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!
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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.
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
- Valid for: 30 days
Price: €14.99 + €10 activation cost
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
Price: €14.99 + €10 activation cost
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.
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:
GIGA 150
- 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
DATI 300
- 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:
In-person:
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.
Online:
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 SafetyWing 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.
- Recommended hiking gear: Check our recommendations on Amazon if you will be hiking in Italy!
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