Italy Sim Card for Tourist 2023

A tour to Italy can be one of the most exciting travel experiences of your life. There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in Italy and therefore, it is mandatory to make a travel plan before going to Bel Paese. In case you don’t have an italy sim card for tourist, your bill can get way more expensive than your expectations.

As soon as you set your feet in the vibrant and colorful streets of Italy, you would want to discover more and more. For that purpose, you will need stable internet access. You can avail yourself the most out of your trip only if you can browse on the internet. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best SIM card options in Italy. So let’s delve into it without further ado.

Why Buy a SIM Card For Italy?

Everyone is aware of the significance of phones in our lives, especially when we are traveling. People love to document their adventures and then post them on social media. Phones also come in handy for making quick currency conversions, translating phrases of desired languages, hailing Ubers, and whatnot. But all of these aforementioned facilities are possible if your phone is running on data.

Most people like to put their native SIM cards to use while visiting foreign countries. Sure, they may work but at the end of the day they will rack up incredible charges for data. It is also possible that you might not get the connectivity when you need it.

Getting your hands on a local SIM card in Italy can save you time, money, and trouble.

Things To Consider Before Buying a SIM Card in Italy

There is no one-size-fits-all approach while buying a SIM card in Italy as it is highly dependent on personal needs and preferences. Everyone has different budgets and requirements so they may vary. Let us take a look at the common things that you need to take into account.

Price

Everyone loves a deal especially when you are on a tight budget in a foreign country. Well, there is nothing to worry about the price of SIM cards in Italy as they are pretty cheap. You can get 2GB of data with just €1.

However, it’s always better to do your research by shopping around and reading the fine print. You can even buy more to save bigger in the long run. Be careful about the expiration date of cards in Italy as well. Some of them can’t be topped up or extended at all. Most of the SIM cards in Italy have free EU roaming so you have to read the fine print there. It is also possible that roaming data is capped outside Italy.

Data

The prices of prepaid SIM cards and data fall with the rising number of providers. The thing you will love the most about Italy is that the data prices are quite reasonable there. It is generally recommended to spend some time estimating the average data usage before heading off on your trip. This way you have a figure and you can purchase the data bundle accordingly when you are in Italy.

Remember that it is better to buy more at a lower cost than to buy less which needs a continuous top-up. This is because top-ups can get very costly so you have to keep an eye on this.

Coverage

You should take some time and research the coverage of various networks in the areas that you intend to visit. You will see exceptional 4G coverage all around. However, 5G coverage is common only in big cities in Italy.

Besides the limits set by geography, Vodafone and TIM outshine the other networks in 5G coverage. Most of the tourist spots in Italy have reasonable network exchange. Visitors heading to Sardinia are recommended to consider a Vodafone SIM for excellent coverage.

Bureaucracy

It is relatively easier to get a SIM card in Italy. It goes without saying that you have to keep your passport with you. Besides, a little documentation and red tape will get you your required SIM card. It is possible to purchase as many as three SIM cards with one passport.

Expiration

As mentioned before, the expiration date should be checked before buying the SIM. Choose the SIM card that covers the entire duration of your stay in Italy. For people who visit Italy often, it is recommended to get an open-ended SIM that has no expiration date.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Italy?

There are several places in Italy where you can get a hold of a SIM card. The most common of them are mentioned as under:

Airport

Most tourists like to purchase SIM cards at the airport because it is convenient and hassle-free. This option might be tempting but airport SIM cards can cost them way more than the ones at stores. Milan and Venice airports, in particular, are too expensive to make a purchase. If you do have to buy a SIM card at the airport, Rome airport has a reasonable price for them.

Airports have staff who communicate in English better than the general Italians so you can clear your queries about SIM cards there.

At a Store

You can find multiple stores in different cities of Italy which sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists.

Online

Ordering a SIM card online is an ideal option for visitors who want to access the internet as soon as they land. They can place an order beforehand and get the SIM card delivered to them as they reach Italy.

Best SIM Card Providers in Italy

In Italy, you get plenty of options to choose from when it comes to SIM cards.

OneSim

OneSim is known to provide traveler-friendly international SIM packages. Their SIM cards work in many countries including Italy. This option suits best for visitors who are regularly visiting Italy.

OneSim eSIM World

People who are using phones that are eSIM compatible should check out the OneSim eSIM World package. The best thing about it is that it has no expiration date. The price of SIM and data packages ranges from $13.

TIM

TIM is regarded as one of the best prepaid SIM cards in Italy. TIM stands first as the most important provider to the local people and tourists in Italy. Apart from the great 5G coverage they provide, they also offer plenty of affordable plans and packages to choose from. Their coverage is extraordinary even in rural areas.

However, they do have a downside of not making online sales.

Let’s take a look at some of the best offers by TIM.

TIM Tourist SIM – 15 GB (US$22.45)

• Data: 15 GB of internet 4G
• Free Chat: Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, and Snapchat
• Calls: 200 minutes in Italy and abroad
• Validity: Valid for 30 days

There is also a wonderful option for people who want to keep using their TIM tourist SIM if they want to continue their trip to Europe. They can enable TIM Viaggio Pass that has the following benefits:

TIM Viaggio Pass – 10 GB (US$22.45)

• Data: 10 GB of internet 4G
• Calls: 500 minutes (250 minutes to make calls and 250 minutes to receive calls)
• SMS: 500 SMS
• Validity: Valid for 30 days since the first phone call, SMS, or connection to the Internet.

You need to visit TIM’s webpage and complete the signup process to get on with the activation. Another option is to send the text ‘TVPASS ON’ to 40916 and follow the instructions given by TIM. In case you want to unsubscribe from this, just send ‘TVPASS OFF’ to the same number. Dial their customer service at 119 to get more information on this.

Besides, there is also a data-only SIM offered by TIM that doesn’t include any phone calls or SMS. Its data packages are mentioned as follows:

• Internet XL – 10 GB (US$33.70)
• Internet Large – 5 GB (US$22.45)
• Internet Start – 2 GB (US$11.23)

Remember that these packages are valid for 28 days.

Vodafone Italy

Having more than 26,000,000 subscribers, Vodafone Italy is the second-largest mobile network in the country. Tourists usually prefer Vodafone because it has the best options for travelers and it has a quality ratio price. Some of the most well-known packages offered by Vodafone are enlisted as under:

Vodafone Holiday – 2 GB (US$33.70)

• Data: 2 GB of 4G Internet
• Calls: 300 minutes to Italian numbers and your home country
• SMS: 300 SMS to Italian numbers and your home country

An interesting fact about Vodafone Holiday is that it is automatically renewed at $34 per renewal even if you have no credit on the SIM card. You can use the promotion by topping up the SIM card. The renewal fee is prepaid and it stays valid for almost 4 weeks. You can call the free number 42071 and deactivate the automatic renewal call if you want to.

Vodafone has a popular plan called Red Plan. Let’s look more into it.

Red Maxi – 8 GB (US$54.98)

• Data: 8GB of mobile data
• Calls: Unlimited
• SMS: Unlimited

Red Maxi – 4 GB (US$43.76)

• Data: 4GB of mobile data
• Calls: Unlimited
• SMS: Unlimited

Vodafone also offers data-only SIM which is a favorite option among a lot of tourists. Take a look at its data plans.:

Total Giga – 50 GB (US$33.70)

• Data: 50 GB of Internet
• Night Data: 50 GB
• Validity: 28 days
• Activation fee: 3€

Total Giga Digital – 30 GB  (US$16.85)

• Data: 30 GB of Internet
• Night Data: 15 GB
• Validity: 28 days
• Activation fee: 3€

Giga In & Out – 20 GB (US$14.60)

• Data: 20 GB
• Night Data: 20 GB
• Validity: 28 days
• Activation fee: 3€

Note:  The validity hours of Night Data start from midnight to 8:00 am.

Vodafone also has bundles that suit the needs of people facing problems with the budget.

Giga Maxi Plan – 10 GB (US$33.66)

• Data: 5 GB of Internet
• Validity: Valid for 28 days

Giga Extra Plan – 5 GB (US$22.44)

• Data: 5GB of Internet
• Validity: Valid for 28 days

Giga Start Plan – 2.5 GB (US$11.22)

• Data: 5GB of Internet
• Validity: Valid for 28 days

Wind

With great options and prices, Wind stands third as the most famous Italian carrier. The wind came up with wonderful characteristics and offers after joining hands with another Italian carrier in 2017. They keep on creating better SIM cards by raising the quality of its services and products.

The most chosen plans by Winds are:

All-Inclusive Unlimited – 5GB (US$13.48)

• Data: 5GB of mobile data
• Calls: 500 minutes
• SMS: 500 SMS

All Digital – 5GB (US$11.23)

• Data: 5GB of mobile data
• Calls: 500 local minutes
• SMS: Unlimited local SMS

Considering the data needs of tourists, Wind offers the following packages:

Internet No Stop Large Plan – 2GB (US$8.43)

• Data: 2GB of mobile data
• Validity: 28 days

Internet No Stop Plan – 1GB (US$5.62)

• Data: 1GB of mobile data
• Validity: 28 days

Iliad Italy Sim Card

Iliad SIM card is least popular because of its less operation in the country. Its activation fee is minimal and its packages are quite affordable. You can enjoy 40GB of data with just €8. Renewal can cost you just €8 after 30 days.

Italy Pocket Wi-Fi

Some people are irritated about changing the SIM Cards and they just want to get a data connection as soon as they land in Italy. They can get Italian pocket Wi-Fi and avail themselves of as much data they want. They can even share the data through hotspot to 5 other devices. However, using more than 1GB can lower the internet speed to 256kbs. The connection speed gets normal the very next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Italian SIM card online?

Most of the SIM cards in Italy can be ordered online but some of them are available just in stores and franchises. No matter where you buy the SIM card from, you would need to complete the registration in person. Avoid getting SIM cards at the airport because they are highly overpriced there.

How much is a Wind SIM card in Italy?

The Wind SIM card comes at the price of 10 EURO. They deduct 10 EURO per month and offer you services like 100 minutes of talk time, 100 text messages, and unlimited internet.

Which network is best in Italy?

Vodafone is the number one network on the internet with extraordinary coverage and premium packages.

Final Thoughts:

Considering all the discussion into account, it can be concluded that Vodafone Italy is the best tourist SIM card because of its affordable packages and useful plans. It has excellent coverage that helps you all through your stay in Italy. Vodafone SIM cards are easy to purchase as well. You can find them at any store in Italy.