Traveling to Italy and need a local SIM card? Getting an Italy SIM card is easy and affordable, allowing you to access data, make calls, and send texts while visiting the country. This guide provides everything you need to know about getting a prepaid SIM card in Italy.
Table of Contents
1. Should I Buy a New SIM Card for My Italy Trip?
For most travelers, getting an Italy SIM card is highly recommended among these mobile internet options in Italy. With a local SIM, you can:
- Access Google Maps for navigation
- Use ridesharing apps like Uber
- Translate Italian words and phrases on the fly
- Post photos and updates to social media
- Make local calls and texts affordable
- Avoid expensive roaming charges in Italy from your home carrier.
An Italy SIM gives you constant connectivity, helping you get around and enhancing your travel experience. The only reason not to get one is if you plan to stay completely off the grid during your trip.
2. Italy SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?
When shopping for an Italy SIM card, you’ll find these main options:
| SIM Card Type | Pros | Cons |
| Physical SIM | Easy to find and purchase at many shops/kiosks. Low upfront cost. No need for compatible device | Need to insert physical card. Risk of losing or damaging card. Additional stop needed to purchase |
| eSIM | No physical card needed, just download profile. Convenient if you already have an eSIM compatible device. Can set up plan before arriving in Italy | Need compatible devices |
In summary, if you have an eSIM-compatible iPhone or Samsung, eSIM may be more convenient as you don’t need to purchase a physical card or switch SIMs. Just scan the QR code. However, if traveling with others with non-eSIM phones, get a physical SIM that can be shared via mobile hotspot.
3. How Much Data Is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Italy?
Most travelers will be fine with 2-4GB of data on a prepaid SIM card for a short Italy trip. Here are some data usage estimates as a reference:
- 500MB-1GB per day for light usage (maps, some social media, web browsing)
- 2GB per day for moderate usage (streaming music, sharing photos/videos, using data regularly throughout the day)
- 4GB+ per day for heavy usage (streaming HD video, large file downloads)
Get at least 10GB for a 7-10 day trip, and 15-20GB if you’ll use data heavily daily. Some Italian SIM cards also offer unlimited data packages which can provide great value for longer visits.
4. How Much Does an Italy SIM Card Cost?
Costs for Italy SIM cards are very reasonable, especially compared to roaming charges. The average prices are:
| Operators | Plan Name | Price | Data | Local Calls | SMS | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| Fastweb | Fastweb Mobile | ~ 8.5 USD | 150 GB at 5G Speed | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days | ~ 19 USD |
| Fastweb Mobile Full | ~10.5 USD | 200 GB at 5G Speed | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days | ~ 21 USD | |
| Fastweb Mobile Maxi | ~ 12.5 USD | 300 GB at 5G Speed | Unlimited | 100 SMS | 30 days | ~ 23 USD | |
| Iliad | Voice Only | ~ 5 USD | 40 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | ~ 15 USD |
| Data 300 | ~ 14 USD | 300 GB | - | - | 30 days | ~ 24 USD | |
| GIGA 100 | ~ 8 USD | 100 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | ~ 18 USD | |
| GIGA 150 | ~ 10 USD | 150 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | ~ 20 USD | |
| Vodafone | Vodafone Holiday SIM | ~ 30 USD | 2 GB in 4G speed | 300 minutes | 300 SMS | 30 days | ~ 30 USD |
| Vodafone Dolce Vita | ~ 15 USD | 100 GB in 5G | 200 minutes | 200 SMS | 30 days | ~ 15 USD | |
| TIM | TIM Tourist SIM | ~ 16 USD | 100GB 5G speed | Unlimited | - | 30 days | ~ 26 USD |
| WindTre | WindTre Tourist Pass | ~ 26 USD | 200GB in 5G + 27GB in the EU + 3GB in Switzerland | Unlimited + 100 international minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days | ~ 26 USD |
These are approximate figures, however, they tend to vary from one store to another or even when choosing a particular prepaid plan.
Notes:
- US Dollars ($) for all prices.
- SIM card cost paid once and be added to the total cost above.
- Fastweb plan is a monthly recurring payment that will be deducted from your bill every month.
- Also, some prepaid plans comprise unlimited calls and messages to Italian numbers.
5. Italy eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
Some providers issue eSIMs in addition to physical SIM cards in Italy. An eSIM is a digital SIM profile that gets installed directly on your phone.
The advantages of using an Italy eSIM include:
- No need to get a physical SIM card
- Activation is done digitally, including eSIM QR code scanning
- Great for unlocked phones with dual SIM slots
- Flexible plans and easy top-ups
Check out our great daily and multi-day rates from Italy-eSIM, starting at only $3 a day. Save up to 80% compared to roaming with fast 4G/5G speeds wherever you go in Italy.
Join over 250,000 satisfied travelers and skip the roaming charges. Purchase your Italy eSIM plan right now, and enjoy affordable, hassle-free connectivity throughout your trip.
6. Where to Buy an Italy SIM Card?
Finding the right place to buy an Italy SIM card is important for staying connected while traveling.
6.1. Buy eSIM online
To get an Italy eSIM, simply visit a provider’s website like Italy-esim.com, select your plan, and activate your eSIM by scanning a QR code on your phone.
The entire process takes just minutes and delivers your connectivity instantly. Some eSIMs have better country coverage in Europe than others, so compare providers before purchasing.
6.2. Buy Physical SIM Card
Physical SIM cards can be purchased at:
- Major airports and train stations – SIM kiosks are always in the arrival areas. Look for carriers like TIM, Vodaphone, and Wind to buy SIM cards in Italy airports.
- Electronics stores – like MediaWorld, Unieuro, and Euronics sell SIM cards. Bring your passport for registration.
- Local phone shops – Smaller independent stores also provide SIM cards in Rome or SIM cards in Milan. Look for the “SIM Card” signs in windows.
When buying in person, TIM or Vodafone as they have the widest networks. WindTre is also decent. Avoid more obscure carriers that could have patchy coverage.
7. How to Use Italy SIM
Using your Italian SIM card is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone. For iPhones, you may need a SIM pin to open the tray.
- Restart your device and the SIM will automatically configure your network settings.
- You may need to input the PIN code provided on the SIM packaging to activate it.
- To add more data or minutes, purchase top-up cards called ricariche from tobacco shops, newsstands, or carrier stores.
- Make sure to turn OFF cellular data roaming on your previous carrier. This prevents simultaneous connections that can rack up huge fees.
- When finished with the SIM, just power down your phone and switch back to your regular carrier SIM before flying home.
8. Best Mobile Operators for Italy SIM Cards
Here are the top recommended Italian network providers for getting a local Italy SIM card, following the Opensignal report on November 2023:
| Carrier | Coverage | Speed | Price |
| TIM | Extensive nationwide 4G and 5G coverage. Won 5G Video Experience award. | Won both 5G speed awards with average 5G download speed of 239.3Mbps and upload speed of 22.8Mbps. | Mid-range pricing plans starting around €10-15 per month. Bundles and discounts available. |
| Vodafone | Strong 4G and 5G coverage across most major cities and regions. | Fastest overall download speed of 37.9Mbps. Fastest overall upload speed of 10.4Mbps. | Mid-range to premium pricing ranging from €10-30 per month depending on plan. Offers discounts for bundles. |
| WindTre | Good 4G coverage nationwide. Tied for leader in new 5G Coverage Experience award. | Average download speed over 29Mbps. Won 5G Availability award. | Low-cost plans starting at €5-7 per month. Mid-range plans around €10-15 with more data and extras. |
| Iliad | Won Availability award with highest percentage of time connected at 98.6%. | Average download speed over 26Mbps. | Ultra low-cost plans from €5-7. Competitive on data allowances for the price. No long-term contracts. |
| Fastweb | Strong fiber network in northern Italy extends 5G coverage in those areas. | Average download speed over 33Mbps. Tied for 5G Coverage Experience award. | Mobile plans bundled with fixed broadband and TV. Mid-range postpaid and hybrid plans. |
Overall, Vodafone/Iliad for the best value. It has the most affordable prepaid and free data roaming in the EU. However, if you seek good customer service or 5G coverage, then you can go for Vodafone, WindTre, or TIM.
Which mobile network should you go for?
The choice of the best mobile operator is subjective, taking into account your needs and financial ability. Check the guide about Italy mobile operators to know more.
9. Tips for Saving Data for Italy SIM Card
To reduce your data usage, make the most of your cell phone in Italy:
- Connect to free WiFi whenever possible – at your hotel, restaurants, and cafes.
- Download maps and music playlists on WiFi before heading out for the day.
- Limit streaming of high bandwidth video and music when only on cellular data.
- Disable auto-app updates on your phone which can eat up data quickly.
- Turn off Background App Refresh for apps that don’t need constant data access.
- Shut down extra features like hotspots or NFC that can drain data when not needed.
- Check this guide to make the most of your phone in Italy to reduce any inconvenience from unexpected roaming fees or connectivity issues.
By following these tips, you can easily make 2-4GB last your entire Italy trip!
10. FAQs
Do I need to show ID to get an Italy SIM card?
Yes, you’ll need to show your passport when registering a new SIM card in Italy. This is required by law to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Can I use an Italy SIM across Europe?
Italian SIMs only provide free roaming within Italy. For Europe-wide coverage, look at eSIM options from providers like italy-esim.com or KnowRoaming. Or you can buy a local SIM in each country.
Is WiFi widely available in Italy?
Yes, most hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, and public spaces offer free public WiFi in cities across Italy. Smaller towns may have fewer hotspots, so a SIM card is still recommended.
Can I use a SIM in rental cars in Italy?
Most rental cars do not come with a SIM card or WiFi hotspot. Verify with your provider at pickup. If not available, I’d advise getting your own wireless SIM/eSIM as a backup for navigation.
11. Conclusion
Getting an Italian SIM card is affordable and simple for short Italy trips. Major prepaid providers like TIM, Vodafone and Wind have good coverage and avoid costly roaming fees. A SIM allows maps, social media and travel apps for directions around Italy. Purchase one from kiosks in airports and train stations upon arrival to connect right away. Enjoy your Italian vacation!
