Sim cards in Italy for Travelers: Italy SIM card Full Guide

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Looking for the best SIM card for Italy to make your travels hassle-free? Look no further! Losing data while abroad can feel like a nightmare, cutting you off from emails, social media, and essential travel information. In this guide, I’ll help you understand everything about getting a SIM card in Italy, including:

• The top locations to purchase a SIM card in Italy.
• Key details on providers and their offerings.
• Tips on choosing the right plan for your needs.

For tech enthusiasts, explore the best options between prepaid SIM cards and eSIM cards, along with tips to maximize your Italian SIM card experience. Discover where to buy a SIM card in Italy and stay effortlessly connected. Dive into my full guide to ensure a stress-free Italian adventure!

Italy Sim Card Vs E Sim Card Italy

If you wish to remain connected during your travels in Italy, you have two main options: buy a sim card Italy or get an eSIM card. The choice between the two depends on your preferences and travel plans.

A prepaid sim card Italy is a physical SIM card that you can purchase from stores or mobile network providers once you arrive in Italy. This option requires you to be physically present in Italy to buy and activate the SIM card. It's a convenient choice if you prefer a tangible SIM card and don't mind the process of purchasing it in person.

On the other hand, an eSIM card is a digital SIM that you can purchase and activate online before your trip. This means you can buy an Italy sim card unlimited data plan from anywhere in the world, even before you arrive in Italy.

What Is the Best Sim Card in Italy ?

Here it will all depend on your needs and on your budget. Here are some of the top contenders for Italy data sim card for tourists we could find:

1. Windtre offers the “Tourist Pass Full” for €14.99 for 30 days. It provides unlimited data in Italy and 70GB within the EU in 5G, along with 100 free international call minutes. It really is a top choice for non-EU travelers. You can get all the info here.
2. Tim (Telecom Italia Mobile) has the Tim Tourist plan for €14,99. The sim card Tim Italy comes with unlimited domestic call minutes and 100 GB of data. With 100 minutes international calls, it’s pretty much the same offer than Windtre. Quite a reasonable price for 30 days of usage as well. All info here.
3. Iliad's prepaid SIM cards option is the cheapest with 100 GB of data and unlimited domestic calls for only €9.99. Iliad sim card Italy is an excellent value choice if you’re a data-heavy user and you travel on a budget. You can subscribe here.

If these major carriers don't offer eSIM compatibility, we found another great alternative that provides eSIM travel plans: Simify. Amongst our favorite plans: 50 GB for 30 days at €6,95 and unlimited data at €27,95 for up to 90 days!

Sim Card in Italy via Get Your Guide

With Get Your Guide, you don't need to worry about choosing a provider and finding a store. Just visit Get Your Guide and select one of their SIM card plans.

While you won't get calls, messages or huge amounts of data, this option will be sufficient for most travelers and is the cheapest and easiest we could find out there.

Here are 3 options to consider on Get Your Guide:

1. Italy eSIM Unlimited Data by Connectphone eSIM: from €25.
2. Cheap prepaid Sim Card Tourist eSIM Data Plan: from €6,11.
3. Italy and Europe eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan by Redtea Mobile: from €4,65.

Choosing e-sim Cards for Italy

If you prefer not to handle physical SIM cards, then you might want to consider eSIMs to stay connected in Italy.

They come with a huge advantage: the remote activation. No need to visit a store. You’ll have to make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.

Here are some top eSIM options:

• Airalo: known for its ease of use and competitive pricing, Airalo provides different data plans tailored for tourists. You can activate your eSIM before you arrive in Italy. Airalo plans run from $4,50 to $33.
• SimOptions: this platform provides various eSIM plans depending on your data needs. It's a great option if your priority is flexibility and a reliable service without the hassle of buying sim card in Italy. SimOptions e-sim plans run from $4,50 to $59,90.
• Simify: Simify offers a very interesting tourist sim card Italy with extensive data allowances. It's ideal if you need substantial data for streaming and navigation and you don’t want to buy a physical Wind sim card Italy. Simify plans are easy to purchase and activate online and are available from €6,95 to €40,95.

Top network providers operating in Italy

Here’s a list of the top options to consider when buying a sim card in Italy. From here, you will be able to pick the best option possible.

Wind Tre Sim Tourist Pass Full

Wind Tre offers a good deal for €14.99 with their “Wind Tre Tourist Pass Full”.

You will have unlimited data in Italy, and 70 GB within the EU.

This is a great option for international (non-EU) travellers – you also get 100 free minutes for international calls.

The Wind sim card Italy option from Wind Tre is an excellent choice if you plan to visit Italy. Their “Tourist Pass Full” plan offers truly unlimited data within Italy and it includes a generous data allowance for use across the EU in 5G.

A top choice if you plan to visit multiple European countries. The plan also includes 100 free international call minutes and you won’t have to pay for any activation fees. Wind Italy prepaid sim card is valid for 30 days.

You can find more details on the official website on this page >>

Simify

Simify provide a large selection of travel SIM cards for your next Italy trip.

Simify Europe & UK SIM cards will work across Italy and feature 40GB, 80GB, and 140GB for 28 days or 12GB for 30 days.

It will help you stay connected across many other European countries, so there is no need to buy multiple SIM cards.

Their plans are designed to provide extensive coverage across Europe. Simify's SIM cards are easy to activate and come with a 100% money-back guarantee. They’re digital SIM, which means you’ll be able to activate your card before you arrive in Italy. Simify plans cost from $6 to $39.

Check Simify Italy 50GB eSIM price on this page >>

Iliad

This is a decent option for a prepaid sim card in Italy for those on a budget. You can get 180GB for €9.99. In addition, there are unlimited minutes for making calls!

The Iliad sim card Italy is one of the best options if you travel on a budget. You’ll enjoy a generous data allowance as well as truly unlimited domestic calls within Italy. Iliad's prepaid sim card Italy includes unlimited SMS messaging and comes with an expanding network coverage. No surprise it’s one of the most popular options among locals!

Vodafone

Vodafone offers a holiday sim for visitors to Italy. It contains 300 call minutes and 300 SMS within Italy and to your home country. You’ll get 2GB of data too. However, there is an activation charge of €30.

The Vodafone SIM card Italy is a reliable option for tourists as it comes with a strong 4G and 5G coverage across the country. The Vodafone Italy tourist SIM card is ideal for you if you’re a short-term visitor and you need basic connectivity. Also Vodafone provides easy top-up options and customer support in English.

Tim Sim card

This provider offers a range of options for visitors to Italy. We love the sim card Tim Italy option from TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) for its reliable nationwide coverage (though lower than others) and affordable plans. In addition to the “Tim Special Start” package mentioned, TIM offers the “TIM Tourist” plan, that includes 100GB of data, unlimited calls for domestic calls and 100 minutes international calls for €14,99, valid for 30 days.

lycamobile Italy Prepaid SIM Cards

Lycamobile Italy sim card is also a cheap option. Our favorite eSIM lycamobile plan comes with 180 GB, unlimited national calls and 200 SMS; all of that for only €5,99 per month. You can also enjoy a huge 450 GB plan for €14,99 for 30 days or a very cheap €4,99 plan for 30 days for 3GB. Good news is Lyca lets you decide between physical or digital SIM!

Of course, there are even more. Do a quick Google search for the following and you will find dozens of more sim cards in Italy:

• SimOptions prepaid SIM cards
• Yesim esim
• Sim Local
• Gigsky sim card
• Holafly esim

How to Choose the One for You & Where to Buy Italy SimCard

An Italy sim card decision will be made depending on your needs. If you want a simple data card, this can work out cheap. If you need international calls, or want EU roaming and want to stream Netflix, expect to pay over €30.

Consider your data needs, call requirements and trip duration to select the right plan and simcard. Compare network coverage for your destinations and check plan validity periods. You better avoid overpriced airport kiosks and instead purchase from local mobile stores or authorized resellers in city centers for better deals.

Consider Price & Mobile Data

Italian SIM cards are pretty affordable. Some providers offer 2GB for as little as €1. But remember to compare plans and read the fine print carefully. Take your data needs during your trip into account and keep in mind that you'll likely use more data while traveling than at home.

Tip – We would advise you to opt for a plan with enough data to avoid costly top-ups; those are very expensive! Many SIM cards include EU roaming, but check for any limitations or caps. Also, some cards have expiration dates, so ensure the validity covers your entire stay.

Calls & Messages

Many plans offer unlimited internet data that will allow you to use WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime for calls and messages. This will be enough for most travelers, especially if you’re looking for the best sim card in Italy for students. But if you prefer traditional international calls and texts, you’d better look for plans that include these features.

Some providers offer packages with a set number of international minutes and SMS. Be aware that plans focusing solely on data might not include standard international calling or SMS. So if you rely on regular phone calls to stay in touch with family or for work, make sure the plan you choose includes texts and calls.

Where to Buy Sim Card in Italy (Online & Phone stores)

To get the best sim card in Italy for tourists, avoid overpriced airport kiosks and instead buy from local mobile stores in city centers. Major cities and tourist destinations have numerous cell phone shops where you can find a good choice of plans.

You also have the option to purchase a SIM card online before your trip, which is a great way to save money and plan everything in advance.

Buying It in Airports

If you want a cheap option, do not get it at the airport! We would suggest you wait until you get into town and get a better deal there.

Touching on airport matters, you might want to check out the premium airport transfer service from Online Travel Card.

With this service, you can travel in comfort and style, without worrying about navigating public transportation or finding a taxi. Plus, it's a great way to avoid pickpockets and start your journey off stress-free!

The Most Affordable & Cheap Italy Sim Card for Travellers

There are a couple of really good deals. The Tre sim €5 for 5GB is perfect for those on a budget who need a little data to get by. If you need calls, try the Iliad options.

For an even more comprehensive option, consider the Iliad sim card. For just €9.99, you get 100GB of data and unlimited domestic calls. It’s one of the best value deals available down here. Plus Iliad offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. It’s a great deal for travelers on a budget!

Tips for Using It – Some Cons

Yes, Italian SIM cards come with many benefits, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind too:

• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Italian networks. Some older devices may not work with all carriers.
• If you purchase your SIM card in-store, you might face some language difficulties. Many stores in tourist areas have English-speaking staff, but this isn't guaranteed everywhere.
• You'll need to present a valid ID if you want to purchase a physical SIM card. This is a legal requirement in Italy.
• Physical SIM cards may take a few hours to activate.
• Some prepaid SIM cards plans have expiration dates.
• Be aware of any fair usage policies or speed throttling after reaching certain data thresholds.
• Even if it’s pretty good across the territory, network coverage may be way slower in rural areas. Don’t hesitate to look for coverage maps if you travel to remote locations.
• Not all providers offer eSIM options, which will limit choices for users with eSIM-compatible devices.

Unlocking the Phone

Here’s a quick explanation on how to unlock your phone:

1. Reach out to your current mobile carrier and request an unlock. They may have some requirements: you might have to complete your contract or pay off the device.
2. Provide your phone's IMEI number. It can be found in the settings or by dialing *#06#.
3. Your carrier will provide instructions to complete the unlocking process. You’ll probably have to enter a code and / or update your phone's settings.
4. Once unlocked, test with a different SIM card to make sure it works.

Why Purchasing a Sim Card in Italy Is a Smart Decision

Here are just a few examples:

• Cheaper data from an Italy Sim card than roaming
• A prepaid SIM cards option keeps you connected to back home
• You’ll be able to book tickets or get hotel reservations online without it
• Useful also for passing the time in the queue at the Vatican Museums!
• Great if you’re a digital nomad in Rome who need internet
• The good thing about getting an Italy Sim card for travellers in Europe is that you can usually roam between selected EU countries for free. This is ideal if you plan to do Rome and London for example, or couple Florence with Copenhagen!

5G in Italy

Good news: Italian’s 5G coverage is getting more and more extensive and reliable, especially in tourist destinations. Vodafone, Wind Tre, Iliad, TIM and all major providers offer strong 4G and 5G networks.

From what we could find online, Wind Tre boasts the best 4G/5G network coverage in Italy. Vodafone also provides excellent coverage, especially in Sardinia. And while TIM has the smallest 5G network, it still ensures good connectivity in most tourist areas, but it won’t be the best choice if you travel in remote areas.

FAQs

Where to buy Tim sim card in Italy?

You can get it at Rome’s airports (not recommended). There is a store at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 95, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

How to get a sim card in Italy?

Get it at any phone store in Italy, as well as certain kiosks, and inside Termini station.

How much is a sim card in Italy?

You can it from as little as €5. The majority of decent ones will be around €10.

How to buy Italian sim card in Australia?

Unfortunately, you cannot. You need to be physically in Italy, with a valid ID, so that they can register you with a state ID.

Where to buy an international sim card in Italy?

Head to any phone store or kiosk and ask for the one that allows international roaming and calls. Expect these to be over €20.

How to buy a sim card for Italy in the USA?

You must be in Italy to buy one, as you will need to present your ID in person.

How to activate a Vodafone sim card in Italy?

You will receive an activation code on purchase. You may need to wait several hours before the phone can be activated.

Will my cell phone work in Italy?

Most cell phones will work in Italy if you have roaming enabled, but beware of steep data charges.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Italy SIM card will allow you to make the most of your travel experience and ensure you stay connected without spending too much money.

Before you choose a physical SIM or an eSIM, make sure you consider your data needs, budget and travel plans. You’ll find many budget-friendly and comprehensive packages, so don’t hesitate to compare providers before you choose!