Do you want to visit Italy but aren't sure which is the best SIM card in Italy for tourists or if you'll need one? Then you've come to the right place!
This entire article will inform you all you need to know about the best eSIM Italy deals and SIM cards for tourists. We'll go through if you need an Italian SIM card for your trip to Italy, where you can obtain one, and how much it costs.
Furthermore, we will introduce you to the main mobile carriers in Italy, answer frequently asked questions, and illustrate alternative methods of obtaining a SIM card, such as e-SIM cards.
Continue reading to get the most out of your Italian holiday!
Do I really need an Italian SIM card for my vacation in Italy?
First of all, we'd want to address one of the most important problems, such as whether you even need an Italian SIM card for your upcoming vacation to Italy.
- If you are from Europe, you should not require an Italian SIM card because roaming inside the EU (and the European Economic Area) is free since 2017. This means that you may use your existing SIM card in Italy without paying additional costs in most cases. However, your service provider may impose restrictions on foreign usage, which you should confirm to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- If you are not from Europe and are travelling from the US or another part of the world, getting a SIM card in Italy to avoid expensive international roaming costs makes a lot of sense. Purchasing a local SIM card assures that your mobile data connections are reliable, secure, and quick throughout your Italy vacation, allowing you to communicate easily.
To check the compatibility of your mobile phone, you can proceed as follows:
→ For Android devices: Open the settings on your smartphone and go to "Connections" > "SIM card manager". If you see the option to add a mobile plan, it means your smartphone supports eSIMs.
→ For iOS devices: Open the settings on your iPhone and navigate to "Cellular Data" or "Cellular Data". If you see an option to "Add a Cellular Plan" or "Add a Data Plan," it means your iPhone supports eSIMs.
eSIM Italy: Comparison of All Available eSIM Deals
Most eSIM providers in Italy operate on major networks like TIM, Vodafone Italy, and WindTre, guaranteeing strong and reliable coverage. The main differences between providers lie in data limits, plan duration, and pricing.
Check the comparison table below for a detailed breakdown of available options.
HOLAFLY | ESQUIK | AIRALO | JETPAC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PROVIDER |  |  |  |  |
VALIDITY | UNLIMITED | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 20 GB | 1 GB - 40 GB |
NETWORK COVERAGE | Customisable (1 to 90 days) | Choose from 7, 15, or 30 days | 7, 15, or 30 days | 4, 7, or 30 days |
SPEED | 3G/4G/LTE/5G | LTE/5G | 5G | 4G |
PRICE & DATA EXAMPLE | 3 days unlimited data: €11.90 | 7 days 1 GB: €4.50 | 7 days 1 GB: €4.50 | 4 days 1 GB: €1.00 |
BEST FOR | Those needing high data usage, remote workers, long-term travelers | Travelers needing affordable options & strong coverage | Short-term travelers looking for adaptable data options | Travelers seeking the most affordable option with flexible plans |
PRICE |
Details of the Best eSIM Deals in Italy
1. Holafly
For travelers visiting Italy, Holafly offers a convenient eSIM solution with unlimited data, ensuring seamless internet access throughout the country. Available in over 160 destinations worldwide, this provider is ideal for those who need constant connectivity without worrying about data limits. With Holafly, tourists can enjoy fast and reliable mobile data without the hassle of purchasing a physical SIM card.
- Data Allowance: Unlimited
- Validity: Select between 1-90 days
- Network Coverage: Vodafone Italy / WINDTRE
- Best For: Travelers needing high data usage, business travelers, long-term visitors
- Additional Features:
Immediate delivery after purchase
Data-only
Daily 500 MB hotspot to share
Top eSIM Offers and Prices:
- 3 days unlimited data in Italy: €11.90
- 5 days unlimited data in Italy: €18.90
- 10 days unlimited data in Italy: €33.90
- 30 days unlimited data in Italy: €68.90
Visit below the Holafly's official website to benefit from a 5% discount, and get more information!
2. Esquik
Esquik offers a cost-effective eSIM solution for travelers in Italy, providing high-speed 5G data without the need for a physical SIM card. With plans priced lower than many competitors, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to stay connected without overspending. By partnering with Italy’s leading mobile networks, Esquik ensures reliable coverage across the country, making it a practical option for tourists.
- Data Allowance: Options from 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Vodafone, Telecom Italia, Wind Tre
- Best For: Those who need a budget-friendly eSIM with strong coverage
- Additional Features:
Supports 5G/LTE
Data-only plans
Top eSIM Offers and Prices:
- 7 days 1 GB in Italy: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB in Italy: €8.00
- 30 days 10 GB in Italy: €24.00
- 30 days 20 GB in Italy: €33.00
Click on the following link to access Esquik's website and benefit from a 5% discount!
3. Airalo
Airalo offers a convenient way to stay connected with affordable prepaid data plans available in over 200 countries, including Italy. Designed for short-term use, it ensures reliable internet access for navigation, communication apps, and web browsing throughout your trip. While it provides seamless connectivity, it’s important to note that Airalo’s eSIMs are data-only and do not support calls or SMS.
- Data Allowance: 1 GB to 20 GB
- Validity: 7, 15, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Vodafone, TIM, Wind Tre, Iliad
- Best For: Visitors on short stays who need customizable data plans and reliable connection
- Additional Features:
Instant Activation
Operates on 5G networks
Top eSIM Offers and Prices:
- 7 days 1 GB in Italy: €4.50
- 15 days 2 GB in Italy: €8.00
- 30 days 5 GB in Italy: €14.50
- 30 days 10 GB in Italy: €24.00
Check out Airalo's website to learn more about up-to-date prices and current plans!
4. Jetpac
Jetpac is a newer eSIM provider, known for its low-cost, high-data plans designed for travelers. With options ranging from 1 GB to 40 GB, it offers a budget-friendly solution for staying connected. Additionally, Jetpac includes extra perks like free VPN access and discounted entry to airport lounges. However, keep in mind that Jetpac’s eSIM plans are data-only, meaning they do not include calls or SMS services.
- Data Allowance: Flexible options from 1 GB to 40 GB
- Validity: 4, 7, or 30 days
- Network Coverage: Iliad Italy
- Best for: Ideal for travelers on a budget, digital nomads, and extended-stay visitors seeking cost-effective, high-data plans
- Additional Features:
Free VPN trial & lounge access (optional)
Supports 4G
Top eSIM Offers and Prices:
- 4 days 1 GB in Italy: €1.00
- 7 days 3 GB in Italy: €5.00
- 30 days 20 GB in Italy: €16.50
- 30 days 40 GB in Italy: €27.00
Click below to check Jetpac's website for the recent prices and discounts.
Where can I buy my Italian SIM card in Rome?
1. In the city
All over the city there are a number of ways to buy a prepaid SIM card. You can go directly to the branch offices of mobile phone providers such as TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile), Vodafone Italy, WindTre, Iliad and PosteMobile.
These stores are typically located in shopping areas, train stations, and larger supermarkets. You can also find prepaid SIM cards in convenience stores or kiosks around the city, although prices may be higher outside official stores.
You can buy an Italian SIM card in Rome at various locations, including official stores for major providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. These stores are located in popular areas such as Roma Termini Station, Via del Corso, and Piazza Barberini.
You can also find SIM cards at major shopping centers like Euroma2 or convenience stores like Coop and Carrefour. For easy access upon arrival, many train stations and busy shopping streets have kiosks and stores where you can quickly purchase and activate a SIM card.
2. At Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport
Tourists arriving by plane can also buy a prepaid SIM card for Italy at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. However, we do not recommend this option as the choice is very limited.
For €35, you will get 30 GB of data in Italy and 5 GB of data for EU data roaming.
Buying a SIM card at Rome Airport is much more expensive, and it is better to wait till you get to the city.
SIM cards are available at several kiosks and stores at the airport. Vodafone and TIM have stores in the arrival halls of Terminal 3. Vodafone’s kiosk is near the luggage belts, while both the TIM and Vodafone stores are located near the exit in the arrival hall. These stores offer a variety of prepaid tourist plans, but prices at the airport are often higher than in the city.
- Tip: If you want to use a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Italy, you should consider purchasing an eSIM card for the Italy in advance.
What Do I Need to Buy a Prepaid Sim Card In Italy ?
Buying a prepaid SIM card in Italy, unlike in other European nations, is simple, with no paperwork or registration fees.
All you require is an unlocked mobile phone. In some cases, a photo ID, such as a passport, ID card, or driver's license, may be required.
To purchase a SIM card in Italy, you'll need:
- Passport for identification.
- Unlocked phone: Your device must be unlocked to use foreign SIM cards.
- Some providers may also require you to complete a registration form upon purchase.
The Mobile Phone Providers in Italy at a Glance
The four main mobile operators in Italy are:
- TIM: Offers excellent coverage and a range of tourist-specific SIM cards.
- Vodafone: Known for good 4G and 5G coverage, with prepaid tourist packages.
- WindTre: Merged provider offering competitive prices and decent coverage.
- Iliad: Budget-friendly with straightforward prepaid options.
Cost of Buying a Prepaid SIM Card in Italy for Tourists
Below, you will find the best offers for prepaid SIM cards in Italy, which, in our opinion, are the most interesting for tourists.
1. TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile)
- Data Plan: 100 GB of data + unlimited calling + 100 international minutes.
- Validity: 30 days
- Price: €14.99, with an additional €10 activation fee.
- Network: 5G ready with speeds up to 2 Gbps and 16 GB of EU data roaming.
- eSIM Availability: TIM offers eSIMs for tourists, though availability can be limited, and physical SIMs are more common.
2. Vodafone Italy
Data Plans:
- 2 GB for €4, valid for 7 days.
- 10 GB for €13, valid for 10 days.
- 20 GB for €25, valid for 15 days.
Note: Vodafone now offers eSIM as a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. You can activate it digitally without needing a physical card or store visit.
3. WindTre
Data Plans:
- 70 GB of data (15 GB for EU roaming) with unlimited calls and 100 international minutes.
- Price: €14.99.
- Larger plan: 200 GB for €24.99.
- Validity: 30 days.
4. Iliad
Data Plans:
- 150 GB data (9 GB for EU roaming) + unlimited minutes and SMS in Europe, USA, and 60 other countries.
- Price: €7.99.
- 200 GB data (11 GB for EU roaming) + unlimited minutes and SMS in Europe, USA, and 60 other countries.
- Price: €9.99.
- 250 GB data (13 GB for EU roaming) + unlimited minutes and SMS in Europe, USA, and 60 other countries.
- Price: €11.99.
- Validity: 1 month
Prices may be higher at airports, so it's often more economical to purchase in city stores. If you prefer flexibility or are travelling across multiple European countries, eSIMs from providers like Holafly are also a great option.
Our opinion on the best eSIM Italy deals & SIM card for Tourists
For the best prepaid eSIM options in Italy, Holafly, Esquik, Airalo, and Jetpac stand out with their flexible plans and competitive pricing. Holafly is the ideal choice for those who need unlimited data, ensuring seamless connectivity without restrictions. Esquik offers affordable, high-speed 5G plans, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Airalo is best suited for short-term visitors, providing reliable and customizable data packages. For those looking for the cheapest option, Jetpac delivers low-cost plans with generous data allowances.
With an eSIM, staying connected in Italy and across the EU is effortless. Activation is instant and online, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps or in-store purchases. Whether for travel, work, or long-term stays, these providers offer a cost-effective and hassle-free way to stay online.
FAQs about SIM cards in Italy for Tourists
Italy is one of the best areas to get a SIM card quickly. Almost wherever in Italy, you should be able find the best SIM card for your needs.
For travelers who don't want to spend their valuable time in Rome looking for a shop to buy a SIM card, we recommend using eSIM cards of Holafy, Esquik, Airalo, and Jetpac. With many different plans at an affordable price, they offer a convenient way to get online right after arriving in Rome without having to exchange a physical SIM card and phone number.
Depending on what it contains, it can range between 4€ to 90€.
Yes, you can get a SIM card at the Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino airport,Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino airport,