SIM cards and eSIM in Italy
SIM cards and eSIM in ItalyWhich carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.
Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling
Guac
RecommendedReliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.
Airalo
One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.
Holafly
Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.
Buying a local SIM card ID registration required
- Anonymous SIMs are illegal in Italy, so every line must be linked to an identity: non-EU citizens need a passport, EU citizens can use a national ID card. Short tourist packs generally activate on a passport alone, while standard or monthly plans usually also require a codice fiscale (Italian tax code), which foreign citizens can obtain free from the Agenzia delle Entrate.
- Among the best value in Western Europe. Vodafone's prepaid deal runs around EUR 15 (roughly $18) for 200 GB in Italy plus 25 GB of EU roaming with minutes and texts and no activation fee; Iliad charges around EUR 8 to 10 for 150 GB with unlimited calls, TIM's basic tourist SIM also carries 200 GB, and WindTre sells roughly EUR 10 to 20 bundles with 20 to 100 GB.
- Operator stores in town centres and malls, plus big electronics chains like MediaWorld and Unieuro that stock several carriers so you can compare. Tabaccherie (marked with a 'T') and newsstands sell prepaid SIMs and top-ups with limited setup help, TIM and Vodafone have points at every major train station including Milano Centrale, and Iliad's Simbox vending machines in shopping centres issue a card in about three minutes against an ID document.
- Mild. Kiosks at Fiumicino, Malpensa, Venice and Naples charge a reasonable EUR 15 to 30 for around 30 GB over 30 days, but expect 15 to 30 minute queues at peak arrival times and unclear pricing until you reach the counter. The friction, not the markup, is the reason to buy elsewhere.
- All four major operators support eSIM, but local eSIMs usually require either an in-store visit or a digital identity check via SPID or CIE, both Italian-resident systems, so remote self-activation of an Italian eSIM is generally not open to tourists. Travel eSIMs need no codice fiscale but give you no +39 number.
If you might want a longer or non-tourist plan, get a codice fiscale free from the Agenzia delle Entrate early on: a PDF or the official email is usually accepted rather than the plastic card. Passport registration is mandatory even at airport kiosks, so budget 5 to 10 minutes of paperwork. Some MVNOs such as Very Mobile require an Italian tax code and delivery to an Italian postal address, so they are not a tourist route, and EU roaming allowances are a capped sub-allowance rather than the full domestic bundle.
Local carriers
TIM
The old incumbent, with the best rural and mountain coverage.
Vodafone
Fastest 5G in cities and the best English-language support. Also the strongest network on Sardinia.
WindTre
The largest network by tower count, with high-value bundles. Strong on Sardinia too.
Iliad
The price disruptor, with transparent low-cost high-data plans. Few staffed stores, but its self-service Simbox kiosks issue a SIM in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Italy?
Anonymous SIMs are illegal in Italy, so every line must be linked to an identity: non-EU citizens need a passport, EU citizens can use a national ID card. Short tourist packs generally activate on a passport alone, while standard or monthly plans usually also require a codice fiscale (Italian tax code), which foreign citizens can obtain free from the Agenzia delle Entrate.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport in Italy?
Mild. Kiosks at Fiumicino, Malpensa, Venice and Naples charge a reasonable EUR 15 to 30 for around 30 GB over 30 days, but expect 15 to 30 minute queues at peak arrival times and unclear pricing until you reach the counter. The friction, not the markup, is the reason to buy elsewhere.
What is the best eSIM for Italy?
Guac eSIM covers Italy with data plans starting from $0.58 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.