Are you planning to travel to Italy and looking for an eSIM for your trip to stay connected and not waste money on high roaming charges? This is a complete guide for finding the best eSIM for traveling to Italy in 2024.
In this guide you can find a comparison of the best eSIMs for Italy with up to date prices as per September 2024, specifications per Italy eSIM, my recommendation and everything you need to know about using eSIMs for traveling in Italy.
Also find out where and when to order an eSIM, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, answer some FAQ about eSIMs, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Italy on the internet.
Ever since 2012 I am a full time nomadic travel blogger traveling the world continuously. I constantly get to different countries and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card. In 2022 I visited 62 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used in the last two years.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIMs for staying connected when traveling abroad.
Check out my guide if you are interested buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Italy.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying eSIMs in: USA, Canada, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Greece, France, Portugal, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Europe, Asia, international travel eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Italy are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom rates the following eSIMs as the best eSIMs for traveling to Italy in 2024.
1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - $59.90 USD
- 100 GB data in all of Europe
- Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
- 5G ready
- 120 international minutes
- 1,000 international sms
- Valid for 30 days
- $0.6 USD per Gigabyte
You can order this Orange eSIM via SimOptions for $59.90 USD or via Sim Local for $59 USD.
On top of that Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off any eSIM from Sim Local when using the discount code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out! That means you can get the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM now for $50.15 USD only.
This eSIM comes with unlimited calls in Europe and free EU data roaming which means this eSIM is valid in all of Europe.
It literally has everything you need, including international minutes to anywhere in the world. Plus it is by far the best value eSIM for Europe in 2024 with a rate of only $0.6 USD per Gigabyte and is therefore also named as the best eSIM for traveling in Europe in 2024.
2. Jetpac 20 GB data-only - $17 USD
- 20 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Italy only
- 5G ready
- Valid for 30 days
- $0.85 USD per Gigabyte
The Jetpac eSIMs for Italy are data-only and do not support calls and sms. The eSIM does not come with a phone number. The Jetpac eSIM rates are among the best ones available for Italy eSIMs.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM for Italy or in general before using an eSIM.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIMs only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: a-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIMs, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIMs. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Italy.
However, you can still order a sim card for Italy on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card for Italy in 2024 or find out everything about international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad and how to order them.
Comparison of the best Italy eSIMs
There are multiple website on the internet that sell eSIMs for Italy. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Italy from one of the well-known eSIM providers: Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad, Sim Local, Holafly, SimOptions which have proven to be reliable operators.
Traveltomtom's favorites for many years are SimOptions and Airalo, but are they still the best and the cheapest? The competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below.
SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Italy. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Italy and it is plug and play when you arrive in Italy.
Airalo, Sim Local, Holafly, Jetpac and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Italy.
Jetpac
Jetpac is rapidly making name in the eSIM industry by not only offering eSIM solutions, but also adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac, like free VPN subscription, free lounge passes, etc. I have tried it out myself and some benefits can come in pretty handy. More about it later.
That siad, one of the main reasons why Jetpac is listed as one of the best eSIMs for Italy is their competitive prices. Let's check out the eSIM plans Jetpac has for Italy in 2024.
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $15 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Italy.
The Jetpac eSIM plan for Italy with 40 GB data for $33 USD makes it one of the best value eSIMs for Italy with a rate of only $0.83 USD per Gigabyte.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM before your trip to Italy, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Italy. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
The Jetpac Italy eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Data is valid in Italy only, apart from the 1 GB eSIM plan and the Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Vodafone and Wind Tre.
An extra advantage of Jetpac Italy eSIMs is that they provide a free VPN subscription and free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM provider offers.
For more info check the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Italy eSIM.
Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM plans for Italy for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Italy.
These data-only eSIMs are provided by SimOptions. Unfortunately they don't specify which mobile network operator in Italy they use but at least they are 5G ready.
These SimOptions eSIMs for Italy do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer any incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM, even if you are not in Italy.
SimOptions also offers international eSIMs for traveling to Italy. These eSIMs are Traveltomtom's favorite.
The above international eSIMs are valid in all of Europe and come with free EU data roaming. They also come with a phone number and unlimited calling to and from any country in Europe. Some of them are even 5G ready.
- 10 GB data-only (5G ready) for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
- 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Italy via SimOptions.
The best thing about these eSIMs for Italy is that they also include calling and texting. Some support 5G, others only 4G/LTE. These international eSIMs for Italy are also valid for 1 year, but the the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for the best prepaid and eSIMs for traveling to Europe in 2024 with more info about EU roaming and where to order a sim card for traveling in Europe.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputable eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM for Italy through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM deals.
Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper eSIM deals compared to SimOptions.
Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB data to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email sometimes and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great eSIM for traveling in Italy.
Here are Italy eSIM plans for 2024 from Airalo:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Italy from Airalo.
Definitely check out Airalo as they often have ongoing promotions and recently offered 50% off their Italy eSIM plans.
The above Mamma Mia eSIMs for Italy operate on the Wind Tre, TIM and Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Italy. And since the latest update you can use the 5G network of TIM. So basically the Airalo eSIMs for Italy are 5G ready.
The Mamma Mia eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Sim Local
For those who traveled to Europe before they have probably met Sim Local at one of the international Airports in Europe. There are loads of Sim Local stores around Europe for those who like to buy a tourist sim card on arrival.
However, fact is that their eSIM plans you can buy on the Sim Local website are actually more affordable.
Traveltomtom rates Sim Local as a reliable eSIM provider and some of the eSIM plans of Sim Local rival other eSIM providers like SimOptions and Airalo.
Some plans are similar, some are a dollar or more cheaper at Sim Local. Plus Traveltomtom readers can now use a 15% discount code for all eSIMs on Sim Local.
Here are the Sim Local plans for Italy:
- 100 GB data for 28 days = $59 USD
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12.50 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $28.50 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Italy via Sim Local.
Now Traveltomtom readers get an extra 15% off on all eSIMs from Sim Local. That means that you can get the most recommended eSIM for Europe: Orange Holiday eSIM with 100 GB data now for $59 USD * 0.85 = for $50.15 USD!
The Traveltomtom Team wrote a extensive review about Sim Local, honest, to the point and all pros and cons.
Nomad
Another trusted and reviewed eSIM provider is Nomad and they sometimes have amazing eSIM deals. Traveltomtom has used Nomad eSIMs in more than 10 countries around the world.
Nomad has two different types of eSIMs for Italy: Regular Plans and Daily Plans.
Regular plans
When looking for the best eSIM plans for Italy Traveltomtom found out that Nomad has very competitive eSIM plans. Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Italy in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 30 days = $4.5 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $14 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
Click here to order an eSIM for Italy from Nomad.
The Nomad eSIMs for Italy are either from 1GLOBAL and they operate on the Wind or Iliad 4G/LTE network in Italy. The Nomad eSIMs for Italy are not 5G ready.
The Nomad Italy eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Italy. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Daily Plans
Nomad also has daily plans. These eSIMs could perfect for those going on a short trip to Italy. You basically get 1 GB high speed data per 24 hours. Then, after you have used 1 GB data your data speed is reduced to 512 Kbps, which is actually useless, basically like an E signal.
- 1 GB data per day for 1 day = $4 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 3 day = $5 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 5 day = $7 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 7 day = $10 USD
- 1 GB data per day for 10 day = $13 USD
When I saw the prices for these eSIMs I was pleasantly surprised. If you are careful with the amount of Gigabytes you use per day it could be a great eSIM.
Personally, it would not be enough for me as I can easily spend more than 1 GB data in just 1 hour bus or train ride.
Watching TikTok videos for about 60 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 45 minutes is also already 1 GB data. It depends how many gigabytes you use per day, but it could be a great eSIM for traveling to Italy.
Click here to order this Nomad daily plan eSIM for Italy from Nomad.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
The Holafly eSIMs for Italy are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Iliad and Wind Tre
You can use a hotspot on these Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Italy.
Nowadays, you can buy an eSIM for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM providers and instantly receive your eSIM in your email.
Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIMs? Since I travel full time and I am on the road constantly I use about 30 - 40 different sim cards per year.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go!
What is the cheapest eSIM for Italy?
The cheapest eSIM for Italy is a Jetpac eSIM with 1 GB data for 4 days for just $1 USD. If 4 days is too short then you can try an Airalo eSIM plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for $4.5 USD.
If you just want to keep in touch through WhatsApp, get directions from Google Maps and don't use high data volume consuming apps like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook much 1 GB data could last for a week.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Italy
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Italy without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in Italy), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Italy with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you connect to a network. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Italy, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Italy so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $2 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges.
International Data Roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE and even 5G in Italy everywhere!
Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or if your phone is not eSIM compatible check out my article about everything you need to know about buying an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad in 2024.
Where to buy an eSIM for Italy?
Online
You can only buy an eSIM for Italy on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Italy. Traveltomtom compared 6 eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Italy in 2024.
On arrival in Italy
When you arrive in Italy and you want to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to you hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all providers in Italy offer eSIMs for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card, some stores/operators provide eSIMs for tourists.
For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Italy in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Italy, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.
When you order an eSIM plan for Italy you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Italy eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Italy eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
When to oder an eSIM for your trip to Italy?
You can order an eSIM for Italy pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Italy. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Italy eSIM on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Italy. All international airports in Italy have free public WiFi.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Italy
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Italy eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Italy. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Italy or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Italy and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Italy recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Italy.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out our detailed SimOptions Review including the pros and cons.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Traveltomtom knows Sim Local from its airport kiosks all around Europe. On arrival at several international airports in Europe there are small Sim Local stores and they sell physical prepaid sim cards as well as eSIMs. The Traveltomtom Team has tested Sim Local many times in the past.
Now there is also Roamless, a game changer when it comes to eSIMs as their data never expires. The Traveltomtom Team tested it, check out the review in the link.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Italy eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Italy.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with an eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Italy. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Italy eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
If your Italy eSIM also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Italy, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Italy eSIM.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.
Can I make phone calls with an Italy eSIM?
This depends on the type of eSIM that you order. Only the international eSIMs for Italy from SimOptions and the Orange Holiday World eSIM from Sim Local offer calling and texting. All the Italy eSIMs from Nomad, Jetpac, Holafly and Airalo are data-only eSIMs.
If you are looking for sim cards for traveling in Europe then check out my list of the best prepaid and eSIMs for Europe in 2024.
Does an Italy eSIM come with a phone number?
This also depends on the type of eSIM that you buy. eSIMs that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. All the Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad eSIMs for Italy are data-only and do not come with a phone number.
The international eSIMs from SimOptions all come with a phone number. That means these international eSIMs support incoming and outgoing calls/sms.
In the above Italy eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.
Can I use 5G on an Italy eSIM?
Yes, most of the Italy eSIMs are 5G ready. The Airalo eSIMs and of course some of the international eSIMs sold by SimOptions allow you to use 5G. Also the Jetpac and Sim Local eSIMs are now 5G ready. With Nomad and Holafly eSIMs the max data speed in Italy is 4G/LTE.
Orange Holiday Europe is an amazing eSIM deal for Italy that supports 5G.
You get 100 GB data for 28 days and unlimited calling and texting in all of Europe.
Order this eSIM via SimOptions for $59.90 or via Sim Local for $50.15 USD when using the discount code TRAVELTOMTOM at check out.
This eSIM is valid in all of Europe and therefore also rated as one of the best eSIMs for traveling to Europe in 2024.
Are there eSIMs for Italy with unlimited data?
Yes, Holafly offers eSIMs with unlimited data, but be careful. This does NOT mean you can use unlimited data on max speed. The data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Italy eSIMs with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Italy with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite eSIM.
However, then ask yourself what is then the point of having an eSIM with 'unlimited' data! The Italy eSIM from Orange gives you 100 GB data, that is a lot of Gigabytes, basically unlimited but then without FUP and with no data speed restrictions!
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close look at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Italy in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Italy, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Italy?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Italy:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards in Italy offer bigger data plans than eSIMs for Italy. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Italy.
If this sounds like something you want then be prepared to find a sim card store on arrival because buying a sim card for Italy on an international airport is very overpriced or often not even possible.
On Traveltomtom you can also find sim card guides for: Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Airport and Rome Airport. Unfortunately at none of these airports they offer eSIMs, only physical sim cards.
More info about the best Italy sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for Italy in 2024.
The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards for tourists in Italy all offer 5G data speed.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you need to buy a physical sim card for Italy. There are multiple international prepaid sim cards that you can buy on the internet before your trip to Italy.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Italy directly online.
The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. eSIMs are mostly data-only sim cards.
eSIMs
There are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Italy in a mobile internet provider store
The big difference is that eSIMs provided by the local internet operators in Italy: Iliad, Vodafone, Wind Tre and TIM can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Italy.
As said before, as per September 2024, not all mobile internet providers offer eSIMs for tourists. Mostly only physical prepaid sim cards are available. It is a hit or miss per provider per store. I have been in Vodafone stores in Rome where they said no eSIMs for tourists and a Vodafone store in Milan that said yes they offer eSIMs for tourists.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM for Italy on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Italy, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Italy. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.
But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Italy eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Italy Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact eSIMs for Italy are better value for money.
On Italy eSIMs you get more data for the same price. However, if you want a sim card for traveling in Italy with unlimited data or you want a sim card that includes calling and texting in Italy then buying a local prepaid sim card in Italy is a better deal.
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. And you also want to avoid the crazy tourist prices for sim cards at airports in Italy.
Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Italy. Faster, easier and less stress!
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of an eSIM can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding an eSIM for your trip to Italy were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best eSIMs for Italy it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM right away.
If you still have any questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of September 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Italy!