Iliad SIM Cards & eSIM: Detailed Guides for Tourists

Iliad is a major telecom provider in Italy that offers mobile phones, home internet, and other services. When it entered the Italian market in 2016, it disrupted the industry by offering cheap alternatives to competitors like TIM and Vodafone. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting an Iliad SIM card or eSIM for use in Italy, including coverage, speeds, options/costs for physical SIMs vs eSIM.

1. Quick Facts About the Iliad in Italy

Iliad is a French telecommunications company with its Italian mobile network which began to operate in 2016. However, it was inexpensive and had simple plans which helped it to become popular fast.

Quick facts about the Iliad in Italy:

• Iliad is the fourth biggest mobile operator in Italy with more than 9.5million consumers.
• The Iliad offers a range of prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, all having free unlimited calls and SMS to Italy numbers.
• On the same note, the Iliad provides data options that start from 1 GB and span up to 150 GB monthly.
• In terms of prices, Iliad is one of the competent providers in Italy. For instance, a 150 GB prepaid plan of Iliad is available for about Є9.99 (~USD 10).
• In most places of Italy, the Iliad’s network coverage is quite extensive, although not as much compared to the major operators’ networks.

In general, the Iliad is an excellent choice for consumers seeking an affordable mobile airtime package that allows unlimited calls and messaging. While taking a plan with the Iliad, consumers need to be aware that it has limited network coverage and less customer service.

2. Italy Iliad Coverage and Speed in Italy

Iliad may be newer than the incumbent Italian operators, but they’ve quickly rolled out nationwide coverage that makes them a great choice for tourists. Here’s an overview of Iliad’s network reach across Italy and the speeds you can expect:

2.1. Iliad Coverage in Italy

The Iliad provides perfect coverage on the Italian market. Here is a table of the 5G coverage of the four major mobile operators in Italy:

• Iliad is the outright winner of the Availability award, with a score of 98.6%. This means that Iliad users spend the largest proportion of time connected to either 3G, 4G, or 5G compared to other operators. Availability looks at the percentage of time a user has a cellular connection.
• For 5G Availability specifically, WindTre wins with a score of 15.4%, while Iliad comes second with 14.9%. So while Iliad users have the best overall connectivity, WindTre leads for time spent on 5G connections.

In summary, Iliad provides the most consistent coverage experience out of all Italian operators based on its Availability score. While its 5G availability is second best to WindTre, it still offers strong connectivity for users across Italy, based on both national and regional results.

2.2. Iliad Speed in Italy

As per the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report for Italy of May 2023:

• Iliad speeds are not the fastest in Italy. For download speed, they got an average of 26.9 Mbps nationally. This placed them in 4th place behind Vodafone, Fastweb, and TIM.
• Regionally, Iliad’s download speeds varied. In North East Italy they got 32.2 Mbps. But in other regions like North West and Sicily, they were much slower at 27.3 Mbps and 23.2 Mbps.
• Their upload speeds were also not the highest. Nationally, Iliad averaged 7.3 Mbps for uploads. This put them in 5th place behind the top scorer Vodafone.
• When comparing Iliad to other operators on 5G, their 5G download speed was below average too. But they did get the top score for network availability, meaning users had a connection most of the time.

In general, the report shows that while Iliad provides stable connections, their data speeds for downloads and uploads are not currently the fastest in Italy compared to operators like Vodafone and TIM. But they have been growing fast since launching in 2018.

3. Iliad Connectivity Options for Travelers to Italy

Iliad caters for its residents and visitors with its prepaid plan on their network. Here are the two main options tourists have for getting Italy Iliad service:

Which connectivity option is best for you?

The best connectivity option for you will depend on your needs and budget.

• If you are only going to be in Italy for a short time and you need a lot of data, then an eSIM is a good option.
• If you are going to be in Italy for a longer time or you need more data, then a SIM card is a good option. 
• Mobile hotspot allows you to have internet access on multiple devices and offer internet connection in poor cell service areas.
• In case you are looking for an internet connection while on the move then pocket Wi-Fi will be good.

4. Best Iliad SIM Cards for Tourists & Costs

Iliad only offers prepaid plans on their Italian network. The SIM costs around 10 USD with the first month of service included. You then choose a suitable plan. Here are the Iliad SIM Card plan along with current pricing:

5. Does Iliad Italy Support eSIM?

Yes, Iliad launched eSIM support in October 2020. This allows compatible iPhones and Android phones to use data plans through Iliad’s mobile app instead of physical SIM cards.

To use the Iliad Italy eSIM service, you’ll need:

• Compatible device. Check this Italy eSIM Compatible Devices List.
• Italian Fiscal Code and address in Italy.

Then you can purchase and activate an Iliad Italy eSIM entirely digitally through their website. Iliad eSIM has the same plans as Iliad SIM Card, so you can check the plan above to choose.

6. Where Can You Buy an Iliad SIM Card and eSIM?

There are several ways to get Iliad service when visiting Italy, whether you want a standard Iliad SIM card or Iliad eSIM.

6.1. Where to Buy an Iliad SIM Card in Italy

You have a few options for purchasing an Iliad Italy SIM card:

• Online – Order directly from Iliad Italy’s website for delivery in Italy or abroad. But you need ID to buy. Not recommended.
• Iliad Store – Visit an official Iliad store in cities like Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples, etc. Find an Iliad store near you.
• Iliad Point – These partner retailers have Iliad SIMs available across Italy.

Prices are the same online or in-store. Just check coverage at your destination and order the right SIM card for your phone.

6.2. Where to Buy an Iliad Italy eSIM

You can purchase the Iliad eSIM on Iliad website, in our Stores and Corners, or with the support of our consultants at 177.

You need the Italian Fiscal Code to register Iliad eSIM. You will be able to download your eSIM from the email you will receive once you have completed the subscription or from your Personal Area, so it will be immediately available!

7. How to Activate an Iliad Italy SIM Card & eSIM

Activating your Iliad SIM card or eSIM is fast and easy. Here are the steps for each:

7.1. How to Activate an Iliad Italy SIM Card

1. Insert the Iliad SIM card into your unlocked phone.

2. On Android, APN settings may need entered manually:
   • APN: iliad
   • Username: iliad
   • Password: iliad
3. Power on your phone and you’ll get a text to confirm activation.
4. You may need to call 400 or get help from Iliad support if the SIM isn’t automatically activated.

Once working, you can recharge additional data packs as needed through the Iliad app or website.

7.2. How to Activate an Iliad Italy eSIM

1. Install the Iliad Italy app on your iPhone or Android phone.

2. Create an account and login.
3. Choose your Iliad prepaid plan in the eSIM tab.
4. Follow prompts to install the Iliad eSIM profile on your device.
5. Activation occurs digitally through the app within minutes.

You’ll then manage your Iliad eSIM plan using their app. Be sure to download Iliad eSIM profiles before any overseas travel.

8. Iliad Italy Call & SMS Rates

Iliad Italy prepaid plans include generous call and text allowances:

Please note that these are just estimates and the actual rates may vary depending on your exchange rate.

9. Useful USSD Codes for Iliad Italy SIM Cards

USSD codes let you check your account or enable features by dialing special numbers from your Iliad SIM card. Here are some of the most useful Iliad Italy USSD codes:

• Via Phone – call 400 and listen to the remaining credit details. Or text “Credit” then send to 400 to receive free SMS.
• Via Internet – Visit the website iliad.it and login to your Iliad customer account.

So dial these codes directly from your Iliad Italy SIM to check usage, add credit, enable features, and more.

10. How to Top-Up an Iliad Italy SIM Card or eSIM

When your data allowance runs low, you’ll need to add more credit to continue service. There are a few ways to top-up an Iliad SIM card or Iliad eSIM:

• Automatic Top-Up – Enable this in the Iliad app and your plan will renew each month.
• Iliad Website – Log in to your account dashboard and choose your top-up amount.
• Iliad App – Go to the Recharge section and choose a data pack or plan amount.
• Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers locally and enter the code online.
• USSD Top-Up – Dial *139*AMOUNT# to add that amount of credit.

So recharging online or through the app is easiest. Vouchers and USSD top-up work as well. Your new data balance appears immediately.

11. Alternatives to Iliad Italy

While the Iliad is a top choice for great value connectivity, there are other operator options in Italy:

• TIM – Italy’s largest operator with widespread coverage and fast speeds. But more expensive.
• Vodafone – Multinational telecom with great networks across Italy. Also pricier.
• WindTre – Formed by the merger of Wind and 3 Italia. Mid-range prices and coverage.
• Italy-esim.com – Italy eSIM provider with prepaid Italy eSIM data-only options or calls & texts eSIM. No need a passport or ID.

So Iliad stands out with unmatched prices and strong coverage almost everywhere. But other operators and providers work well too if needed. 

Stay connected seamlessly in Italy with Italy eSIM. Just buy an eSIM plan online with your verified email – no lengthy signups or extra information needed. Scan and use the virtual SIM immediately. Say goodbye to roaming charges and SIM card hassles. Visit Italy-esim.com now to get started!

12. FAQs About Using Iliad in Italy

13. Final Words

This guide covers getting connected with Iliad in Italy. Their prepaid Iliad SIM cards and eSIM Iliad plans offer excellent value and coverage nationwide. Ultra-competitive rates, easy activation and strong performance make Iliad a top choice for visitors to stay connected. Get a SIM on arrival or activate an eSIM before your trip.