Best eSIMs for Traveling to Italy in 2025 | Plans from $1

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 2025.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best eSIMs for Italy with up to date prices as per April 2025, specifications per 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, FAQ about eSIMs and more.

Table of Contents

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.

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.

Some links in this guide 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

Before giving you my Italy eSIM recommendation read the following carefully:

Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. If not, an eSIM won't work on your phone!

Traveltomtom rates the following two eSIMs as the best eSIMs for traveling to Italy in 2025.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - $53.50 USD

• 70 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
• $0.8 USD per Gigabyte

You can order this Orange eSIM via SimOptions for $55.90 USD or via Sim Local for $53.50 USD.

This eSIM comes with unlimited calls in Europe and free EU data roaming. It literally has everything you need, including international minutes to anywhere in the world. It is one of the best eSIM for traveling in Europe in 2025 with a rate of only $0.8 USD per Gigabyte.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off any eSIM from Sim Local when using the discount code: TRAVELTOM at check out!

Jetpac eSIM for Italy - 20 GB for $17 USD

• 20 GB data-only eSIM
• Valid in Italy only
• 5G ready
• Valid for 30 days
• $0.85 USD per Gigabyte

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Italy.

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.

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Italy eSIM comparison

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling to Italy from one of the well-known eSIM providers that have proven to be reliable operators: Jetpac, Holafly, SimOptions, Nomad, Airalo, GigSky, Airhub, aloSIM, Saily, Roamless, Firsty, Yesim, Sim Local, Ubigi, etc.

Here is a quick comparison table of the best-buy eSIM plans from all providers.

Still Unsure? Check out our full eSIM comparison of all providers below!

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.

The Traveltomtom Team has tried it out and is very positive. Read more in the full Jetpac review.

That said, 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 2025.

Here are the Jetpac eSIM plans for Italy in 2025:

• 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 = $28 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Italy.

The Jetpac eSIM plan for Italy with 40 GB data for $28 USD makes it one of the best value eSIMs for Italy with a rate of only $0.7 USD per Gigabyte.

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.

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.

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.

Why using SimOptions? It is a marketplace for eSIMs and has always multiple eSIMs available.

Read Traveltomtom's honest SimOptions review with all pros and cons.

Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM plans for Italy for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.50 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $5.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $6.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $31.90 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 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.

• 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
• 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 10 GB data + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $22.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $28.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $32.90 USD
• 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $39.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 70 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $55.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Italy via SimOptions.

If you download the SimOptions app and use the coupon code TOM10 you get an extra 10% discount on all SimOptions eSIMs.

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 2025 with more info about EU roaming and where to order a sim card for traveling in Europe.

Holafly

If you are a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data then there is also Holafly. This is a popular eSIM operator that only sells eSIMs with unlimited data.

Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for traveling to the Italy:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6.90 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $12.90 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $20.90 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29.90 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $34.90 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $36.90 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $47.90 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $61.90 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $74.90 USD

Click here to order a Italy eSIM from Holafly.

The Holafly eSIMs for Italy are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Vodafone and WindTre. The Holafly eSIMs for the Italy are 5G ready.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Italy eSIMs, but it is capped at 1 GB per day.

Keep in mind that on Holafly eSIMs there is a Fair Use Policy (FUP). On the Holafly website the following is stated:

• Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

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.

Why using Airalo? It is the market leader in eSIMs. Very reliable and never an issue.

Here are Italy eSIM plans for 2025 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.

Use the Airalo discount code: TOMTOM3 to get an extra $3 USD off your first Airalo eSIM.

The above Mamma Mia eSIMs for Italy operate on the Wind Tre, Iliad and Vodafone 4G/LTE network in Italy. The Airalo eSIMs are not 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.

But their eSIM 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.

The following Sim Local eSIM plans are valid in Italy only:

• 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
• Unlimited data for 7 days = $29 USD
• Unlimited data for 15 days = $49 USD

The following plans are valid in all of Europe:

• 12 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $20 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $40.50 USD
• 70 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $53.50 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Italy via Sim Local.

Now Traveltomtom readers get an extra 10% off on all eSIMs from Sim Local with the code TRAVELTOM.

The Traveltomtom Team wrote a extensive review about Sim Local, honest, to the point and including 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.

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 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 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 WindTre and Iliad 4G/LTE/5G network in Italy. Most of the Nomad eSIMs for Italy are 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.

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

Click here to order this Nomad daily plan eSIM for Italy from Nomad.

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 45 minutes is about 1 GB data, watching Instagram reels for 30 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.

TIM

You can also buy an eSIM in a phone store in Italy from one of the mobile internet providers: TIM, Vodafone, Iliad and Windtre. Mind you that not all phone stores in Italy hand out eSIMs for tourists.

• 100 GB data + unlimited calling + 100 minutes abroad for 30 days = €14.99 EUR - $16 USD

The above sim card deal is exclusive €10 EUR ($11 USD) activation costs.

Windtre

The Windtre prepaid sim cards for tourists are 5G ready and Windtre does NOT charge activation costs. However, as per April 2025 most Windtre stores in Italy do NOT offer eSIMs for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards.

• 70 GB data (15 GB EU data roaming) + unlimited calling + 100 international minutes for 30 days = €14.99 EUR - $16 USD
• 200 GB data (27 GB EU data roaming) + unlimited calling + 100 international minutes for 30 days = €24.99 EUR - $27 USD

Iliad

Buying an Iliad prepaid sim card cost €9.99 EUR ($10 USD) for the registration fee and they offer the following prepaid sim card data deals:

• 150 GB data (9 GB EU roaming) + unlimited minutes/sms in Europe, USA and 60 other countries for 1 month = €7.99 EUR - $8 USD
• 200 GB data (11 GB EU roaming) + unlimited minutes/sms in Europe, USA and 60 other countries for 1 month = €9.99 EUR - $10 USD
• 250 GB data (13 GB EU roaming) + unlimited minutes/sms in Europe, USA and 60 other countries for 1 month = €11.99 EUR - $12 USD

As of April 2025 Iliad does not offer eSIMs, only physical prepaid sim cards.

Vodafone

Vodafone Italy offers only one prepaid sim card for tourists in all Vodafone stores across Italy:

• 30 GB data (15 GB in EU) + Unlimited social media + 600 minutes in all Europe - valid for 30 days = €24.99 EUR - $26 USD

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 2025 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 2025.

Here are some key benefits of using an eSIM over a physical sim card:

• Instant activation without needing to visit a store.
• No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
• Ability to store multiple eSIM plans on one device.
• Seamless switching between carriers and data plans.
• Environmentally friendly with less plastic waste.
• Ideal for travelers who need quick, reliable connectivity.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges.

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.

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 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 2025.

Where to buy an eSIM for Italy?

Online

You can only buy an eSIM for Italy on the internet through an eSIM provider. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best providers for Italy eSIMs for tourists in 2025.

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 2025 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.

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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.

Step-by-step checklist for installation

1. Purchase your Italy eSIM from a trusted provider.
2. Receive your QR code via email or app.
3. Open your phone's settings and navigate to "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
4. Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM."
5. Scan the QR code provided.
6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
7. Ensure the eSIM is set as your primary data line.
8. Turn on data roaming if required by the provider.
9. Test your connection before departure to ensure everything is active

The entire eSIM activation process typically takes just a few minutes, making it a fast and hassle-free way to get connected.

Tip: if you tap on the QR code and hold it a pop up menu will appear and one of the options will say 'Instal eSIM'. Simply click on this option and your phone will instantly instal the eSIM on your phone.

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!

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 2025 or find out everything about international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad and how to order them.

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. Just like GigSky and Firsty.

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.

Is support available for troubleshooting?

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. As of 2025 most eSIM providers have an AI chat bot that will help you out with the most common questions.

If you encounter a bigger issue and you want direct help then you might have to wait a couple hours before you get a response, at least that are our experiences. Which can at times be very frustrating.

Most eSIM providers are very easy when it comes to troubleshooting and they quickly give you a refund or credit.

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?

Yes. The SimOptions and Sim Local international eSIMs for tourists from Orange and Bouygues Telecom include calling and texting.

All other providers only offer data-only eSIMs for Italy and these eSIMs can not make phone calls.

Does an Italy eSIM come with a phone number?

eSIMs that support calling and texting come with a phone number. So that means some of the tourist eSIMs from SimOptions and Sim Local come with a phone number.

Can I use 5G on an Italy eSIM?

Yes, as of 2025 most of the Italy eSIMs are 5G ready. Only the Airalo eSIMs are not 5G ready as of April 2025.

Are there eSIMs for Italy with unlimited data?

Sim Local does now offer Italy eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP of 10 GB data per day.

Also 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 70 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 2025 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.

To sum it up, eSIMs offer unmatched convenience, cost efficiency, and reliability, making them the smartest choice for staying connected in the Italy. No more waiting in line at kiosks or worrying about hidden roaming charges!

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 2025.

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 per April 2025, 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 the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 660K Instagram account or 1.4 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world with the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of April 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush. Personally, traveling is not supposed to be a race or a competition for me. Enjoy life should be the spirit!

Enjoy your trip to Italy!