Comparing Best Italian Sim Card - Sim Card for Trip in Italy (2023)

FAQs

Is it worth getting a SIM card in Italy? ›

Getting an Italian SIM is absolutely recommended for expats in Italy, even if you've got an EU SIM card. Switching from an international SIM to an Italian one is a no-brainer — you'll enjoy free EU roaming when traveling throughout Europe and cheaper phone bills.

It's entirely possible to use international SIM cards with iPhones. An international SIM card can be a convenient, cost-effective option depending on your travel plans.

If you travel more often, or you're planning an extended stay in one country or region, you can save money by using an international SIM card. Pay-as-you-go lets you stay in control of how much you use your phone and what you pay for it. Just figure out how often, and for what purposes, you think you'll use your phone.

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Italy, I recommend going with Wind Tre (formerly Wind and Tre), TIM, Vodafone, or Iliad. TIM has the best coverage with Vodafone. The latter also has the best overall network and the fastest 5G NR speeds. Wind Tre has the fastest 4G/LTE network.

Almost all phones should work in Italy. Just check to see if your mobile phone supports GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies. If travelling from outside the EU, it is worth making sure you have an international call package with your mobile phone provider before visiting Italy.

Buy a Local SIM Card at Your Destination. A local SIM will not only give you the best rates, but also access to local discounts. This is undeniably the best option if you don't want to consign yourself to enduring expensive phone calls, scavenging free wifi, or returning home to an exorbitant bill.

Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming. In the Settings app, tap Cellular, or Cellular Data, or Mobile Data. Turn on Cellular Data, then tap Cellular Data Options. Turn off Data Roaming.

For almost all electric devices, the Type C (2-pin) adapter will work! This is the adapter I travel with in Italy, and I use it for my iPad, laptop, phone, etc.

Does American SIM work in Italy? ›

Almost all newer smartphones are compatible with Italy's mobile infrastructure, so will automatically work once you arrive. Plus, every major US carrier has international data plans so you can use your own phone and SIM card for your trip.

Apple products, such as your iPhone, iPad and laptop, are dual voltage, therefore you do not need a converter to use your Apple device anywhere in the world. You can tell if you if your electronic device is dual voltage by looking on the voltage rating on the device.

An international SIM card or travel SIM card allows you to connect to a local network in various countries around the world. In this manner, you can avoid excessive roaming fees that your local operator or carrier may charge when you are abroad.

When you buy a new SIM card, you can use your device but your phone number will change. An international roaming plan allows you to use both your phone and your phone number when you travel abroad.

In Italy, as of 2022, TIM leads the way among mobile providers in Italy for 5G network speeds, with an average download speed of 217.7 Mbps and an upload speed of 25.1 Mbps. Vodafone was the second-fastest provider, offering an average download speed of 146.7 Mbps.

The vast majority of Verizon cell phones currently do not work in Italy. Verizon uses CDMA in the United States and their standard cell phones do not have GSM capabilities.

Hotels and Airbnbs are the safest place to guarantee a free, fast internet. Some restaurants and cafes have free wifi that is good, but probably not as fast as what you are used to at home. Train stations and airports have reliable, but slower wifi as well.

Our international plans let you use your phone in more than 210 countries and destinations outside the US: TravelPass: For $5/day in Canada and Mexico* and $10/day in other countries, you can use your domestic plan's talk, text and data allowances just like you do at home.

Will I be charged for using my phone in Italy? ›

You will therefore be charged domestic prices for your calls, text and data use in the EU. This is considered a "fair use of roaming services". Whenever you cross a border within the EU, you should get a text message from your mobile operator informing you that you are roaming, and reminding you of its fair use policy.

Installing an international SIM card is a fairly simple process. You just have to swap out your home SIM card with the international one. Many of them come as a 3-in-1 size so they will fit into most phones. However, it's important to note that not all phones are compatible with an international SIM.

International SIM cards can often be purchased before your trip so they can be mailed to you before departure or you can download the eSIM if your phone is compatible. International SIM Cards will be slightly more expensive than local SIM cards but they're more convenient—especially if you're using an eSIM.

You can use airplane mode to avoid roaming charges when travelling. You won't be able to send or receive text messages or phone calls, or use data services, but you could connect to a Wi-Fi network to check your email or browse the internet.

As soon as your phone registers on another country's network, you'll receive a roaming notification (even if you have your data services turned off). You are not charged any text messaging or data fees for these incoming messages. The roaming device will be sent the roaming notification.

Turn off Data Roaming or prepare for a trip. Need to avoid roaming charges because you arrived at your destination without an international data plan? Check your Cellular Data options and turn off Data Roaming. In the Settings app, tap Cellular, or Cellular Data, or Mobile Data.

Which is the best eSIM for Italy and how much does it cost? The best eSIM for Italy is provided by Airalo. Airalo offers the best options for eSIM cards for Italy with the best prices and coverage.

Learn about the benefits of traveling with eSIM

It's more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail.

The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes for using your phone in foreign countries. The costs quickly add up for a two-week trip with family.

Does US iPhone charger work in Italy? ›

Despite this, most of the world uses domestic electric circuits that are between 220 volts and 240 volts, and so devices from those countries are almost always totally compatible with the 230 volt supply in Italy.

The most common wall sockets in Italy are the EU standard plug type C, F but you may also find type L. Frequent travellers often have an all-in-one adapter that works all around the world, this would be suitable for all Italian wall socket types.

Apple's iPhone chargers work with voltage anywhere in the world., 110, 115, 120, 220, 230, 240 and whatever else you might find. All that is needed is a mechanical adapter so that the plug fits into the receptacle.

Yes, even American cell phones. To make sure, check to see if your cell phone supports GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies. Here, though, is the trick: Unless you've set up an international package with your provider, making phone calls in Italy could be pretty expensive.

Purchasing a SIM Card abroad

As we'll discuss below, you can either use it in your regular U.S. smartphone (if your phone permits it), use it in an old phone that is SIM-card compatible, or buy a cheap phone (either back home before you leave or once in Europe) for the new SIM Card.

When you are traveling out of the country, you can still use WhatsApp account via mobile data or Wi-Fi. If you use a local SIM card while you are traveling, you can still use WhatsApp with your home number.

Go to: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming. Turn off. (To make it easy, the iPhone even says “Turn data roaming off when traveling to avoid charges when web browsing and using email and other data services.”)

If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase an Italian SIM card when you arrive in Italy and swap your main SIM card to use your phone while you're traveling. You'll know if your phone is unlocked if you can open the back or side of it and pull out the existing SIM card, or you can check with your carrier.

Can I use iMessage to message someone abroad? You can do it as long as you are connected to a cellular network or Wi-Fi.

A travel SIM card allows you to connect to a local network in various countries around the world. In this manner, you can avoid excessive roaming fees that your local operator or carrier may charge when you are abroad.

Can I put an international SIM card in my iPhone? ›

International SIM cards work in iPhones exactly as a traditional SIM card, but with an international SIM, you can connect to the internet abroad and, in some cases, make and receive calls. You can buy an international SIM card in online stores or when you land at your destination.

In order to use a foreign SIM card in your phone, you'll need to get your phone "unlocked" by your mobile carrier. Make sure to call ahead as sometimes it can take a few weeks for the request to go through.

Not all SIM cards are the same. Depending on what country you purchased the SIM card, some of them are locked to the carrier that you bought it from. This means that you can use the SIM card in any phone that is sold by that carrier. You can buy a SIM card from the carrier where you are subscribing to.

To set default SIM for calling in Android smartphones, tap on the settings options and navigate to Network & Internet or Wireless & Networks. Under the option, open the dual SIM settings of your smartphone. In the menu, you will get the option to select a specific SIM when you make a call.

When you get your new device it will come with a brand new SIM Card. Your old SIM Card should fit too, but it is recommended that you use the new one.

A local SIM card is a physical SIM you buy at your destination. It's one of the most popular methods for getting cell service abroad because it's a quick way to secure data. SIM card vendors are present in nearly every international airport and offer a variety of data packages for your trip.

Yes, even American cell phones. To make sure, check to see if your cell phone supports GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies. Here, though, is the trick: Unless you've set up an international package with your provider, making phone calls in Italy could be pretty expensive.

Advantages of SIM Cards

SIM cards are necessary in most cases if you want easy access to phone calls and text messages. Let's take a look at some of their advantages. Allows you access to a local network: A SIM card helps you stay connected with your contacts and use your phone whenever necessary.

It's a similar story in Italy, where mobile data averages about $0.12 per GB. "A dozen or so popular providers in Italy collectively offer some of the cheapest data in the world. 5G is now available to around 95% of the population, alongside ubiquitous 4G," Cable.co.uk says.

Can I use my US visa card in Italy? ›

In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.

Purchasing a SIM Card abroad

As we'll discuss below, you can either use it in your regular U.S. smartphone (if your phone permits it), use it in an old phone that is SIM-card compatible, or buy a cheap phone (either back home before you leave or once in Europe) for the new SIM Card.

Italy is a Go Roam in Europe destination which means you can use your data here at no extra cost. If you have an Add-on with a data allowance of 12GB or greater, a fair use limit applies, with use over 12GB subject to a surcharge (see below).

SIM cards are at risk for hackers, however, since your SIM card can store your email address, bank account information if you use your phone for banking, social media accounts, and any online purchases you make with your phone. Hackers with some intelligence can access your information on a SIM card and then transfer ...

Not all SIM cards are the same. Depending on what country you purchased the SIM card, some of them are locked to the carrier that you bought it from. This means that you can use the SIM card in any phone that is sold by that carrier. You can buy a SIM card from the carrier where you are subscribing to.

Mobile SIM vs Data SIM Card

A mobile SIM allows users to make standard phone calls, send SMS , and connect to the internet via mobile data, while a data SIM card provides only mobile data.

Especially for people that don't need much data on their phone when traveling to Italy an e-sim card is the best and cheapest option to stay connected in Italy. There are also e-sim cards with much bigger data plans.

Overall, as of 2022, WindTre is the Italian telecom operator with the highest 5G availability and reach, followed by Vodafone and Iliad.