Prepaid SIM Card for Italy: Where and How to Buy it for Internet Connection

We will let you know what is the best prepaid SIM card in Italy, where are the points of sale, what data plans are offered by local mobile operators for tourists, as well as explain whether you can solve the communication issue prior to your arrival in the country.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy

A tourist who comes to Italy can choose one of the following options to get mobile internet on a smartphone:

• activate a virtual eSIM card in the phone;
• buy an Italian SIM card online before arrival or upon arrival in the country;
• buy a prepaid cell phone SIM card in Italy for the Internet at the airport or in a company store of the local mobile operator.

The most convenient option is to activate eSIM technology. If your gadget doesn't support eSIM and you have time to wait for a long delivery, try to order an Italian SIM card on Amazon or eBay.

If you decide to buy a local SIM card, you can do it at the airports of Milan, Rome, Venice and other major cities.

You can also go to the official stores of any local mobile operator in a quiet non-tourist area of Rome. This option is convenient as you will not overpay for a card, because in the historical center prices for tourists are deliberately inflated.

If you do not come across official stores, you can also buy a prepaid data SIM card in Italy at small markets or newsstands. It is also convenient to replenish your account if needed.

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Italy: rules and peculiarities

In order to buy a tourist SIM card it is enough to show your passport. The only alternative to a passport is any kind of Italian ID card. Some stores may accept a driver's license, but this will not always work.

To activate a long-term data plan, the mobile operator will require from you the proof of permanent residence and the confirmation that you have an open account in an Italian bank.

Important: activate the prepaid card with the chosen tariff as soon as possible, otherwise you will use mobile communication at the highest rates.

Best prepaid SIM cards in Italy

All prepaid SIM cards in Italy can be divided into 2 types:

• Virtual eSIM cards.
• Physical SIM cards.

Let's consider the most favorable offers for tourists among them.

Yesim

If your gadget supports eSIM technology, then there is every reason to refuse a physical Italian SIM card.

Activation of the built-in chip takes a minute, and a suitable tariff can be found on the Yesim website. The international mobile internet of this operator is available all over the world — you will always stay connected while traveling.

Data plans for Italy are as follows:

• 3 GB for 7 days — 8 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days — 12 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days — 18 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days — 28 EUR.

Just in case, we recommend you to check the compatible devices page and ensure that your gadget has eSIM support.

Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

Windtre

This local operator has a package for the tourist called Tourist Pass, which is the most expensive prepaid data SIM card in Italy for internet :

• valid for 30 days;
• 20 GB of traffic in Italy and 13.7 GB in the EU;
• 100 minutes for calls within Italy and the same number of minutes for other countries;
• price — 14.99 EUR and 10 EUR for activation.

TIM

This operator has prepaid and postpaid tariff packages. For tourists, the TIM Tourist prepaid offer is available under the below conditions:

• 50 GB, but only within Italy, without the EU;
• 200 minutes for calls within Italy and to other countries;
• 14.99 EUR and 10 EUR for activation.

The main peculiarity of this offer is that the package does not include the possibility to use mobile communication and internet outside Italy.

iliad

A new mobile operator in the Italian market, which has been operating since 2018. For tourists there are two offers — GIGA 150 and DATI 300 — these are the most favorable options of buying a prepaid SIM card in Italy among local operators.

GIGA 150 tariff terms:

• 150 GB within Italy + 10 GB for roaming within the EU;
• unlimited calls and SMS within EU, USA, Canada, UK and 60+ countries;
• the package is valid for one month;
• cost 13.99 EUR and additional 9.99 EUR for activation.

DATI 300 tariff terms:

• 300 GB of traffic within Italy + 13 GB for EU roaming;
• flat rate 0.28 EUR per minute/SMS within Italy and EU;
• the package is valid for one month;
• cost 13.99 EUR and additional 9.99 EUR for activation.

The main obstacle faced by a tourist buying a prepaid SIM card in Italy is the language barrier, as many Italian sellers do not speak English and it will be difficult to understand all the nuances of choosing a data plan and activation.

Read also: SIM vs eSIM: what are the differences and what is better

It is much easier to connect to the mobile Internet using eSIM technology. Choose a suitable tariff for Italy on the Yesim application website and activate it even before crossing the Italian border.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!

Frequently asked questions about best prepaid SIM card to use in Italy

Can a foreigner buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy?

Yes, a foreigner can buy a local tourist SIM card by presenting their passport. At some points of sale it is enough to show a driver's license.

Can I buy a prepaid SIM card at Rome airport?

Tourist SIM cards are sold at Rome Airport in Terminal 3. The prices are a bit high, so if there is no urgency, you can look for more affordable options at mobile operator stores in ordinary city districts.