase an additional plan. In this case,  buying an e-SIM  is often more affordable.

If you are from the UK, make sure you check with your local provider as British phone companies tend to offer good deals for EU data coverage now and then.  Buying an e-SIM  is also a good option if you will be coming from the UK so you don’t have to worry about roaming.

Final tip : make sure you read carefully about roaming fees before traveling abroad – these can vary significantly depending on your provider and home country. Roaming fees are no joke and they accumulate very quickly, which can cause a big headache once you come back home.

Now that you know all about the SIM card options in Italy, it’s time for you to get connected while visiting this beautiful country. We hope this guide has helped you get informed so you can make the best decision for yourself.

Happy travels!

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Italy, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

• Flights : Get affordable flights to Italy on  Skyscanner.com . 
• Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
• Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
• Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
• Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.
• SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

Fernanda is the Brazilian half of Mauka. Originally from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Fernanda is also part Italian. After having lived in several countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, she ended up moving to Slovenia with Edo. Traveling is her biggest passion and she is always looking for new places to explore - be it on another continent or a hidden hike close to home.

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » Buying a Sim Card in Italy (2024 • The BEST prepaid sim cards)

Buying a Sim Card in Italy (2024 • The BEST prepaid sim cards)

Whilst it is undeniably more legendary to wing it when entering an unknown land, buying a sim card is one thing worth compromising on.

Your mum worries, man.

While emergencies are often doable these days, especially in Europe, the local sim card is especially useful in the semi-emergency situations, when you need to call a hospital, dentist, priest etc. for the little things that go wrong. Taxis too.

Which is why you are probably looking for the best sim card in Italy ! Luckily, you have come to the right place, as I am perfectly poised to deliver some of the juiciest ways to communicate right into your lap. In this guide, I’ll take you through all the options available in Italy, and hopefully help find the best piece of plastic for you.

So let’s get stuck in!

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Gigsky Europe Package

• Price > From $0!

Jetpac Italy package

• Price > From $1

SimOptions Italy

• Price > From $4.50

Sim Local Italy

• Price > From $3.70

Why Buy an Italian Sim Card?

Buying a sim card in italy – things to consider, where to buy a sim card for italy, best sim card providers in italy, what is the best sim card in italy for tourists, faqs on buying an italian sim card, final thoughts.

There’s no doubt about it – phones make our lives immeasurably easier and can help you get so much more out of visiting Italy .

Getting cosy with an Italian sim card will give you significantly better coverage and present a significantly cheaper way of accessing the internet and making local calls. While a large percentage of top tourist locations are covered by international networks, if you are say, stuck in Molize (one for the Italians there), you will really need a local sim to get you out.

If you have a European SIM card it will work in Italy. Otherwise, your native sim card  might  work. It also might not. If it does work, you may end up racking up eye-watering charges for roaming and data. You may also find yourself disastrously out of coverage or connectivity when you need it the most. 

Whilst your places to stay in Italy will probably have decent internet, you also want it to work out in the streets right?!

Getting a local sim card in Italy can avoid plenty of drama and save you a chunk of money in the end – if you follow these handy tips (like remembering your passport when you buy one).

Choosing which is the best sim for your travels in Italy will depend largely on your needs and preferences, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your budget and needs will determine what’s best for you which won’t necessarily work for someone else. 

Let’s take a look at the things you’ll need to consider:

Everyone loves a deal, right? Especially when you’re travelling and potentially on a tight budget in Italy. When it comes to buying sim cards in Italy, the good news is that they’re pretty cheap – so cheap that €1 can get you 2GB of data. 

As with most things, it’s a good idea to shop around, do your research, and always read the fine print. Sometimes buying more can lead to bigger savings in the long run too. 

Some sim cards in Italy expire after a certain period. This means you can’t top up or extend them at all. Most sim cards in Italy include free EU roaming , but make sure to read the fine print here. Sometimes roaming data is capped or limited outside of Italy.

2. Mobile Data

As the number of providers grows, the more the prices of prepaid sims and data fall. In Italy, data prices are extremely reasonable.

Know how much data you’re likely to need. Like most things, it’s cheaper to buy more at a lower cost than to buy less and continuously top up. Top-ups can be costly – keep an eye out for this. 

It’s recommended that before you head off on your travels, spend some time getting to understand your average data usage. When you have a figure, add some padding – you’ll more than likely use more data on your travels than you would at home. 

3. Coverage

Spend some time researching the coverage of the various networks in the areas you’ll be visiting. Mostly, you can expect good 4G coverage, while 5G coverage in Italy is limited to the bigger cities. Vodafone and TIM have the widest 5G coverage, but it’s still very limited geographically, and the best 4G networks. 

The great news is that most tourist spots have excellent network coverage, even those off-the-beaten-track places. 

If you’re heading to Sardinia, you might want to consider a Vodafone Italy sim card for the best coverage. 

4. Bureaucracy

Getting a sim card in Italy is relatively easy to do. There’s not too much documentation required and very little red tape. You will need your passport , so make sure to have this with you. You can register up to three sim cards on one passport. 

5. Expiration

We touched on this before but check the validity of your sim as many have a set lifespan and can’t be extended past that date. Make sure you choose a sim that covers the entire duration of your stay. If you visit Italy often, you might consider an open-ended sim that doesn’t expire. 

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

You can purchase a sim card easily from a number of places in Italy – airports, cell phone shops, and online (for multinational companies like Vodafone, but not the small, local providers).

In the Airport

Most tourists are tempted to grab a sim card at the airport and get it out of the way. While this is tempting, some sim cards will end up costing you way more at airports – for example, Milan and Venice airports are notoriously more expensive. However, when I was getting a sim in Greece I found the airport is slightly more reasonable in terms of prices. 

On the upside, purchasing a sim card at an airport can mean dealing with sales staff who speak better English – generally, Italians struggle a bit with English (as English speakers do with Italian!!!). 

The great news is that most cities and tourist destinations offer multiple options when it comes to cell phone stores. 

Purchasing a sim card online is one way to ensure that you don’t need to be dealing with admin on your holiday and you can hit the ground running, as it were. This way also allows you plenty of time to leisurely research the best option for you and make the right choice. 

Don’t forget to order with enough time for delivery before you leave.

A range of options exists to choose from when it comes to picking a sim card for Italy. You can choose local or international sim providers . Many local providers have a range of options specifically for tourists, while the bigger multinationals like Vodafone are well-represented. 

GigSky is a mobile technology firm that specialises in providing e-SIM and SIM card data services to travellers across the globe. Distinguishing itself from the majority of eSIM providers, GigSky operates as an independent Network Operator, collaborating with over 400 carriers worldwide. This unique position grants them access to an extensive network infrastructure, ensuring more reliable service and fewer outages than many competitors.

While they don’t offer local phone numbers, you can still make and receive calls via WhatsApp, Signal, Skype or whatever using the general data allowances that come as part of their eSim packages.

We have tried a LOT of different sim companies and GigSky is our top pick on account of their excellent coverage, fair prices and easy to use app. Of course, if they did offer local numbers that would be even better.

As our world gets smaller, needing an international sim while travelling becomes not just a luxury but an absolute necessity. Enter Jetpac, a game-changing travel eSIM provider promising seamless connectivity at low costs, across the globe, sign me up.

Based out of Singapore Jetpac offers packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer various data plans that can be used across many countries, and the service includes features like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.

Technophobes don’t panic, if you’ve just figured out how to post an Instagram story, fear not, it’s simple and straightforward to activate a Jetpac eSIM. Users need to sign up on the Jetpac website or app, choose a plan that fits their travel needs, and then scan a QR code to install the eSIM on their device. And it gets better, Jetpac eSIMs are compatible with a range of devices, including many models from Apple, Samsung, and Google.

We love Jetpac for its ease of setup and reliable connectivity. JetPac makes it a handy tool for international travel, ensuring continuous access to mobile data across multiple destinations. While they don’t offer local numbers, we love that most of their packs last for 30 days by default so you can just concentrate on how much data you need.

Sim Options

SimOptions is a reputable global marketplace that specialises in offering high-quality prepaid eSIMs for travellers in over 200 destinations worldwide. The platform has been dedicated to providing the best possible eSIM and international sim options at the most competitive rates for travellers since 2018. They rigorously test and select eSIMs to ensure that you receive the best connectivity and service wherever you travel.

As well as effectively acting as a broker from a number of the best eSIM providers, SimOptions also offer their own eSIM products too.

Basically, SimOptions is kind of like a market comparison website for helping you find the best sim for your travels . You simply type in your destination and they bring up the different eSIM options from a wide number of prospective providers and suppliers

Irish based Sim Local specialise in providing eSIM services, primarily targeted at global travellers to help them stay connected without incurring expensive roaming charges. Based in Dublin and London, Sim Local sells local SIM cards and eSIM profiles through their retail outlets, vending machines, and online platforms.

Sim Local offers a variety of eSIM plans that can be activated instantly and are designed to provide a convenient and secure way to stay connected in numerous countries. Their services are beneficial for those who travel frequently, as they provide the option to switch between multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, depending on the user’s location and needs.

They also offer pretty comprehensive customer support and a range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, all processed securely via Stripe.

YeSim is an excellent app that connects travellers with eSim packages. YeSim do not provide network or data themselves but act as kind of a broker helping travellers to find the best and cheapest possible eSim for their trip. They provides eSIM packages for over 120 countries and for each country they cover, they offer a variety of different packages to suit all needs and budgets.

Somewhat uniquely, they also offer virtual phone numbers in many countries which makes them our top pick. They also offer a great Europe eSim package which we recommend using for Italy. Finally, you can get yourself €3 off any package by using the promo code “Backpacker” at the checkout.

Arguably one of the best prepaid sim cards in Italy for tourists. They’ve got great coverage, the biggest 5G network, and plenty of plans and packages to choose from and are really affordable. The only downside is that while you can recharge and top-up on their website, you can’t purchase a sim online. 

• 50GB and unlimited prepaid minutes and SMS

Vodafone Italy

Vodafone Italy has a prepaid sim card in Italy specifically for tourists. If you’re travelling to more countries in Europe, this is a great option without any EU data limits. Excellent coverage and easy recharge online – a simple alternative. 

• 15GB in the EU and 500 minutes within the EU
• Valid for 30 days

A merge between Wind and 3 (a UK mobile internet provider), this provider offers a wide range of prepaid sim cards in Italy. 

• Starting from 12 €
• 20GB and unlimited calls and 200 SMS

Here’s what we’re usually asked about buying a sim card in Italy.

What is the best prepaid sim card in Italy?

TIM is probably the best prepaid sim card in Italy, especially for tourists. Available as a physical sim card, there are range of great value deals to get stuck into, including cheap data plans. Head to the TIM store to get stuck into the next level of google maps, Instagram, and banking on the fly!

Is there an Italian sim card for Iphones?

Any sim card you pick up should be compatible with your Iphone. If you get a physical sim, you can usually snap it into the size you want- but make sure you don’t go too small. Some Iphones are compatible with the trendy new esim fad, but not all, so its worth checking if yours is!

Is there a good Italian sim card for travellers?

Getting hold of a vodaphone sim card will give you access to data and phone coverage all over the EU. If you want to step it up a notch, get yourself a onesim, which although might not be the cheapest, offers good rates in over 200 countries (which is insane). If you want to go local, try TIM, which gives great local deals and offers.

Where can I get a sim card in Italy?

Generally, any phone shop or tech store. You can pick a sim card up straight from the airport, but it is more expensive to do it this way. Sim cards bought from the airport are generally more expensive. Alternatively, you can buy an esim or general traveller sim card before you arrive, but these are usually slightly more expensive than getting a local sim.

Italy is an incredible year-round destination that offers everything from gastronomical delights to art and history in spades. Whether you’re planning to visit the bustling cities, quaint villages, or natural settings, make sure you’ve chosen a sim card for Italy that won’t let you down.

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home! Another option is to look at the Spanish-based HolaFly which offers similar worldwide coverage.

Was this article helpful? We love to hear from you, so please share your experiences with us in the comments below. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I purchased a 50euro SIM card for 1 month in Italy at vodaphone . I’m her for 4 months & they told me I just pay each month another 15 euro for 50g which I did . I’m now in Spain & receiving messages to say I have no gigabyte left. I phoned vodaphone & the guy I spoke to won’t phone me back. He has all my info . What can I do ? I feel they have lied to me ?

Continue to contact their support for a refund. If you still get no assistance do a charge back via your bank.

Hi, With reference to the TIM 50GB for 15 Euro per month deal you mention. The devil being in the detail, the 50GB only applies if you sign up for TIM Automatic Recharge, so having the 15 Euro paid each month, else you get a lessor 25GB. I believe this is worth highlighting!

Thanks for the detailed information. Can we simply buy a sim card in a supermarket once we arrive in northern Italy (3 zinnen) ? Ideally, a sim that will do our pending trip to Italy in Jan-Feb 2023. However in the middle of 2023 we also need one that will do Italy, France and Swiss networks for a running event. Any suggestions as to a sim that will do all three countries, but especially Italy and France ?

I am not sure about a supermarket bit here phone stores who will send you a sim. You may need a passport and you can encounter a language barrier.

Best of luck

Thanks for the summary. Here’s my question: your Vodafone listing for the tourist plan says it is easily rechargeable on line, but also that the plan lasts for 30 days. I will be in Italy for 33 days. Does that mean I need to buy a new SIM/plan on day 31, or can I recharge my original one?

You should be able to recharge your original SIM card, USUALLY it’s the credit , (data, phone calls, text) that expires after a given period. When buying you should check how long the SIM will remain active.

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Buying SIM Cards in Italy in 2024: Best Guide for Tourists and Ex-Pats

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Michela

Whether you are visiting Italy as a tourist, studying abroad, or making the big move, buying a SIM card in Italy is likely the right choice for your budget and phone coverage abroad.

There are many reasons to get a SIM card in Italy to help facilitate travel or easing life in a new country. Having been a tourist in previous years and now a local, I’ve learned a lot about using my phone with Italian SIM cards!

This easy to use guide will answer every question you have about SIM cards in Italy!

Don’t leave for the Italian vacation of your dreams having forgotten to pack something! Download my curated Italy packing guide – a cute & helpful way to prepare for your trip!

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What is a SIM Card & Why Do You Need a SIM Card in Italy

A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a tiny memory card inserted into our phones that allows the phone provider to identify you as a customer and charge you. It also can store information from your phone, like contacts.

There are a ton of reasons why you would want to purchase a SIM card in Italy, whether you are traveling or you’re a new expat in Italy .

• International phone plans through your home provider are likely way more expensive than buying a local SIM card.
• You’ll want to keep in touch with your family and friends and have access to data roaming.
• Avoid being stuck in an emergency situation without a working phone.
• Coverage is likely better from a local provider than your international provider.
• You can’t rely on finding free WiFi everywhere in Italy.

Figuring out your phone plan is one of the first steps you should take as a new expat and part of the overall moving abroad checklist you should be using to ensure a smooth transition into your life abroad.

Can tourists get SIM cards in Italy? Yes! Tourists can get SIM cards in Italy either by signing up for prepaid SIM cards from large providers, regular pay-as-you-go SIM cards or international eSIMs.

Where You Can Buy a SIM Card in Italy

Before I list where you can buy your Italian SIM card, know this: you have to buy it in person.

To legally purchase a SIM card in Italy, you have to present photo ID . For this reason, I do not recommend buying SIM cards online.

There are some providers that allow you to buy the SIM card online, but you would still need to register it in person.

Pro Tip: One of the most convenient places with SIM cards available to purchase in Italy as a tourist is at the airport. Don’t do it! It’s an overpriced tourist trap!

The best way to buy a SIM card in Italy is to go directly to the store of your chosen phone provider. You can find stores in shopping malls and city centers.

Usually when I traveled to Italy (before I lived here), I would end up using my international phone plan for the first few days I arrive in the country as I waited for the SIM to be activated.

This is why, if you’re only traveling to Italy for a short amount of time , like a week, then you may just find it’s easier to pay for your international plan with your domestic provider. Buying a SIM card in Italy is still a cheaper option, but you may lose precious vacation time to go to the phone provider store and wait to activate the SIM.

Italy’s Phone Providers with the Best SIM cards for Tourists & Locals

There are a lot of different phone providers that offer specific tourist SIM Cards in Italy. The most popular are TIM , Vodafone Italy , and WindTre. (Note: I’ve linked English versions of the websites where possible, but you may have to use Google Translate for Italian web pages.)

If you’re going to Italy on vacation as a tourist , then I recommend going with one of these three main providers. They have the more detailed packages for tourists, and the process is very simple to sign up with them.

If you’re living in Italy , then looking into one of the smaller providers could mean lots of savings over time. Some of the smaller providers are branches of the larger ones and run on the larger networks (aka Vodafone and ho Mobile use the same network), so your coverage and customer service are just as good.

Here are smaller providers with cheaper prices that offer good coverage as well including:

• ho Mobile (My provider)
• Iliad – becoming a faster growing, still inexpensive option.
• PosteMobile
• Kena (If you translate this site there is lots of thorough information about how their SIM works specifically.)

T IM Tourist

Vodafone Holiday

WindTre Tourist Pass

What You Need In Order to Purchase an Italian SIM Card

To get a SIM card in Italy, you will need:

• To be at least 16 years old.
• A photo ID so bring your passport!
• A Codice Fiscale. This is a tax code to used for identification in Italy. If you’re living in Italy, you will want to sign up for your Codice Fiscale ASAP through the Agenzia dell’Entrate . If you are a tourist, the phone company will create a Codice Fiscale for you on the spot in-store while you’re purchasing your SIM card.

e-SIMs in Italy

Beyond a physical SIM card, there are now e-SIMs .

e-SIMs, or electronic SIM cards, can be purchased online and allow more flexibility in plan options, country usage and being able to skip the normal SIM card purchase process.

Order your e-SIM online, receive a QR code, scan it and complete setup.

Sounds easy right? It is, but the catch here is that your phone needs to be e-SIM compatible.

Good to know: Many e-SIMs for Italy only cover data and not calls and texting.

How Much SIM cards in Italy Cost

Many companies offer prepaid SIM Cards in Italy that are affordable and ideal for short-term stays .

If you’re staying long-term in Italy, for example studying abroad or moving, prepaid packages may mean you overpay for a SIM card. It is likely cheaper for you to sign up for a phone plan and pay-as-you-go.

A SIM card in Italy comprises two different costs : first, an activation fee usually around the 10 euro mark, and second, a monthly or top-off payment that will differ depending on the plan you sign up for.

For example, with my ho Mobile plan, there was a €9.99 activation fee, and the monthly phone bill price is €6.99. I’ll explain more about this in the next section!

Ricarica or Recharging Your Account

Download your phone provider’s app to easily track how much data you have left for the month.

The “ residuo ” is the amount of money you have left as credit to pay for your monthly phone bill.

The amount (in my case, €6.99) is automatically deducted from this residuo when you pay through the phone app/internet account.

If the residuo amount drops into the negative, all you have to do is “ ricarica ” or top-off your account with the amount of your choice.

I personally always top-off the minimum amount (€5) in case I ever need to stop using the SIM. This way, I don’t have money left over in the residuo .

You can also buy credit in person at places like grocery stores in Italy or “tabaccheria” but be aware you will likely need to pay for it in cash.

In some cases you can also choose to sign up for a pay-by-month plan rather than topping off your account. Although It’s usually a hassle to exit these contracts since you can’t just cancel them on your own. So, pay-by-month is the most flexible option.

How to Activate an Italian SIM Card

Once you’ve signed up for your SIM card it’s now time to activate it so you have a working phone!

Likely, you’ll be signing up in person and the clerk will install and activate the card for you.

You can also do it yourself by making an account with the phone provider, but this is really for particular cases. For example, when I moved to Italy, my family already had an extra SIM card for me to use but because I was not an Italian citizen (yet!), so they used their documents to make the phone account under their name while signing me up through the app.

In order to activate an Italian SIM card, your phone must be “unlocked.” What this means is that sometimes US or foreign phone providers will lock the phone so that it can only be used with that provider. You’ll have to go to them first to make sure they unlock it for you.

The last thing to keep in mind is that your phone will not work immediately. It will take up to 48 hours for the SIM card to activate and for you to start using the data and coverage of your Italian phone plan!

Do you need to change your phone number if you switch to an Italian SIM card? Will you lose information on your phone?

Having an Italian SIM Card means you will now have an Italian phone number . Make sure to keep your original SIM card from your home provider for when your trip is over.

Pro tip : Keep your original SIM card in a safe place, like your wallet or where you keep important documents like your passport.

Switching to an Italian SIM card does not mean you will lose any information on your phone. The only change I had to make on my iPhone when switching to an Italian SIM card was choosing if I wanted to update my FaceTime and WhatsApp number to be my new Italian phone number.

You can try to keep it your old phone number, but it may not work.

The PIN and the PUK: What are they and what do you do with them?

On the card from which you pop out your new SIM, there are two important 4-digit codes: the PIN and the PUK.

When using a SIM card in Italy, every time you turn off your phone and turn it back on, you will have to unlock your SIM card.

This is an extra measure of privacy and security. Enter the four digit PIN code and voila, it’s unlocked! You also have the option to change the 4-digit pin to something you can remember more easily.

I recommend holding onto that card in a safe place, like your wallet, so you don’t have a chance of forgetting it.

After three attempts to unlock your phone with the PIN, you’ll then only be able to unlock it with the PUK code. This is the backup code and should also be kept super secret!

Free EU Roaming

Because Italy is a part of the European Union, almost every member country in Europe has a partner phone provider with Italy’s phone providers. This means free EU roaming – just make sure to turn data roaming on in your phone settings!

This means your phone will work if you travel outside of Italy to another EU country. However, keep in mind not every country in Europe is in the EU. I traveled to Switzerland just across the Italian border and my phone didn’t work the entire trip!

Other Useful Italy Guides

Day-to-day life and travel in Italy is not just the fun activities and breathtaking landscapes! It is also the practical aspects of getting around a new place.

Check out some of these other helpful “life in Italy” guides to prepare you for travels or life abroad!

• How to Use Buses in Italy
• The Best Places to Live in Italy According to Your Lifestyle
• How to Move to Italy from the USA
• Driving in Italy Guide

The SGTD Take

Buying a SIM card in Italy in 2024 is a relatively straightforward process, but there are significant differences to how Italian phone plans work in comparison to where I’m from, the United States.

The best part is that they are an inexpensive way to stay connected to home. Whether you are living in Italy or traveling the country for longer than a week, it’s a worthy process to go through to save money and not have to rely on free WiFi, which is still limited outside of hotels and restaurants.

Have other questions? Leave them in a comment!

Italy Trip Planning Resources

• Accommodation : For Italy, I mainly use Booking.com to search and book places to stay.
• Booking flights : I like to search for flights through Skyscanner , but I also book direct depending on the airline.
• Activities & experiences : For things to do that require a ticket, and for more unique trip activities, I use Musement .
• Road trip : For renting a car, I get the best prices by comparing companies with AutoEurope . I then use ViaMichelin to estimate road trip costs and Autostrade.it to find gas stations/have live updates on traffic.
• Transportation : Traveling by public transportation is a great way to see Italy. I use Trenitalia or Trainline to book tickets for trains and Flixbus for long-haul bus trips.
• Accessories : I always travel with this portable charger to stay connected and with a universal adapter to accommodate Italy’s plug types.
• Need help planning an itinerary? Fill out my form for a custom itinerary request !

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I hope this updated guide to buying a SIM card in Italy in 2024 helps you navigate this confusing process and put you at ease before your trip!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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Good information about Buy a SIM Card in Italy

I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙂

Hey, following your tips I bought an HO Mobile SIM card. I just think it is worth mentioning that I picked mine in a Edicola and I got three cards instead of just one. For each card, once acrtivated, you and your friend get 5 euros credit. So, if you are travel with someone else, it may be a great idea.

That’s great to know, thanks for sharing! 🙂

THANK YOU! This was very useful.

I’m glad you found it helpful, thanks for reading! 🙂

Very helpful, many thanks

No problem, happy you’ve found it useful! 🙂

Thanks for info. I am currently in Italy, all together for five weeks. I did go to Vodafone and purchased a SIM card the day after I arrived and have an Italian number. I’m not tech savvy, so excuse me if my following question seems naive: What will happen to texts or vmail messages that people will leave on my US number, when I have the Vodafone sim card installed while I’m in Italy? For instance, I get lots of texts back home, many do not have WhatsApp or even know I’m away. They will be sending me texts. What happens to those texts and/or vmails? When I get back home, and reinsert my US sim card, what happens? Thanks in advance.

I hope you are enjoying your time in Italy! As for your US SIM card and phone number, you would have to reinsert the SIM into your phone to see any messages or calls that have arrived there. The texts and calls will all remain on your SIM card even while you are not using it, so it is important to store it in a safe place that you will remember!

Once you reinsert it, if you send a text or make a call (depending on your phone plan), your phone service provider will reactivate your plan.

So, you’ll still have all the messages you receive to your US number on your US SIM card whenever you choose to reinsert it. If you wanted to reinsert it now to let people know about your travels, you just have to be aware that you could be charged by your US phone service provider and remember your Italian SIM card pin for when you reinsert the Italian SIM. I hope that this is all clear and let me know if you have any other questions! 🙂

My daughter will be in Italy on a student visa. Short-term, only a few months. Do you know if this impacts the need for a codice fiscale (i.e., will she need to get one on her own, or will they treat her as a tourist and create one at the phone store)?

When I studied abroad, I signed up for a phone plan in which they created the codice fiscale for me at the phone provider store! It basically worked as a pay-as-you-go system, so I would just recharge the account once a month to keep the plan going. I believe this will work also for your daughter.

Now, if you want to be safe, you can easily get a codice fiscale, either before coming to Italy or upon arrival. If you want to get it before coming to Italy, you can do so through your local Italian embassy/consulate. Or, once you get to Italy, you fill out this form and submit it to the local office of the Agenzia delle Entrate.

As I said, she should also be fine just walking into the phone store and explaining she needs a SIM card as a tourist for a couple months! I hope this information is helpful!

we are arriving Bari on 03/09/2022 .we need prepaid sim card for samsung galaxi 21S at least 10 GB and about 600 minutes phone calls for two weeks not expensive. can you help us with this?

Based on your needs, I found a couple of options for you:

– TIM in viaggio pass : 10 GB with 500 minutes for calls and 500 texts, valid for 30 days and costs €20 – Iliad Prepaid SIM card : €7.99 per month for 80 GB of data and unlimited texts and calls, the catch is that Iliad stores are usually a bit harder to locate since it is a smaller brand

I believe Vodafone may also have a good offer for your needs, but I couldn’t find the information on their website. Regardless, I recommend buying your SIM card in person in Bari at one of the phone providers’ stores so that they can help you install and activate the SIM card and so that you can get the best deal (the stores are always a better deal than tourist traps like the airport stands). I hope this information helps and that you have a great trip!

Hi Michela, Thanks for the useful information! Does it always take 48 hours for tourist SIM cards of any service provider to activate? That seems like a major drawback, considering I will only be in Italy for a short time and constantly on the move. Is there no way to get a SIM card that activates immediately?

I’m glad you found the post helpful! I believe phone providers say 24-48 hours for activation, but in reality, when I did it, it was activated within less than 24 hours. I’ve even read about people having their SIM activated and ready for use within an hour of purchasing it! The best thing to do to get the SIM to be activated as quickly as possible is to get it at a phone provider store and not try to buy your own and activate it yourself. Usually, if you can go to a store and get help from a clerk to do the whole registration and activation process for you, the SIM card will be ready to use faster!

SIM card will be ready … Thanks for the useful information! Does it always take 48 hours for tourist Sim cards of any service provider to activate?

Hi Krishan, thanks for reading! Yes, for nearly every carrier it will take 24-48 hours to start working!

Hi Michela, Thank you for sharing all this info! Do you know which of the providers offer a prepaid sim card thst can be used in different countries in Europe? I am planing to travel to France, UK& Spain, and hope to find one provider that will support all of these countries, without having to change sim cards.

Hi Naama. The SIM cards from any of the main providers should work in Europe but they have limited amounts of data. You would have to speak directly with the provider to understand how you could buy more data/calls/messages!

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How to buy a sim card in italy | guide to high-speed mobile data in italy.

Your guide to using SIM cards and mobile data plans in Italy.

Money & Budgeting , phones and technology , Planning

Having fast and reliable mobile data while traveling around Italy is essentially required these days because much of Italian life revolves around having mobile data—you’ll need a phone to access mobile train tickets, restaurant menus, museum/event tickets, Google Maps, UBER/taxi, and much more.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM Card in Italy and how to buy the best Italian high-speed mobile data plan that won’t cost you a lot of money.

How To Buy An Italian SIM Card With A High-Speed Data Plan

There are two main options when it comes to buying a SIM Card for Italy:

• The Easy Way – Buy a SIM Card Before Your Travel: Buying a SIM card before you travel is a little more expensive but it’s much more convenient (and you have mobile data as soon as you arrive in Italy).
• In general, it’s easier to pre-buy a prepaid data plan if you’re visiting for less than two weeks. But buying a local SIM card will be much cheaper for longer trips.

UPDATE:  Most new phones are eSIM compatible—which is MUCH more convenient than physical SIM cards because it doesn’t require you to install a new physical SIM card. You simply buy the prepaid data plan, scan a QR code that’s sent to your email to install the digital “card”, and you’re ready to go.  Read The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To The  Best eSIM Data Plans for Europe  and our guide to the  Best eSIM Data Plans for Italy .

How To Buy A Prepaid Italian SIM Card Before You Travel (i.e. The Easy Way)

The easiest way to get mobile data for your phone in Italy is to prepurchase a European SIM card before you depart. There are a handful of data plans aimed at visitors/non-residents so they’re a bit more expensive than buying a SIM card in Italy, but there is zero hassle (no tracking down a mobile phone shop, no registering your SIM card, no having to deal with people who don’t speak English, etc).

You simply pop the SIM card into your phone once you’re in Italy and it will automatically connect to a local mobile data provider—the European Union banned data roaming charges so any European data plan will work in any EU country.

There are a number of different mobile data plans available at SimOptions.com (I’ve used them in the past) and they’ll ship the SIM card to you before your trip.

You’ll probably spend an extra $15-$20 over the course of a two-week trip if you buy ahead vs waiting to buy in Italy. Personally, I think the extra cost is worth the convenience.

The Best Tourist Friendly Pre-Paid SIM Cards For Italy

Here are my top SIM cards if you’re wanting a pre-purchase your SIM before arriving in Italy:

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card is probably the best all-around option for SIM cards that can be purchased abroad because it offers a lot of data for a good price—and it includes a lot of worldwide calls and text.

Additionally, Orange is one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so they have great coverage throughout most of Europe (which isn’t always the case with smaller European carriers).

Plan Specs:

• CALLS: Unlimted in Europe and 1200 minutes worldwide
• TEXT: Unlimted in Europe and 1000 worldwide
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?: Yes
• CREDIT VALID FOR: 14 Days

The Orange Holiday Europe plan is good because it gives you a lot of mobile data for a decent price but the only possible drawback is the 14-day validity period—which doesn’t matter if your trip is less than two weeks. That said, you can buy an extra 10GB of credit after the two weeks are up for around $25.

If you want to save a little money, check out the $30 Orange Holiday plan that gives you 8GB of data for 14 days.

The Orange Holiday plans are also available as an eSIM—which means you don’t have to wait for delivery or pay for shipping (assuming your phone is eSIM compatible). Check out the  eSIM data plans at SimOptions  to get the details on both the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM and the Orange Holiday Zen eSIM plans.

Three UK PAYG AIO15

Three UK is another large European mobile carrier and their PAYG AIO15 plan is a good value for people who don’t need the 20GB offered by the Orange Holiday Europe plan. I like how the plan has a validity period of 30 days so it’s good for longer trips.

• CALLS: Unlimted in Europe
• TEXT: Unlimted in Europe
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?: No
• CREDIT VALID FOR: 30 Days

Note: SimOptions.com has other cards for sale but these are the best options/deals.

How To Buy SIM Card With High-Speed Data in Italy

Buying a SIM Card in Italy can be a little tricky since many mobile data plans are only available to Italian citizens because the law requires an Italian tax number for registration. Some retailers will overlook this if you’re not Italian… but not always.

There are a few data plans designed for non-residents that forego these requirements but they’re slightly more expensive—I’ll cover the different plan options later in this guide.

No matter what plan you choose, you’ll need your passport to buy a SIM card.

That said, it’s easiest to just buy the Orange Holiday Europe plan since it works in any EU country.

Where To Buy A SIM Card with a Data Plan in Italy?

• Carrier-Specific Storefronts: The major mobile carriers will have their own shops in most major cities that sell their SIM cards. Most employees should speak some English but they install SIM cards all day so they’ll be able to set you up without much communication needed.
• Third-Party Phone Shops: There are many mobile phone shops that sell a range of phone plans from multiple companies. Employees might be able to offer some help getting set up but service probably won’t be as good as carrier-specific shops.
• Newsstands, Tobacco Shops, Vending Machines, etc: You can find SIM cards in multiple smaller shops at airports, train stations, and randomly throughout most cities but don’t expect any customer service.

The Best SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Italy

Let’s take a deeper dive into the various mobile data plans available in Italy. We’ll cover both “tourist” options and local options.

TIM Italy (Telecom Italia) SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans

TIM Italy offers a €20/month “TIM Tourist” mobile data plan that gives you 15GB of data. This plan has to be activated in a TIM store and there’s a €10 activation charge. Locals pay €16/month (plus a €10 activation charge) for the lowest tier month plan.

Learn more at https://www .tim.it/en/landline-mobile/international-calling/from-italy/tim-tourist

WindTre SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans

The WindTre Tourist Plan is €25/month (which includes the activation fee) and gets you 20GB of high-speed data. This plan has to be activated at a WindTre shop. Plans for locals start around €13/month (plus €10 activation).

Learn More at https://www.windtre.it/offerte-estero-da-italia/tourist-pass-en/

Vodafone Italy SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans

Vodafone sells its Dolce Vita plan that’s €24.99 per month €24.99 per month and includes 30 GB of mobile data. Plans for locals start around €13/month plus €5 activation.

Learn more at https://www.vodafone.it/common-offerte-telefonia-mobile?=

Italian SIM Card and Prepaid Data Plan Basics

Here is some helpful background info on mobile data plans so you have a better idea of how mobile data service works in Italy.

You’ll Need Your Passport and Local Address (and Maybe a Codice Fiscale )

All mobile data plans require you to provide your passport information and a local address (which can be your hotel or rental apartment address).

Most plans require that you provide a Codice Fiscale —which is like an Italian Social Security Number. Obviously, visitors won’t have a number so some shops won’t sell you a SIM card but others will generate a number for you (so you might need to visit multiple shops).

Or you can buy an Orange Holiday Europe plan which doesn’t require registration.

European Union-Wide Coverage

A law was recently passed in the EU which banned mobile carriers from charging roaming fees within the EU—which means you can use a SIM card you bought in Italy and use it in Italy without paying any extra fees. This is great for travelers because you can use one plan everywhere.

• Here are the countries/areas where there is no data roaming: Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Madeira, Malta. Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Vatican

Your Phone Must Be Unlocked

Some mobile carriers (mainly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand) “lock” their phones so they’ll only work on that carrier’s network—this typically applies if you have a plan that includes a free phone with a multi-year contract. You’ll need to contact your carrier and have them “unlock” your phone so it will accept a third-party SIM card.

In the US, carriers are required to unlock phones if the customer requests it but it’s rarely unlocked by default. That said, a few carriers still make customers jump through hoops to unlock their phones so don’t put this off until the last minute or you could be out of luck.

A New SIM Card Gives You A New Phone Number

Installing a new SIM card gives you a new phone number so your old number won’t work until you reinstall your original SIM card. So, if people need to reach you, you’ll need to tell people your new Italian number.

Furthermore, lots of websites and apps use two-factor authentication that’s connected to your phone number so that will no longer be an option with the new SIM installed. And if you use Uber/Lyft, you’ll need to update your new phone number in the app when you install your new SIM.

How Much Mobile Data Do You Need?

As long as you’re not streaming music/videos or uploading a ton of photos, you probably won’t use more than 3GB-6GB of mobile data a week.

If you’re spending a lot of time on social media (notably Instagram and TikTok) then you might use a bit more but if you’re just doing normal web browsing and using Google Maps then you might only use 1-2GB a week.

More Tips On Using Your Mobile Phone In Italy

I’ve written extensively about using smartphones and data plans in Europe as well as tips for buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe but below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in Italy.

Get A Portable Battery Charger

Traveling with your phone will quickly drain your batteries so I highly recommend a portable battery. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Take Steps To Lower Your Mobile Data Usage

Data can be expensive and it’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.

Use Airplane Mode And Block Data to Specific Apps

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.

Download Offline Maps

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good YouTube video that explains everything.

Make Calls Over WiFi

WhatsApp is an excellent app for free calling and text messages — I’ve found that many Europeans exclusively use WhatsApp to communicate (including many Airbnb hosts).

MORE SIM CARD AND MOBILE DATA PLAN RESOURCES

Here are a few more country-specific SIM Card guides I’ve written:

• The Best eSIM Data Plans for France
• The Best eSIM Data Plans for Germany
• The Best eSIM Data Plans for Italy
• The Best eSIM Data Plans For Ireland
• The Best eSIM Data Plans For Portugal
• The Best eSIM Data Plans for Spain
• The Best eSIM Data Plans for the United Kingdom (UK)
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  France
• Guide to Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Germany
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Italy
• Guide to Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Ireland
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Spain
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in  Switzerland
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in the  Netherlands
• Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in the  United Kingdom

More Italy Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide & The Best Things To do in Milan
• Rome Travel Guide & The Best Things To Do in Rome
• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Europe Travel Packing List  and  The Best Travel Backpacks : Tips for packing for your trip.
• How To Choose The Right Travel Insurance : Protect yourself when you travel.
• Recent Posts

• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

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Tourist Pass Full

• 70 GIGA in 5G
• Unlimited minutes to Italy
• 100 international minutes
• 15 GB in the European Union
• 3 GB in Switzerland

for 30 days

Offer reserved for customers born abroad who do not have a tax code registered in Italy.

The advantages of your offer

No limitations.

Talk and navigate in Italy and abroad for 30 days with no limitations.

Everything in an App

Download the WINDTRE app and select Italian or English language to manage your line.

100 Minutes to call abroad to fixed and mobile numbers in the following 53 countries:

Argentina (fixed only), Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia Ireland, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco (fixed only), Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (fixed only), Turkey (fixed only), USA, Venezuela (fixed only).

Useful Information

How to activate.

Purchase directly at a WINDTRE

Store You will receive confirmation by SMS when the option is activated and the cost of the offer is charged. All amounts include VAT. Remember that by activating the service, you accept the current General Contractual Conditions regarding Wind Tre’s Telecommunications services.

WINDTRE reminds you

CHECKING YOUR USAGE AND MANAGING THE OFFER

Download the WINDTRE App to top up and activate new offers and options, or access the Client Area (from Smartphone, Tablet or PC).

Offer reserved for foreign customers who do not have a tax code registered in Italy. The offer can be activated by new customers, at a cost of €24.99 (of which €14.99 for the offer and €10 for the SIM).

The offer will be automatically deactivated after 30 days. The offer cannot be reactivated on the same SIM.

The 100 minutes are valid in Italy, and the 100 international minutes are valid to call the following countries: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, US.

TI HO CERCATO FREE OF CHARGE

The service included in the offer that informs you of calls received when your phone was switched off, out of reach or when you were engaged in another conversation.

Already active on the SIM. Listening to Voicemail in Italy and the European Union is free of charge for the new SIM cards. To listen to it, just dial 4200 for FREE from your Smartphone in Italy and in the European Union. To customise it or find out about costs abroad, visit the dedicated section. To deactivate call transfers, just type ##004# SEND. To customise it or find out about costs abroad, visit the  dedicated page .

HOT SPOT NAVIGATION

You can also use the internet traffic included in your Offer with other Wi-Fi connected devices at no additional cost.

You may also use your national offer in the member countries of the European Union within the limits provided for by the policies of correct use defined in accordance with European Regulation 2016/2286. See conditions of use and Countries of validity. For further details go to  windtre.it/offerte-all-estero/roaming-europa/ .

For the United Kingdom, at the moment and until expressly stated otherwise, WINDTRE applies the same pricing as for countries within the European Union.

ISTAT CLAUSE

From January 2024, in the event of a positive annual change in the FOI national consumer price index recorded by ISTAT in October of the previous year, WINDTRE is entitled to increase, within the first trimester of the year, the monthly price of the Service of a percentage amount equal to the variation of this index or in any case equal to at least 5%, without this entailing the right to withdraw from the Contract without costs, as better described in  General Contractual Conditions .

The 5G offers are automatically enabled with WINDTRE’s 5G. You must have an enabled offer and a 5G device and be in the areas covered by the WINDTRE 5G network in order to navigate in 5G. For info and coverage go to  windtre.it/5g .

NEW BASIC CALL PLAN (PRE-ACTIVATION PLAN)

Monthly cost €4 with traffic included for the same amount. The New Basic plan is charged by the second. 29 CENTS/min and 29 CENTS/SMS. 1GB at 0.99 euro/day until 11:59 pm. Ti ho cercato service free of charge. If you activate a WINDTRE offer, the monthly cost of the New Basic plan will not be applied as long as this offer remains active.

Service conditions of use and traffic limitations

WINDTRE, as provided for in the General Contractual Conditions in article 3.2, reserves the right to temporarily limit the speed of the data connection to Customers whose usage patterns may compromise the performance of the network itself. This may occur when using Services that make intensive use of network resources and/or in areas with a particularly high number of connections.

Traffic (voice and/or data) is unlimited unless used contrary to the principles of honest use and good faith or for purposes other than personal use, as set out in article 6 of the General Contractual Conditions. In the event of improper use or use that exceeds the reasonable limits of use for personal purposes by the customer, WINDTRE will have the right to suspend the Service, in whole or in part, with prior notice, or replace the plan subscribed to. The Customer will have the right to withdraw with immediate effect without any penalties being applied.

The limitations are:

For all offers including Voice minutes and SMS  1. daily outgoing traffic per SIM not exceeding 160 minutes and/or 200 SMS/MMS

2. monthly outgoing traffic per SIM not exceeding 1250 call minutes and/or 2000 SMS/MMS

3. daily/monthly outgoing traffic (minutes and/or SMS/MMS) per SIM to other operators not exceeding 60% of the total outgoing traffic, and not more than 50% of total traffic to mobile numbers

4. daily/monthly outgoing traffic (minutes and/or SMS/MMS) per SIM to a single operator other than WIND not exceeding 40% of the total outgoing traffic, and not more than 30% of total traffic to mobile numbers

5. daily/monthly outgoing traffic (minutes and/or SMS/MMS) per SIM to WIND users not exceeding 80% of total outgoing traffic

6. daily outgoing or incoming traffic used for automatic top-up purposes not exceeding two hours of conversation and 50 SMS or MMS

For all offers with unlimited Calls and SMS included

Parameters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 above do not apply, and usage will count as personal use of the Service if it meets the following parameters:

7. daily outgoing calls or SMS to other operators not exceeding 60% of total outgoing calls or SMS

8. no more than 3 (three) outgoing calls or SMS to other operators per day for each call or SMS received from other operators; warnings for exceeding this limit will not be applied automatically

Parameters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 indicated above are not applied and, provided that any automation in the application of the precautions envisaged in overcoming them is absent, the use of the Unlimited data service that exceeds the following parameters is presumed not to be personal: 1. abnormal monthly traffic volumes and at least 5 times higher than the average usage by customers with the same or similar offers; 2. data traffic volumes higher, for three consecutive months, than the average monthly traffic volume of customers with the same or similar offers.

You can find details of the traffic used in the fixed/mobile Client Area and the WINDTRE app.

You can check the traffic received using the functions on your smartphone.

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• How to Choose a Hotel in Rome
• 2025 Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee
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Gaius Julius Caesar

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Buying a Sim Card in Italy – 2024 Travellers Guide

Written by: Artur Jakucewicz Rome Holiday Planning Expert

Before embarking on a trip to Italy from a country outside the European Union, it’s vital to plan ahead for mobile Internet roaming.

You have three options to ensure internet access during your Italian adventure:

• You could activate international roaming through your current mobile operator, although this might not always be cost-effective.
• Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is another option, but it’s important to note that activation could take up to 24 hours.
• To hit the ground running, consider buying an e-SIM online before you travel. This enables you to start using the Internet immediately after landing in Italy.

Let’s delve into each option, aiming to identify the most beneficial one for your circumstances.

Indeed, if you’re seeking a cost-effective and hassle-free solution for mobile connectivity in Italy, purchasing an electronic SIM card online could be your best bet. This approach is compatible with virtually all modern phones released in the last five years.

However, if you’re toting an older device and a budget of $150 for two weeks of Italian travel doesn’t raise your eyebrows, you might find the initial part of this article sufficient.

Regardless of your specific plans, having internet access in Italy is essential for the following:

• Sharing your experiences with loved ones. From captivating sights to delightful culinary adventures, Italy offers a treasure trove of photo-worthy moments.
• Utilizing travel apps to enhance your journey. Check out our recommendations for must-have apps before setting off for Italy.
• Keeping tabs on the weather forecast. Not sure what to pack? Take a peek at our dressing guide for various months in Rome.

Comparison of Roaming Prices for US Mobile Operators

Let’s take a closer look at roaming costs for US mobile operators. The table below reveals the varying costs of mobile Internet, depending on the length of your stay in Italy. For reference, I immediately cited the cost of eSim from the Holafly operator in the rightmost column.

It’s crucial to consider the volume of mobile data your operator provides in roaming. For instance, T-Mobile only offers a 15GB limit in their $50 plan, which translates to a mere 1GB per day. On the other hand, Verizon sneakily informs customers in the fine print that “After the first 2GB of daily session, enjoy unlimited 3G data. After that, you can purchase additional high-speed data for the remainder of your session.”

In other words, you’ll have access to slower Internet that’s sufficient for text messaging but might fall short when it comes to using data-intensive applications like Instagram, Facebook, or any platform requiring the upload or download of photos and videos.

Obviously, mobile roaming for all American operators is much more expensive than an electronic SIM card.

For those who want to approach spending on mobile communications in Italy reasonably, all options remain:

• Buy an electronic SIM card in advance.
• Buy a local SIM card in Italy upon arrival.

Let’s take a closer look at the nuances and prices.

Buying the Best eSim for Italy

Fix price transfer from the Fiumicino Airport to Rome

In my experience, the most convenient eSIM card for traveling in Italy and throughout Europe is Holafly.com . This option typically undercuts other companies whose rates can be 20-50% higher. I encourage you to consider my recommendation or, if you prefer, conduct your own research by checking out competitor websites such as www.simoptions.com or www.getnomad.app.

Acquiring and activating a HolaFly eSIM card is a straightforward and intuitive process, free of hidden fees and complexities. The pricing structure is customer-centric, catering to trips spanning from 5 to 90 days.

Buying the Best SIM card in Italy

Purchasing a SIM card in Italy, although potentially challenging, can certainly offer you an abundance of affordable internet access.

What is the best SIM card in Italy? Briefly, the Iliad.

But let’s figure it out.

There are key points to be aware of:

• Locating a working office of the mobile company could be time-consuming, and the SIM card activation process might take up to 24 hours. During this time, you’ll be without internet access.
• The cost of an Italian SIM card starts from approximately 18 euros ($20).

Consequently, this option may require some patience and planning but could potentially be a budget-friendly choice for internet access.

The Major Mobile Operators in Italy

Italy is home to four major mobile operators: Vodafone, Windtre, TIM, and Iliad. Based on my experience, Iliad stands out for its simplicity in terms of purchasing, pausing, or canceling a contract – an aspect not to be overlooked. Moreover, Iliad’s favorable rates, extensive network of sales outlets, and wide coverage make it a particularly attractive option for travelers.

Iliad offers three tariff plans that include mobile Internet. However, I believe the simplest plan, priced at 7.99 euros, should suffice for travelers. It’s an affordable option that should meet most of your mobile data needs while on the move.

Certainly, a thorough understanding of the contract terms is essential. A key point to consider, often mentioned in the fine print, is the procedure to pause a tariff or cancel a contract. While the monthly prices might seem attractive, they can come with a catch – a minimum commitment period of 2 years for using the SIM card! Therefore, it’s crucial to be fully aware of these terms before committing.

Indeed, a noteworthy point when purchasing a local SIM in Italy is the identification requirement. Therefore, always carry a valid form of identification with you, preferably your passport. This ensures a smooth buying process. And to assist you further, here’s a map showcasing the locations of Iliad offices across Italy.

Comparison of Tariffs of Italian Mobile Operators

Below, I’ve compiled a comparison of the most beneficial offers from mobile operators in Italy in April 2024. This table should provide a clear view of the best available options, facilitating your decision-making process.

In conclusion, it’s worth mentioning that both Tim and Vodafone offer fairly flexible tariffs. These could be viable options when considering a SIM card in Italy. However, Wind Tre, unfortunately, stands out as the most expensive and least convenient mobile operator for travelers. Be sure to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Local SIM vs. eSIM: What’s Best for Italy Travel?

Assessing your options for mobile Internet in Italy, we find ourselves at a crossroads. On the one hand, a traditional SIM card, while costing at least 18 euros ($20), requires an extra chunk of your time for a trip to the sales office and the ensuing activation process.

On the flip side, an eSIM offers immediate, unlimited internet access upon your Italian landing. Not only that, but the purchasing and activation steps are significantly more streamlined and quick. Therefore, the eSIM emerges as an appealing choice for its convenience and efficiency.

FAQ about Buying a Sim Card in Italy

Can i buy a sim card in italy, how to avoid international roaming charges, can i use t-mobile in italy, how to get internet in italy, best mobile internet provider in italy, what is an esim card, which sim card should i use in europe.

Author: Artur Jakucewicz Rome Holiday Planning Expert

I have lived in Rome for over 10 years and am glad to share my experience and knowledge. I love ancient history and architecture — author of travel guides in Italy for independent travelers.

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Guide to Buying a SIM Card in Italy

Are you looking for a guide to buying a SIM card in Italy ? We’ve got you covered!

If you’re planning a trip to Italy , you’re probably making mental lists of the sights you want to see and preparing the things you’ll need to capture those memories such as a camera, chargers, sunblock, local money, and your passport.

However, getting a local SIM card is often forgotten when making travel plans.

When you go home from a nice vacation, the last thing you want to see is your exorbitant phone bill caused by unexpected roaming charges. Even more terrifying is the thought of being cut off from the outside world in the middle of the Italian countryside, without access to a map or GPS.

To avoid this costly and anxiety-inducing hassle, we’ve compiled all the information you’ll need to purchase a SIM card in Italy.

In this post, we’ll discuss where to get the best deals on SIM cards in Italy, as well as how much they cost and what kind of coverage you can expect.

Table of Contents

You may have doubts about getting a SIM card in Italy before reading this guide. Free Wi-Fi may be found in most public places including cafés, malls, and hotels if you can go without the Internet.

But to move around, order an Uber, or translate Italian while in Italy, you may wish to purchase a local SIM card.

Bear in mind that if you live in Europe, your mobile phone service provider may already provide coverage in Italy. That eliminates the need for a SIM card throughout your travels in Italy.

What You Will Need To Have To Buy an Italian SIM Card

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If you are going to purchase a SIM card in Italy, you will need the following:

• Be at the age of 16 or older

• A photo ID, so bring your passport with you!

• A Codice Fiscale

This is an identity number that can be used in Italy’s tax system.

If you are currently residing in Italy, you need to contact the Agenzia dell’Entrate as soon as possible to register for your Codice Fiscale .

While you are in the store purchasing your SIM card, if you are a tourist, the phone company will immediately generate a Codice Fiscale for you on the spot in the store.

Where To Buy a SIM Card in Italy

First, it’s important to remember that you can’t just order a SIM online in Italy over the phone or online; you’ll need to go to a store and pick one out.

Due to the legal requirements of purchasing a SIM card in Italy, we strongly advise against ordering SIM cards online for shipping.

Buying a SIM card at the airport is also not recommended either due to the high prices and limited data plans that are typically available there. Keep in mind that not all airports have stores selling SIM cards. And when you do find a store, your choices may be limited.

Getting a SIM card straight from the store of your chosen cell service provider is strongly advised. Bear in mind that you might need your passport to get one.

Take into account that if you’ll just be in Italy for a short time, say a week, it may be more convenient to simply pay for the international plan rather than buying a SIM card. The SIM card is still less expensive, but it requires a trip to the phone company and some of your vacation time to activate the SIM.

Things To Know About SIM Cards in Italy

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to selecting a SIM card for use in Italy. Rather, it will depend on your individual requirements and tastes. What works for one person may not be suitable for another, depending on factors like available funds and other requirements.

So, let’s have a look at the factors that must be taken into account when buying a SIM card in Italy.

• Requirements

In Italy, getting a sim card is a simple process. There is not a lot of paperwork involved, and the bureaucracy is minimal.

Your passport is required, so please bring it.

A maximum of three SIM cards can be registered per passport.

Everyone enjoys a good bargain, especially if you’re a tourist on a limited budget in Italy. The good news is that Italian SIM cards are rather inexpensive, with just one euro buying two gigabytes of data.

Shopping around, researching well, and reading the fine print are all important practices when purchasing anything. The discounts you realize from bulk purchases may surprise you.

Compared with other developed countries, data plans in Italy are incredibly cheap. Still, you must determine how much information you will actually need.

It’s usually more cost-effective to stock up when prices are low rather than to buy a smaller quantity and constantly replenish it.

Be wary also of the cost of top-ups.

The majority of Italy has excellent 4G service, but only the larger cities in Italy have access to 5G.

Although 5G availability is restricted at this time, Vodafone and TIM have the greatest 4G networks and the widest coverage.

Even in less-traveled areas, most major networks provide reliable service for visitors. If you are planning to travel to Sardinia, a Vodafone Italy SIM card is highly recommended.

• Expiration

It’s important to have a SIM card that will last for the entire time you’re in the country.

If you plan on making frequent trips to Italy, a SIM card that doesn’t run out of time may be a good investment.

3 Best SIM Cards in Italy

In Italy, consumers tend to favor Vodafone, TIM, and Windtre, especially for pay-as-you-go SIM plans. Their stores can be found in any major European metropolis like Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, etc.

Note that when purchasing a local SIM anywhere in Italy, it is necessary to present a valid form of identification, such as a passport.

TIM is regarded as the “best prepaid SIM card for travellers in Italy.”

TIM provide very reasonable rates despite having excellent coverage and the largest 5G network, plus a wide variety of plans and packages to select from.

The one drawback is that you cannot buy a SIM card through their website . However, you are able to recharge and top off your account there.

Price : 15 € Data package : 50GB and unlimited prepaid minutes and SMS Expiration : 30 days but can be renewed monthly

2. Vodafone Italy

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There is one pre-paid Vodafone Italy SIM card available in Italy, and it is geared exclusively toward travelers.

This is a fantastic option that does not impose any data constraints on your journey throughout Europe; so you can use it if you will be visiting multiple countries.

Vodafone Italy is straightforward option with excellent coverage and user-friendly online recharging capabilities.

Price : 30 € Data package : 15GB in EU and 500 minutes within the EU Expiration : Valid for only 30 days

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This service, which is a merger between Wind and 3 (a mobile Internet provider in the United Kingdom), offers a large variety of prepaid SIM cards to customers in Italy.

Price : Starting from 12 € Data package : 20GB and unlimited calls and 200 SMS Expiration : 30 days but can be renewed monthly

How To Activate a SIM Card in Italy

The SIM card you ordered must be activated before it can be used in a phone.

The card will be installed and activated for you by the sales clerk if you sign up in person.

In order to use an Italian SIM card in Italy, your phone must be “unlocked.” This means that in some cases, a phone’s provider from say, the United States or somewhere abroad, may lock it for use solely on their network. You should visit them first to verify if they are willing to unlock it for you.

Finally, bear in mind that you will have to wait for your phone to start working. The SIM card activation process can take up to 48 hours.

You can add money to your pay-as-you-go SIM at any time after you’ve bought it.

SIM card topping up refers to the practice of adding more data to a SIM card after the initial allotment has been used up.

A provider’s app or a trip to a physical store are both viable options. Depending on how much extra data, minutes, and texting you need, topping up can cost as little as €10 or as much as €50.

For a short trip of up to two weeks, it is fine to use your domestic plan in another country. You may save a lot of money with the SIM card if your trip lasts more than two weeks.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get a SIM card in Italy, but the phone plans here may be very different from what you’re used to in your home country.

The best part, though, is that getting a local SIM card is a cheap way to maintain contact with loved ones back home.

If you plan on being in Italy for more than a week, it is worth your time to set up an Italian SIM card so that you may avoid high roaming charges and use your own device rather than the restricted free Wi-Fi available in public spaces.

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TIM Tourist

100 GB of data with 5G coverage, unlimited minutes for domestic calls    and 100 minutes for international calls at €14.99

The cost of the SIM Card is €10.

Share the best moments from your holiday in Italy

100 GB with 5G coverage

Unlimited Minutes for Domestic Calls 100 Minutes for International Calls

Discover the benefits of TIM Tourist

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Will your trip take you to other countries? TIM will be right there with you!

TIM in Viaggio Pass

If you want lots of minutes, texts and Internet for Europe, the USA, Canada and Brazil!

• 500 minutes

TIM in Viaggio Pass MONDO

If you want to visit non-European countries

• 100 minutes

How do I purchase the voucher?

To buy a Voucher for the TIM Tourist offer click on the PURCHASE button, insert your details and pay using a credit card or PayPal.

Once the purchase is confirmed, you’ll receive an email at the address you provided containing your personal PIN code, which you can use at any TIM Store across Italy to collect the TIM Card with the active TIM Tourist offer, with no additional cost.

How do I activate the offer with the voucher?

Once the customer who purchased the Voucher for the exclusive TIM Tourist offer abroad has arrived in Italy, he/she should visit a TIM Store and show the Voucher containing his/her PIN code, plus an identification document. The TIM Store will carry out the standard activation procedures: collection of documents, visual confirmation of the customer and presentation of an identification document (e.g. ID card or passport).

Once the TIM Card is activated, the TIM Tourist offer will be activated within 24 hours with no additional cost.

How do I withdraw from the purchase?

The customer can withdraw from the Voucher purchase, pursuant to art. 52 of the Italian Consumer Code within 14 days from receipt of the email confirming conclusion of the contract by Telecom Italia.

The TIM Tourist offer related to the Voucher cannot be activated online, so the customer is aware that the only way to activate the offer is to show the Voucher in a TIM Store in Italy. In order to discourage fraudulent practices, TIM reserves the right to carry out checks on the use of the PIN code; if within 96 hours from the withdrawal request the PIN has not been used, TIM will cancel it and refund the customer, within 14 days (from the day on which TIM was informed of the customer’s decision to withdraw from the purchase), the amount paid by him/her to purchase the Voucher.

What if the offer is not activated?

In the event of problems during the activation phase of the Offer, the customer can write to the email address [email protected] forwarding the email received for the SIM purchase and writing: the email address used for the purchase, the PIN received and the last 4 digits of the CoC used for the purchase. Alternatively, as with any purchase with the CDC, in the event of failure to use the offer, the customer can directly contact the bank that issued the CDC used for online payment. Following the appropriate checks jointly with TIM, the refund will be made directly to the Customer's CdC.

©2024 Telecom Italia - Partita IVA: 00488410010

SPENDING UNDER CONTROL The price is fixed so no surprises

NO ROAMING COSTSF or making or receiving calls  

5G Speed up to 2Gbps  

MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY When using minutes to call Italy and Abroad

NO CALL SET-UP CHARGE

Message with TIM on WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, imo, Telegram, Viber, Snapchat and WeChat.

Cost Breakdown

Offer that can be activated by new customers and valid for 30 days from activation, with a cost of € 14.99; cost of the SIM Card is € 10. Free activation fee. In the case of online purchase, the total cost is € 24.99 including the SIM Card. You can take advantage of the offer if you have credit on the TIM Card. TIM TOURIST can be used in Italy and roaming in EU countries . At the end of the offer, the contents not consumed at the end of the 30-day period will be lost and the TIM Card will be usable according to the tariff profile active on the TIM Card itself, or that of any active promotions, and according to the Rules of Use of the prepaid service currently in force.

Offer Details  

MINUTES TIM TOURIST can be used in Italy and roaming in EU countries . The national traffic minutes included in the offer are valid for all Italian mobile and landline numbers and roaming from EU countries to all mobile numbers and all Italian and EU country landline numbers. The minutes of international traffic included in the offer are valid from Italy to the countries listed above. Calls are charged by the second and with no connection fee. International voice traffic from Italy to foreign countries, which exceeds the bundle of 200 minutes, will be charged based on the costs of the basic TIM international rates available at the link . The active profile on the TIM Card is TIM BASE19: at the end of 200 minutes of traffic, call all national mobile and landline numbers at 19 cents per minute. Tolled calls in advance of 60 seconds and connection fee of 20 cents. Cost of SMS at 29 cents, MMS at € 1.30. GIGA Internet traffic (GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSPA / LTE) included in the offer is valid for Internet browsing in Italy and roaming in EU countries on all APNs (ibox.tim.it, wap.tim.it and blackberry .net). It should be noted that starting from 13 June 2022 the 3G network will be phased out in favor of the more performing 4G and 5G networks. Click here to learn more . The GB of traffic are counted in advance unit increments of 1KB. Of the 100 Giga included in the offer, 16GB are also valid in EU countries. When the available Giga is exceeded, if the customer has no other active data options, navigation in Italy is blocked. Exceeding 16 Giga in EU countries. the cost is 0,184 cents / MB including VAT. The plan is enabled for 5G browsing up to 2 Gbps of download speed and 150 Mbps of upload speed. The plan includes a higher priority class than the basic default priority class when the data connection is made on the 4G network. The plan may be subjected to speed and geographical limitations. The 5G Service is available only in specific areas of the cities covered by the service. Here is a list of the cities with 5G coverage. All 5G devices are enabled for browsing on the TIM 5G network. 

•  Connection speed depends on the parameters with which the plan is configured in the network and how congested the mobile access network and the Internet are, on the server to which the customer is connected and the device being used.

It is possible to read about the characteristics of the data connection ( Informed Use of Mobile Broadband ).

•   It is possible to check the coverage areas and compatible terminals .

•   It is possible to check service performance . Following the expiration, the offer is automatically deactivated but can be reactivated by the customer if you have credit on the Tim card. The offer can be reactivated both on its natural expiration and earlier in the event of total or partial exhaustion of the minutes and GB included in it. In this case, the renewal involves the resetting of any minutes and GB remaining, relating to the previous activation.

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Best SIM Card for Italy Travel with Data

Last Updated on December 3, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Italy in the near future, your trip planning is likely to be centred around all the great food you’ll eat, the incredible cities you’ll visit or the beautiful natural sites to see. It’s easy to overlook some important logistical issues such as how you’ll stay connected on the road which is why we’ve created this guide for the best sim card for Italy travel.

Whether it’s being able to make sure you can easily get to your hotel when you first arrive, find your way to the best-reviewed restaurant or plan your walking tour of a major city, having one of these prepaid sim cards will ensure that you can spend your time in the country enjoying it rather than worrying about unnecessary logistics.

Looking for a quick answer? My choice for the best SIM card for Italy is the Orange Holiday SIM with 30GB data (available as eSIM or physical SIM).

Table of Contents

SIM Card for Italy Comparison

How to purchase a prepaid sim card before travelling.

Italy is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Europe so having access to data as soon as you land makes it easier to have a seamless trip to this beautiful country.

While it certainly is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy once you arrive, you’ll typically find that the SIM cards you can purchase at an airport are often significantly more expensive than you would find elsewhere.

You can also go into a phone shop such as Vodafone once you arrive and purchase a local SIM card, however, that will take unnecessary time out of your trip and you won’t have data available when you first land which can be crucial for getting to your accommodation hassle-free.

Buying a SIM card online for Italy will ensure you have mobile data access as soon as you land and given there are several great options available that can either be shipped to your address or delivered electronically via an eSIM, there is no reason to waste time when you actually arrive in Italy.

Will Italian Prepaid SIM Cards Work in my Phone?

In order to ensure your phone will work with any Italian SIM cards you purchase, you need to ensure that your phone is unlocked and not tied to a specific provider.

This is something that is particularly important to pay attention to if you’ve recently signed a new contract with your mobile phone provider. If you’re not sure, call your mobile phone provider to see what your phone status is.

If you find that your phone is locked and you have incredibly expensive roaming charges, then you could consider buying an unlocked phone online or a mobile wifi hotspot that you can use.

Your other option is to rely on public WiFi, however, if you go down this path consider purchasing a good quality VPN such as ExpressVPN to have more security.

Best Italy SIM Cards for Travel with Data

The following are some of the best prepaid SIM cards currently available for travel in Italy to purchase before arriving.

Orange Holiday Europe with 30GB Data

Regardless of whether you’re looking for an Italian SIM card, or a SIM card for European travel , the Orange Holiday Europe with 30GB Data is one of the best options available on the market.

The large data limit will ensure that you can stay connected when sightseeing as well as have plenty of data left over to use WhatsApp or Facetime to call family or friends back home.

Along with 30GB of data that can be used in Italy or in 29 other European countries, this prepaid SIM also has unlimited calls and texts within Europe as well as allowing 2 hours of calls and 1000 SMS to your home country.

This SIM card can either be purchased as a physical SIM card or eSIM if you have a compatible phone. While the credit is only valid for 14 days, there are several top-up data plans should you be going on a longer trip to Italy.

Finally, you can also use the Orange Holiday Europe as a personal hotspot, making it one of the best options for anybody looking for an Italian SIM card who wants to work in Italy using their laptop and have a larger data usage.

Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data

Another great option for those looking for a combination of data and calls in Italy is the Three Prepaid SIM with 12GB Data .

Along with the 12GB data, you get 3000 minutes of calls and 3000 texts that can be used to other UK or European phone numbers. The data allowance for this SIM card also works beyond just Europe and can be used in 71 countries including in places like the USA and Australia.

If you prefer a longer data validity and aren’t fussed about having calls and texts, you can buy Three Prepaid SIM with a 1-year validity , however, it is data only. Alternatively, you can top-up the SIM card after you buy it.

The Three SIM can’t be used as a personal hotspot, but apart from that, it’s one of the best SIM cards to use in Italy if you want to have a combination of data, calls and texts.

SIM2ROAM Data SIM with 10GB Data

If you don’t need calls and texts for your time in Italy and are only looking to get a SIM card for the data allowance, then the SIM2ROAM Data SIM with 10GB Data is a great option.

Apart from the 10GB data option, you can also buy a 3GB or 6GB data SIM, with various data packages being available online to top up. It works in over 35 countries including Italy and can be used as a personal hotspot.

The setup for the SIM2ROAM Data SIM is a bit easier compared to some other SIM cards as there is no activation required. Your validity period of 30 days will simply begin when you first start using the SIM card.

Overall, this is a great option if you’re looking purely to buy an Italian SIM card for the data allowance.

Orange Holiday Zen with 12GB Data

If you’re a light data user and only want to have a SIM card in Italy for occasional use, then the Orange Holiday Zen with 12GB Data is a good option.

This SIM with give you 8GB of data in Italy that can also be used in 30 countries in Europe. You also get unlimited calls and texts within Europe as well as a small allocation of 30 minutes and 200 texts to use worldwide.

You can use this card as a personal hotspot and you have the option to purchase it as a physical SIM or an eSIM.

The Orange Holiday Zen also has multiple top-up options at an extra cost so even if you think you might be a lighter user than you end up while travelling in Italy, you should have no problem getting more credit while overseas.

Movistar Europe Prepaid with 10GB Data

The Movistar Europe SIM with 10GB data is a good option for those combining a trip to Italy with Spain.

This tourist SIM card gives you 10GB of data to use across Europe plus an additional 60GB in Spain. The extra data allowance in Spain is unparalleled compared to most other SIMs you buy online so it makes it a great deal if you’re splitting your time between these countries.

Apart from Italy and Spain , this SIM card can be used in many other countries in Europe and the UK with the notable exceptions of Switzerland and Turkey.

The Movistar Europe SIM does also give 200 minutes of calls in Spain and it can be used as a personal hotspot on your travels. The credit is valid for 28 days but there are top-up options available online.

Dataroam Prepaid SIM Card with 10GB Data

The Dataroam Prepaid SIM with 10GB data is a good no-frills choice if you’re on a short trip to Italy. It comes with 10GB of data that can be used in Italy as well as other European countries, however, there is no call or text credit included.

This SIM is also not possible to recharge so it is not recommended if you’re going on a longer trip or plan to reuse the SIM over several trips.

The Dataroam Prepaid SIM can be used as a hotspot, with the credit valid for 30 days. It also has a straightforward activation process and doesn’t require any advance registration before landing in Italy.

There is no need to wait until you arrive in Italy as you can easily get an Italian SIM card online and have data access as soon as you land or cross the border into this beautiful country!

Are you looking to purchase a SIM card to use in Italy? Have any questions about these options? Let us know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Bari Itinerary

The Perfect Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence

Rome vs Florence: Which Italian City to Visit?

About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

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Best e-Sim Cards for Traveling to Italy in 2024

Are you planning to travel to Italy and looking for an e-sim card for your trip to stay connected and not waste money on high roaming charges? This is a complete guide for finding the best e-sim card for traveling to Italy in 2024.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Italy with up to date prices as per April 2024, specifications per Italy e-sim card, my recommendation and everything you need to know about using e-sim cards for traveling in Italy.

Also find out where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Italy on the internet.

Ever since 2012 I am a full time nomadic travel blogger traveling the world continuously. I constantly get to different countries and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card. In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used in the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad. 

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides for every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Italy in 2024  including a comparison of the prepaid sim cards you can buy on arrival in Italy.

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Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying e-sim cards in: USA , Canada ,  Thailand , Germany , Spain , Greece , France , Portugal , China , Malaysia , Hong Kong , Singapore ,  Australia , Europe , Asia ,  international travel e-sims and many more. 

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

Let me first give you my e-sim card recommendation and a comparison of all the e-sim card plans for Italy with up to date prices as per April 2024. Then I will explain you how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G network, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards and everything else you need to know.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom rates the following e-sim cards as the best e-sim cards for traveling to Italy in 2024:

1. My European eSIM from Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD

• 30 GB data in all of Europe
• Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
• Valid for 30 days
• $1.5 USD per Gigabyte

You can order this Bouygues Telecom e-sim card via SimOptions .

2. Nomad 20 GB data-only - $33 USD

• 20 GB data-only e-sim
• Valid in Italy only
• $1.65 USD per Gigabyte

3. Airalo 20 GB data-only - $33 USD

The Nomad and Airalo e-sim cards for Italy are data-only and do not support calls and sms and does not come with a phone number.

My first preference for an Italy e-sim card would be the Bouygues Telecom e-sim card. This e-sim card comes with unlimited calls in Europe and free EU data roaming.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Italy or in general before using an e-sim card.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country. 

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: a-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Italy.

However, you can still order a sim card for Italy on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for Italy in 2024  or find out everything about international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad  and how to order them.

Comparison of the best Italy e-sim cards

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Italy. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Italy from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators.

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great Italy e-sim card plans:

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Italy . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Italy and it is plug and play when you arrive in Italy. 

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Italy.

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Italy e-sim card.

Here are the SimOptions data-only e-sim card plans for Italy for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD

Click here to order a SimOptions e-sim card for Italy .

These data-only e-sim cards are provided by SimOptions. Unfortunately they don’t specify which mobile network operator in Italy they use, neither is there information if these e-sim cards are 5G ready. Trust me, when they would be 5G ready they would mention it, so these the max data speed on these Italy e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE. 

The SimOptions e-sim cards for Italy do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer any incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Italy.

SimOptions also offers international e-sim cards for traveling to Italy.

• 15 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 50 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international e-sim card for Italy via SimOptions .

These e-sim cards are valid all over Europe and include free EU-roaming and some are even 5G ready!

The best thing about these e-sim cards for Italy is that they also include calling and texting. Some support 5G, others only 4G/LTE. These international e-sim cards for Italy are also valid for 1 year, but the the credit validity starts only when the e-sim card connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the e-sim card even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for the best prepaid and e-sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024  with more info about EU roaming and where to order a sim card for traveling in Europe.

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for Italy through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper e-sim card deals compared to SimOptions. 

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB data to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email sometimes and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great e-sim card for traveling in Italy.

Here are Italy e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Italy from Airalo .

Definitely check out Airalo as they often have ongoing promotions and recently offered 50% off their Italy e-sim card plans.

The above Mamma Mia e-sim cards for Italy operate on the Wind Tre, TIM and Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Italy. Unfortunately the Airalo e-sim cards for Italy are not 5G ready.

The Mamma Mia e-sims are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Another trusted and reviewed e-sim provider is Nomad and they sometimes have amazing e-sim card deals. Traveltomtom has used Nomad e-sims in more than 10 countries around the world.

When looking for the best e-sim card plans for Italy Traveltomtom found out that Nomad has very competitive e-sim card plans. Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Italy in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 15 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Italy from Nomad .

The Nomad e-sim cards for Italy are either from TIM, Wind or Iliad. The TIM and Wind plans are only 4G/LTE, but the Iliad e-sim cards are 5G ready.

The Nomad Italy e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Italy. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of e-sim cards? Since I travel full time and I am on the road constantly I use about 30 - 40 different sim cards per year.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go! 

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Italy?

The cheapest e-sim card for Italy is an Airalo e-sim card plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for just $4.5 USD.

If you just want to keep in touch through WhatsApp, get directions from Google Maps and don't use high data volume consuming apps like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook much 1 GB data could last for a week.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Italy

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Italy without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in Italy), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Italy with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you connect to a network. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Italy, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Italy so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $2 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges.

International Data Roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE and even 5G in Italy everywhere!

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or if your phone is not e-sim compatible check out my article about everything you need to know about buying an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad in 2024 .

Where to buy an e-sim card for Italy? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for Italy on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Italy. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Italy in 2024. 

On arrival in Italy

When you arrive in Italy and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to you hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all providers in Italy offer e-sim cards for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card, some stores/operators provide e-sim cards for tourists.

For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Italy in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Italy, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network. 

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Italy you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed. 

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Italy e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Italy e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to oder an e-sim card for your trip to Italy?

You can order an e-sim card for Italy pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Italy. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Italy e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Italy. All international airports in Italy have free public WiFi.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Italy

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Italy e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Italy. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Italy or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Italy and use it as a portable WiFi device. 

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Italy recommended above (SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Italy.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Italy e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Italy.

Can I keep my phone number from home with an e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Italy. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Italy e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs. 

If your Italy e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Italy, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Italy e-sim card.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with an Italy e-sim card?

This depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. Only the international e-sim cards for Italy from SimOptions offer calling and texting. All the Italy e-sim cards from Nomad and Airalo are data-only.

If you are looking for sim cards for traveling in Europe then check out my list of the best prepaid and e-sim cards for Europe in 2024 .

Does an Italy e-sim card come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. E-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. All the Airalo and Nomad e-sim cards for Italy are data-only and do not come with a phone number. The international e-sim cards from SimOptions all come with a phone number. That means these international e-sim cards support incoming and outgoing calls/sms.

In the above Italy e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on an Italy e-sim card?

Yes, some of the Italy e-sim cards are 5G ready, but only some of the international e-sim cards sold by SimOptions. On all other Italy e-sim cards the max data speed is 4G/LTE.

In fact SimOptions offers an amazing e-sim card deal for Italy that supports 5G.

Orange Holiday Europe with 50 GB data for 28 days and unlimited calling and texting for $59.90 USD .

This e-sim card is valid in all of Europe and therefore also rated as one of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe .

Are there e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Italy e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

Even if you would come across e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data then make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. Mostly the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Italy e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal. 

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for Italy with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card. But ask yourself what is then the point of having an e-sim card with 'unlimited' data!

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Italy in 2024 before choosing your favorite. 

Best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Italy, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Italy:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards in Italy offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards for Italy. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Italy.

If this sounds like something you want then be prepared to find a sim card store on arrival because buying a sim card for Italy on an international airport is very overpriced or often not even possible.

On Traveltomtom you can also find sim card guides for: Milan Malpensa Airport , Venice Airport and Rome Airport . Unfortunately at none of these airports they offer e-sim cards, only physical sim cards.

More info about the best Italy sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for Italy in 2024 .

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards for tourists in Italy all offer 5G data speed.

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you need to buy a physical sim card for Italy. There are multiple international prepaid sim cards that you can buy on the internet before your trip to Italy.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Italy directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. E-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards. 

There are two different e-sim cards:

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in Italy in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Italy: Iliad, Vodafone, Wind Tre and TIM can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Italy. 

As said before, as per April 2024, not all mobile internet providers offer e-sim cards for tourists. Mostly only physical prepaid sim cards are available. It is a hit or miss per provider per store. I have been in Vodafone stores in Rome where they said no e-sims for tourists and a Vodafone store in Milan that said yes they offer e-sim cards for tourists.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card for Italy on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Italy. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Italy e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Italy Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for Italy are better value for money.

On Italy e-sim cards you get more data for the same price. However, if you want a sim card for traveling in Italy with unlimited data or you want a sim card that includes calling and texting in Italy then buying a local prepaid sim card in Italy is a better deal.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. And you also want to avoid the crazy tourist prices for sim cards at airports in Italy.

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Italy. Faster, easier and less stress!

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth. 

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding an e-sim card for your trip to Italy were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best e-sim cards for Italy it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away.

If you still have any questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Italy!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Italy are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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Prepaid SIM card for Italy: Where to Buy in 2024?

Find the best internet options for your time in Italy by our run down of the best international data SIM cards for Italy

Leoneska R.

January 1, 2024

In this article

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Plans that may interest you

If you’re planning to visit Italy soon, it’s time you think about an internet connection. No traveler wants to be left unconnected in a foreign country , but paying for internet from your current provider is very expensive. But now we can say bye to high international roaming prices with an Italy SIM card . In this article, we’ll explain how a SIM card works and how much it costs.

You can buy a SIM card for Italy without leaving home, but you will always have to wait for it to be sent to your location. The solution to this situation and others is the new virtual SIM card for Italy which, in addition to keeping you connected on your trip, you can receive instantly after your purchase.

SIM virtual for Italy

>> Buy unlimited data eSIM for Italy from here <<. Get 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

Where can I buy a SIM card for Italy?

As we told you at the beginning of this article, today, you can buy your prepaid SIM card for Italy in many ways , even before your trip starts! This is thanks to the great advances that telecommunications have had in the last years.

If we add how the world market has moved to virtual shopping, we have as a result, many online stores that offer these international SIM cards for almost any destination . This gives us an alternative to the traditional process of buying a SIM card for Italy once you are in the country. 

So if we plan to travel to Italy, what SIM card options do we have as tourists ? for most travelers, there are two ways to buy them. To these two, in recent years has been added a third one, known as the virtual SIM card, the evolution of the physical SIM card, and that brings with it more benefits. As a visitor, you can:

• Use an online store to buy your prepaid SIM card before your trip and have internet in Italy as soon as you arrive. 
• Wait to arrive in Italy , look for a physical store of one of the local operators, and buy your SIM card for tourists with one of them. 
• The best way to have unlimited data in Italy, buy an eSIM Italy from Holafly for this destination.

(You may also be interested in the best SIM card for Croatia or in the German eSIM with unlimited data )

Buy before you travel.

This option, besides being our recommendation, is the most used way by travelers from all over the world. Buying a prepaid SIM card before your trip allows you to save time during your visit to Italy. Buying SIM cards online is usually easy as these providers focus directly on tourists. In addition, there are more offers from online providers, and the local telephone companies in Italy are more reduced. There are many possibilities, but it is also important to take into account some characteristics.

It is easy to find options for online stores, but something important to know is that you will have internet in Italy once you activate the SIM card. To anticipate this, you should check which local operator you will be connected to with the prepaid SIM card you are buying.

Always try to choose the one that allows you to access the most important telephone networks because this will affect both your connection speed and coverage throughout the country. Another point to take into account is how long it may take the online store to deliver your SIM card. If you don’t have it before your trip, you will be wasting time.

A solution to these situations is the virtual SIM card for Italy that Holafly offers , details of which will be given later. 

Pros of buying a data plan for abroad before traveling

In either case, whether you choose the physical or virtual SIM card, if you are buying it before your trip, you will have benefits such as:

• Internet from start to finish

With a pre-purchased SIM card, you’ll connect to the internet the moment you land in Italy. You can set up the SIM card before your flight and then activate it on your cell phone when you arrive. So you’ll be able to order a cab or let your family know you’re safe.

This gives you the peace of mind to make the most of your trip. You don’t need to spend hours searching for a cell phone store. Just activate your data plan and start exploring.

• Data in multiple countries

Are you traveling to other countries in Europe? Well, with a Europe eSIM card from Holafly, you’ll be able to connect to the internet in several other European countries, including Spain, Germany, and France – and there are no additional fees. For destinations outside the coverage, such as the United Kingdom, Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans available in the UK are the alternative

• An easy installation process

There are no complicated contracts to sign or long technical instructions to wade through. Just insert your SIM card by following the easy set-up instructions, turn on data roaming once you land in Italy, and you will be connected instantly.

(You may also be interested in the best SIM for Jersey )

Buy your tourist SIM card in Italy

This would be the most common way to buy your SIM card for Italy if you are considering spending a long time in the country. We say this because the local phone companies are more focused on national customers than on visitors. Anyway, there are some SIM cards for tourist options from the major operators in Italy. You can read below about some of the local companies and their available plans. 

WindTre 

Formally known as Wind Italy and Tre is perhaps the biggest competitor of the well-known TIM in Italy. WindTre offers a unique plan aimed exclusively at visitors. This plan includes 20GB of data to be used in 30 days and adds 100 minutes for calls to local numbers and 100 minutes for international numbers. You also have the possibility of using 13.7 GB of browsing in other countries of the European Union . You must go to a physical store, buy a SIM card and request the activation of this plan to use it. It is important to know that this plan will not be automatically renewed after 30 days.

This company is traditionally the telecommunications giant in Italy. They also offer a data plan only focused on visitors. This TIM SIM card for tourists includes 50 GB of surfing to use in 30 days and 200 minutes to call Italian and international numbers. It also includes 14GB for use in other European Union countries. This option of a TIM SIM card for Italy has the advantage of being renewable as long as you have enough credit. In case of not renewing, it can not be activated again for the same SIM card. In order to use this service, you must go to one of the TIM stores throughout the country, buy a SIM card and request it.

Vodafone Italy 

The well-known European company also has a franchise in Italy with data plans for visitors. Vodafone Italy has a Holiday plan for tourists in the country, which includes 2GB of navigation to be used in four weeks. Also included are 300 minutes and messages to Italian numbers and numbers from your home country. You will be connected to a 4G network, and the plan will automatically renew if you have enough credit on the SIM card. You can also cancel the plan before the end of the usage period by calling the customer service number. In case you run out of GB, you can top up with one of the other Vodafone Italy plans.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for internet in Italy cost?

Telecommunication in Italy is dominated by the companies with the longest tradition in the country. In case you buy your Italy SIM card for tourists with one of the local operators, you can expect to pay between 20$ and 40$ depending on the package you choose. You have to keep in mind that in any of the cases you choose, you must go through the SIM card registration required by the local laws.

Also, in most cases, you must request the activation of the plan in a physical store, so you will not be able to pre-purchase it. If you do not want to go through these cumbersome tasks once you are in the country, you can take a look at the solution below, known as a virtual SIM card or simply eSIM.

Holafly eSIM for Italy: a great alternative.

Holafly’s online store offers digital SIM cards for Italy and many other destinations worldwide with an easy purchase and installation process. These eSIM cards are the best alternative for many travelers because of their ability to be activated in minutes from anywhere in the world.

To buy an Italy eSIM , you must go to  Holafly’s official website  and select the data package you want for Italy. After that, you make the payment by any available means, and you will receive your virtual SIM card through a QR code to your email.

This is by far the best option of all, from the plans’ flexibility to their global reach . As long as your phone is compatible, the best way to access the internet in Italy and any other destination is through Holalfy’s virtual SIM card. Also, remember that you will be close to Switzerland, so if you happen to take a trip there, Holafly offers you one of the best eSIM for Switzerland .

If you still want more information about this excellent alternative, here are some of its advantages and disadvantages

Advantages and disadvantages of Virtual SIM cards

• Fast solution.

If you want to enjoy all the benefits of a physical SIM and also have immediate delivery, you should definitely count on Holafly’s digital SIM cards. From purchase to activation will not take more than a couple of minutes. Remember that you must have an internet connection for the whole process.

This is an excellent advantage if you travel to other destinations; you can have a top-rated eSIM card if you visit Spain .

• Keep your WhatsApp number.

With a Holafly eSIM card, you can keep your current WhatsApp number alongside all your contacts and conversations. So, sending photos of your adventures to loved ones back home is easy.

• Unlimited data on any plan

No matter which plans you choose for the virtual SIM card that Holafly offers in Italy, in all usage periods, you will enjoy unlimited data and 500 MB daily for data sharing. Also, if you decide to travel to other countries, eSIM Europe will provide you with unlimited data plans, too!

• 24-hour customer service

eSIM cards usually work effectively, but if you experience any problems, you can count on 24-hour customer support from Holafly. They’ll help you with any issues, no matter how small.

• 120 Minutes talk-time

A new feature that’s been recently introduced is that minutes have been included along with data. You’ll be able to make outbound calls and receive inbound calls. Both options have a total of 60 minutes included. You can make calls from all over Europe , except for Iceland , Norway , United Kingdom , Switzerland , Ukraine , and Turkey .

Disadvantages 

• You must confirm the compatibility 

Please note that unless your phone is eSIM compatible, you cannot use eSIM. It is more common in the latest generation phones. If you are uncertain if yours supports eSIMs, you can check Holafly’s list of compatible phones.

How much does the virtual SIM card for Italy cost?

Let’s take a look at how much you pay for a Holafly eSIM:

Frequently Asked Questions about a SIM card for Italy

You can activate data roaming and use data from your current provider, but this will be very expensive. If you use this option, expect a hefty phone bill when you return home. Alternatively, you could buy Pocket Wi-Fi (a portable device that generates WiFi for your phone). This option is also expensive, and you’ll have to carry the device everywhere. A SIM card for Italy is the cheapest and most convenient way of connecting to the internet.

The price of data roaming in Italy varies between providers. But you can expect to pay $7-$15 per MB. So if you wanted to watch a movie on Netflix, you could be charged $100. That’s why we recommend buying a SIM card for Italy instead. You will not face additional roaming charges in Italy if you are an EU citizen.

You should choose a SIM card that offers you a fast internet connection at a low price. With no additional prices, Holafly’s digital SIM card for Italy is the best option. In addition to offering internet from one of Italy’s fastest providers, they offer 24/7 tech support for any problems you encounter.

If you buy your Italy eSIM from Holafly, you can contact their customer support team 24/7. In the unlikely event that the SIM doesn’t work, they’ll solve the problem for you. All eSIM cards come with set-up instructions. This also works for other eSIMs from the company, such as the Holafly eSIM for Israel travel .

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Italy Vodafone SIM Cards & eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Would like to travel to Italy? Connectivity cannot be overlooked whether you are touring the Roman streets, enjoying a pasta dish in Florence or just sunbathing on the Amalfi coast. Having a local SIM or eSIM could be one of the best means to have smooth communication while on your trip.

This extensive manual will cover all pertinent information on Italy Vodafone SIM cards and Vodafone Italy eSIMs in Italy such as coverage, cost, and activation process among other things.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Facts about Vodafone

Vodafone Italy is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group, one of the largest mobile network operators in the world. Established in 1995 with over 29 million mobile subscribers; it is the second largest mobile operator in Italy by market shares.

Here are some quick facts about Vodafone Italy:

• Founded:  1995
• Headquarters:  Milan, Italy
• Parent company:  Vodafone Group
• Customers:  Over 29 million mobile customers
• Market share:  2nd-largest mobile operator in Italy
• Network:  4G and 5G coverage across Italy

Vodafone Italy offers a wide range of mobile services, including voice, data, and SMS. It also offers a variety of value-added services, such as TV, music, and gaming.

Vodafone Italy is a major player in the Italian telecommunications market and is committed to providing its customers with the latest and greatest mobile services.

2. Why Vodafone When You’re Exploring Italy – Coverage and Speed

Having reliable network coverage is particularly important when one travels to a foreign country. Vodafone stands out in this regard, enjoying extensive nationwide coverage in Italy.

2.1. Vodafone Coverage in Italy

According to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Italy , Vodafone has the best overall coverage of the five national operators, with a score of 7.9 out of 10. Here, this is derived from the amount of duration that a user spends with a 4G or 5G connection.

Vodafone has the best 5G coverage, with a rating of 8.9 out of 10. This is calculated based on the number of places where a user sees a 5G signal.

Overall, Vodafone’s coverage in Italy is very good. But there are places where coverage is spotty. Rural areas and mountainous terrain, for example. Here is a summary of Vodafone’s coverage in Italy, based on the Opensignal report:

• Overall coverage: 7.9 out of 10
• 4G coverage: 9.7 out of 10
• 5G coverage: 8.9 out of 10

In the case of Vodafone in Italy, it is essential to take a look at the coverage chart and figure out whether there is good coverage in places where you plan to make/receive calls.

2.2. Vodafone Speed 

According to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Italy, Vodafone has the fastest average overall download speeds of all five national operators. In general, Vodafone’s speeds in Italy are very good. Nevertheless, in some places, the speeds might be slow, especially in sparsely populated regions and mountainous terrains.

Here is a summary of Vodafone’s speeds in Italy, based on the Opensignal report:

• Average download speed: 37.2 Mbps
• Average upload speed: 11 Mbps

Before using Vodafone in Italy, checking the speed map should tell you the kinds of speeds that you will get from using your phone in certain areas.

Speeds can change on different occasions as a result of a few variables, like the time of day, the number of users in a network, or the devices you are using.

3. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Italy

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a Vodafone connectivity option for Italy:

• When visiting Italy and your duration is just a week, the Vodafone tourist SIM can work well for you.
• For example, a stay of one month or so could look at the Vodafone Travel Pass, and the Vodafone Pocket WiFi.
• The Vodafone Travel Pass will be suitable where you intend to visit other countries in Europe.
• Vodafone Pocket WiFi enables multiple connections of several devices to the internet simultaneously.

4. Best Vodafone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Vodafone Holiday SIM and Vodafone Dolce Vita which grant generous data allowances and local calls are perfect for tourists. The SIM card usually has a validity of about thirty days and is activated on arrival at the airport.

5. Does Vodafone Support eSIM in Italy?

Yes, there is support for eSIM in Vodafone, Italy. Currently, Vodafone Italy does not provide an eSIM for tourists .

There is a digital solution that will offer a good experience if your device can support eSIMs. eSIM’s provide ease, flexibility, and switching between different networks without swapping of physical SIMS cards.

Your device manufacturer is supposed to provide you with the required steps for activating a Vodafone eSIM or contact Vodafone customer support.

6. Where can You Buy a Italy Vodafone SIM Card and eSIM?

If you’re traveling internationally and need cellular service, purchasing a Italy Vodafone SIM card or eSIM is a convenient option to consider. Where can you buy a Italy Vodafone SIM card and eSIM?

6.1. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM for Italy?

Here are some options for buying a Italy Vodafone SIM card in Italy:

• Vodafone stores – Vodafone has its own retail stores located throughout Italy where you can purchase an Italy Vodafone SIM card. Look for Vodafone Store locations .
• Mobile phone carrier stores – Major mobile carriers in Italy like TIM and WindTre also often sell Vodafone SIM cards in their stores.
• Tobacco shops/tabacchi – Many tabacchi (tobacco shops) in Italy are authorized sellers for major carriers like Vodafone. They usually have SIM cards available.
• Convenience stores – Larger convenience store chains like SisalPay and SnaiPoint may carry Vodafone prepaid SIM cards.
• Online – You can order an Italy Vodafone SIM card online from the Vodafone Italy website for delivery. eSIM activation can also be done online.
• Airports – Major airports in Italy usually have Vodafone kiosks or sales points where you can purchase a SIM upon arrival.
• Supermarkets – Larger supermarket chains may have a mobile phone area where Vodafone SIMs can be purchased.

So in summary, the best options are Vodafone stores, mobile carrier stores, tobacco shops, convenience stores, or online ordering to get a Italy Vodafone SIM card or activate an Vodafone Italy eSIM when visiting Italy. Make sure to have your passport for ID.

6.2. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM in Italy?

Vodafone Italy eSIMs can be requested directly online at the time of purchase of your offer or in-store for €1( ~ 1 USD). In stores, it is also possible to replace the physical SIM card with a digital one.

If you want to buy before going to Italy, you can buy Italy eSIM from italy-esim.com . Explore our wide range of flexible eSIM plans for 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and more days. Unlimited call and text options were also available. Compatible with 200+ devices including all major iPhone and Samsung models.

7. How to Activate Vodafone SIM/eSIM in Italy?

Enabling your Italy Vodafone SIM card/eSIM is pretty simple. Depending on your chosen option, follow the relevant steps below:

7.1.How to Use Vodafone SIM Card in Italy?

Insert the order/practice code you received via email and/or SMS, your Tax Code, or your VAT number (used for subscribing to the service) to activate the SIM card of your Vodafone Station.

If you do not have the order/practice code, contact Customer Service.

7.2. How to Activate Vodafone Italy eSIM?

Vodafone Italy eSIM is equipped with a QR Code, PIN code which you can also subsequently change from your smartphone settings, and PUK. On scanning this QR code on your device, you shall be able to download the same eSIM profile on your smartphone (which would have been equivalent to inserting a physical SIM into such a device) and begin using Vodafone’s connectivity services.

• Once you have installed your Vodafone eSIM, go to your phone settings and look up your ICCD.
• But you should look for your EID under the settings of your device after the eSIM profile is installed or even on a box of your device during first use.

Whenever there are problems during this activation period, stick to the guidelines that Vodafone provided and reach out to their customer service.

8. Italy Vodafone Call & SMS Rates

You must be aware of the call & SMS rates so that you can plan your expenditure well when using a Vodafone SIM or eSIM. Here are some standard rates for Vodafone in Italy:

This is the reason why one should find out the current charges of the service providers to make calls or send text message.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone SIM/eSIM

If you want to know how many minutes, SMS, and GB you have left:

• Call the Customer Service at the free number 190
• Go to Vodafone Itlay Official Website

10. How to Top-up Vodafone SIM/eSIM

This means that one needs to recharge Italy Vodafone SIM card/eSIM when the credit balance runs dry so as not to disrupt connectivity. Here’s how you can recharge your Vodafone account:

• Vodafone Website: Visit the official Vodafone Italy website , for instance, and top up prepaid credit with the use of a credit or debit card.
• Vodafone Stores: Also, you may go to a nearby Vodafone shop, for it has diverse means of payment including mobile money that can be easily used in recharging for your prepaid phone credit.
• Recharge Vouchers: Now you can buy a recharge voucher from numerous authorized resellers in Italy and add more credit to your account.
• By phone: To top up in Italy, call 190 from your Vodafone phone. 

Please always try to check your credit balance and recharge in advance so as not to affect services.

11. FAQs about Vodafone in Italy

Q: can i use my vodafone sim card or esim outside of italy.

A: Yes, Vodafone offers international roaming services, allowing you to use your SIM card or eSIM in many countries worldwide. However, roaming charges apply, so it’s important to check the rates and activate an appropriate plan before traveling outside of Italy.

Q: What should I do if I lose my Vodafone SIM card or eSIM?

A: If you lose your Vodafone SIM card or eSIM, contact Vodafone customer support immediately to report the loss and request a replacement. They will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your account’s security and assist with obtaining a new SIM card or reactivating your eSIM on a new device.

Q: Can I keep my Italian Vodafone number after leaving Italy?

A: If you wish to keep your Italian Vodafone number after leaving Italy, you may be able to do so depending on your specific circumstances. Contact Vodafone customer support for detailed information and assistance.

12. Final Words

Vodafone SIM cards and eSIMs allow connectivity while traveling around Italy. It offers great coverage, fast speeds, and plans for easy communication. Activation is simple via SIM or eSIM. Check rates, top-up options, and USSD codes for a pleasant experience. With Vodafone in Italy, you’ll feel assured of connectivity wherever you go.

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What's The Best eSIM For Italy? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its world-class kitchen, rich Roman and medieval history, and lively locals, Italy isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in Italy at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Italy and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Italy by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Vodafone, Telecom Italia, and Wind Tre.

✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Italy and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for Italy?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for Italy in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for Italy for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Italy scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from Italy scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for Italy scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for Italy scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Italy . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Italy, for example, Airalo works directly with Vodafone, Telecom Italia, and Wind Tre to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Italy range from $4.50 to $33 and include between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to Italy, Holafly's data packages cost between $19 and $99 once off and are valid from five to 90 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Italy, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in Italy like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $7 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (some plans up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general.

However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's,

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to Italy or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in Italy?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Italy, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Italy. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Italy without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Italy are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Italy is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local Italian SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your Italian trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Italy. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Italy,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Italy (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on Italian networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your Italian vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Italy from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From Italy With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Italy with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Italy.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Italy to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from Italy (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local Italian phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in Italy

Are you planning a trip in Italy, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Italy, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Italy, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Italy overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Italy

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Italy. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Italy varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $4.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Italy.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Italy, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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