Best eSIM for Italy in 2025
Our in-house expert researchers and journalists conduct independent, unbiased testing of eSIM services, assessing their real-life effectiveness and usability.
By staying current with industry developments and openly sharing our transparent testing methodologies, we ensure readers receive accurate, up-to-date insights so they can make informed choices about eSIM solutions.
Learn more
If you love traveling, you know how important it is to have easy internet access when you're abroad. When I visited Italy, I found that using an eSIM is the best way to stay connected. With an eSIM, you can skip the pricey roaming fees and the hassle of hunting for a physical SIM card at crowded airports or shopping malls. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that lets you get online, make calls, and send texts. You can set it up before you even leave your home, so you’re all set as soon as you land in Italy.
There are plenty of eSIM providers out there, but how do you know which ones are worth the attention? I teamed up with the experts from the Cybernews research team to test a bunch of eSIM services and put together a list of the best eSIMs for Italy. Keep reading to see which 8 Italy eSIMs give you the best value for your money.
Top 5 eSIMs for Italy – shortlist
- Saily – the overall best eSIM for Italy
- Airalo – easy-to-use eSIM for Italy
- Jetpac – affordable Italy eSIM with easy installation
- aloSIM – eSIM for Italy with the best customer support
- Nomad – Italy eSIM with great data plan variety
Things to consider before choosing an eSIM for travel in Italy
If you plan to travel around Europe for a while, it’s a good idea to go with an eSIM that works in multiple countries. But if you are thinking of staying in Italy for a quick business trip, you might want to get a local phone number instead.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking an eSIM for Italy:
- Coverage. How wide is the eSIM’s coverage in Italy? Are you only traveling to Italy, or do you plan to visit other European countries? Africa is just a short flight south, but many eSIM services do not work there. Consider which countries you will visit to pick an eSIM that covers them all.
-
Call and SMS. Decide whether you need a phone number to make a call and send SMS messages. Most eSIM providers only support internet access, but some provide a local phone number, allowing you to make calls and send SMS.
- Data and duration. The price of an eSIM plan mostly depends on the allocated data and the plan's duration. The cheapest plans usually give you 1GB, just enough for casual browsing and text chats. However, consider getting more data if you’re on a longer trip or plan to make video calls.
- Tethering (hotspot). Some eSIM providers allow you to share your data via hotspot. This can be very useful if you’re traveling with a group. However, remember that data consumption increases when you share your connection with others.
- Price. Compare prices from different providers before you purchase an eSIM plan. There's no need to overpay, as providers compete to offer the most affordable prices.
The best eSIMs for Italy travel – detailed list
I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to carefully select these Italy eSIMs after thorough analysis and testing. Check out the different plans and choose the one that works best for you.
1. Saily – our top eSIM for Italy
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $3.79 (1GB for 7 days) |
Saily might be new to the digital SIM card scene, but it’s easily our top eSIM pick for Italy. Built by the same team behind NordVPN, it offers fast connection speeds, a super user-friendly app, and affordable pricing.
Coverage. Saily is available in over 200 locations, including Italy and other European destinations. With its rapid expansion, travelers can expect Saily eSIM to be available in even more locations soon.
Customer service. You can reach Saily’s customer service team through 24/7 live chat and email. They responded quickly when we contacted them during our tests.
Activation process. Installing a Saily eSIM is easy — all it takes is clicking a button. First, download the Saily app and create an account. Then, choose your destination and purchase a plan. Saily will provide instructions on how to install and activate the eSIM.
You need to click the Activate eSIM button and follow the instructions. Saily will automatically connect to a supported network once you arrive in Italy. You don’t need to verify your identity to use this eSIM.
Data plans for Italy. Saily has 6 data plans for Italy. These plans are valid for 7 to 30 days and offer 1GB to 20GB of data. Or you can opt for an Unlimited GB plan instead. Saily also has regional and global plans covering Italy, valid for 180 to 354 days, respectively, and they come with a lot more data allowance. Unfortunately, this eSIM doesn’t support calling or texting.
Price. Saily is a budget-friendly eSIM for Italy, starting from just $3.79 for a 7-day plan with 1GB of data. Here’s an overview of Saily’s local plans for Italy.
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $3.79 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $8.54 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $12.34 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $20.94 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $27.54 |
| Unlimited GB for 15 days | $47.49 |
If you're thinking about getting a Saily eSIM, check out the Saily coupon codes to save on mobile data for your trip. It’s worth keeping an eye on these codes now and then for some extra savings and to stay connected while you travel.
2. Airalo – most simple-to-use eSIM for Italy
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ✅ Yes, but only on the Discover+ plan |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB for 7 days) |
Airalo is a go-to eSIM for international backpackers and one of the easiest to use for trips to Italy. It has affordable local, regional, and global plans, with some even supporting calling and texting.
Coverage. Airalo eSIM is available in 200 destinations, including 39 in Europe. It works with Vodafone, TIM, and Wind in Italy to provide LTE and 5G connectivity.
Customer service. Airalo’s customer support team is available via 24/7 live chat and email. I got an instant response when I contacted them via live chat.
Activation process. You can activate an Airalo eSIM automatically via the eSIM app or by scanning a QR code. You can also activate the eSIM manually. Setting up this eSIM is very easy – Airalo doesn’t perform ID verification for its Italy eSIM.
I purchased a data plan, clicked Install on the app, and followed the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. It took about 2 minutes to install. Like Saily, Airalo automatically connects to a supported network. The Airalo app makes it easy to manage your eSIM. You can top-up, buy data plans, and even contact Airalo’s customer support team from the app.
Data plans for Italy. Airalo has 6 data-only plans for Italy. These plans offer from 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. This eSIM provider also has regional and global plans that include Italy as well. If you’d like to make calls and send text messages while in Italy, choose one of Airalo’s Discover+ global eSIM plans.
Price. Airalo’s prices in Italy start from $4.50 for 1GB of data (valid for 7 days). Here’s a quick look at its local plans for Italy:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 30 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $10.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $14.50 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $33.00 |
Using an Airalo discount code can help you save on your eSIM if you want an easy way to stay connected while traveling. It’s a good idea to check for the latest deals to get the most value out of your mobile data plan.
3. Jetpac – budget-friendly Italy eSIM with simple installation
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $1.00 (1GB for 4 days) |
Jetpac is another leading eSIM provider on our list. It is known for its affordable plans that offer local, regional, and global options.
Coverage. Jetpac is available in over 200 regions, including 30 European nations. It works with the Iliad mobile operator and supports a 4G network in the country.
Customer service. Jetpac provides customer support 24/7 via live chat and email. The Jetpac customer service team is known for its fast response times, which I can attest to.
Activation process. You can install your Jetpac eSIM anytime by scanning the QR code provided by the company. However, the eSIM will only be activated once you arrive in Italy and connect to a supported local network. You don’t have to provide any ID to use this eSIM.
The Jetpac app has a simple design and is easy to use. You can buy data, monitor your consumption, and do much more on the app. It took less than a minute for me to get the hang of it, which says a lot about its user-friendliness.
Data plans for Italy. Jetpac has 8 eSIM plans for Italy, offering 1GB to 40GB of data and valid for 4 to 30 days. Its regional and global plans also cover Italy. However, this eSIM doesn’t support calling or texting, so it’s not the best option if you want a local phone number.
Price. Jetpac’s local data plans for Italy start at only $1.00 for 1GB (valid for 4 days). The table below shows all of Jetpac’s plans for Italy and their prices:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 4 days | $1.00 |
| 3GB for 7 days | $5.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $6.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $11.00 |
| 15GB for 30 days | $15.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $17.00 |
| 30GB for 30 days | $22.00 |
| 40GB for 30 days | $28.00 |
4. aloSIM – eSIM for Italy offering top-notch customer support
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ✅ Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB for 7 days) |
aloSIM is a trusted eSIM service with excellent coverage in popular tourist spots, including Italy. It’s one of the few eSIMs that lets you make calls and send texts on all its plans. On top of that, its support team is super helpful.
Coverage. aloSIM eSIM is available in more than 200 destinations, including 35 in Europe. It provides LTE connectivity with Wind, Vodafone, and Iliad in Italy.
Customer service. aloSIM's responsive customer service is one of the things I love about this eSIM service. You can communicate with aloSIM’s customer support team via live chat or email. I reached out with a few questions and got a response almost immediately.
Activation process. The easiest way to activate your aloSIM eSIM is by scanning a QR code and following the instructions. You can also activate the eSIM manually. If you need a hand with the activation process, aloSIM has a handy flowchart to walk you through it.
I opted to use the QR-based activation, and there were no hiccups. I could track my data balance and manage the eSIM via the app.
Data plans for Italy. aloSIM has 7 local data plans for Italy. These plans offer 1GB to Unlimited GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. aloSIM also has multiple regional and global plans covering Italy. All aloSIM plans come with 30 minutes for calls and 50 text messages. However, you have to download its sister app, Hushed, to make calls and send SMS.
Price. aloSIM's plans for Italy start at $4.50 for 1GB (valid for 7 days). Here’s a look at aloSIM’s plans for Italy:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $10.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $14.50 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $24.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $33.00 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $35.00 |
5. Nomad – Italy eSIM with a variety of data plans
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB for 7 days) |
Nomad is an excellent eSIM for Italy, offering a range of plans to suit every traveler. Whether you plan to stream, navigate, or stay in touch, it provides flexible and affordable options for everyone.
Coverage. Nomad eSIM is available in 200countries and regions, including 36 in Europe. It works with Wind and IIiad in Italy to support 4G and 5G.
Customer service. Unlike other eSIMs on this list, Nomad doesn’t have a live chat service. Instead, you can reach its customer support team by submitting a ticket on its website. I got a quick response from the Nomad support team when I reached out to them.
Activation process. I had to scan the QR code Nomad provided to install the eSIM on my device and follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Nomad has one of the best apps of all the eSIMs we tested for this article. It has a minimalist design with a clean interface. Like other eSIMs on this list, you can track your data consumption on the app and top up as needed.
Data plans for Italy. Nomad has Day Plans and Regular Plans. Nomad’s Day Plans give you 1GB per day, but you can continue to access the internet at a throttled speed of 512KBps if you run out of data. Nomad also has 6 Regular Plans, offering 1GB to 50GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days. Besides its local plans, Nomad has regional and global plans covering Italy. This eSIM doesn’t support calling or texting in Italy.
Price. Nomad’s data plans for Italy start at $4.50 for a 7-day Regular plan that gives you 1GB of data. Here are all of Nomad’s Regular local data plans for Italy:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $9.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $12.50 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $16.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $20.00 |
| 50GB for 30 days | $45.00 |
If you're thinking about getting a Nomad eSIM for your trip, it’s definitely worth checking for a Nomad promo code before you buy. It’s a simple way to save on data plans and stay connected while on the go.
6. GigSky – perfect for unlimited data in Italy
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supported networks: | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $4.49 (1GB for 7 days) |
GigSky is an ideal eSIM option for data-heavy activities like streaming during your trip to Italy. It provides both fixed packages and unlimited data plans. Additionally, this eSIM provider offers data plans for inflight, offshore, and cruise travelers.
Coverage. GigSky eSIM has coverage in over 200 locations, including Italy and many popular European travel destinations. This eSIM provider doesn't specify the local carriers it partners with in Italy, but it guarantees high-speed internet access.
Customer service. GigSky has multiple customer support channels. You can contact its support team via 24/7 live chat, email, or phone. There are also many positive reviews of GigSky’s customer service. I received a helpful response when I contacted them via live chat.
Activation process. Like some of the eSIMs on this list, you need to scan a QR code to install your GigSky eSIM. The process was seamless and effortless on my end. Upon purchasing a plan, GigSky promptly sent a QR code and detailed instructions for setting up my eSIM. I installed the GigSky app, purchased a data plan, and followed the installation steps. I still needed to turn on data and roaming before I could connect to the internet.
Data plans for Italy. GigSky has local, regional, and global plans covering Italy. These plans come with 1GB to 50GB of data and are valid for 7 to 90 days. In addition to these fixed plans, GigSky has unlimited data plans, valid for 7 to 15 days. Instead of imposing data caps, GigSky reduces the speeds of its unlimited data plans once you exceed 2.5GB daily. The speed limit is reset the following day.
Price. GigSky offers 100MB of free data for 7 days to get you started. It’s prices for Italy start from $4.49 for a 1GB plan, valid for 7 days. Its unlimited data plans start from $20.79 for 7 days. Here’s a breakdown of all GigSky’s local plans for Italy:
| Data plan | Price |
| 100MB for 7 days | Free |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.49 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $7.99 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $11.59 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $19.19 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $20.79 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $34.39 |
7. Holafly – eSIM for Italy with wide coverage
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ |
| Supporter networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $6.55 (1 day unlimited data) |
If you're heading to Italy, a Holafly eSIM is a great and reliable option for unlimited data and top-notch coverage. This ensures you can navigate, stream, and stay in touch without worrying about running out of data or losing signal.
Coverage. Holafly eSIM has coverage in 200+ countries and regions, including Italy and many other popular European destinations. It collaborates with Vodafone Italy and Wind, offering 3G, LTE, 4G, and 5G internet speeds.
Customer service. For support options, you can contact Holafly’s team of experts via 24/7 live chat and email. Additionally, there are many helpful guides and an FAQ section.
Activation process. I really like how Holafly offers a hassle-free installation. All you have to do is scan the QR code, follow the installation prompts, and connect to the internet once you arrive in Italy. For any additional settings or tweaks, you just need to open the Holafly app.
Data plans for Italy. Holafly comes with both regional and local eSIM plans. Regardless of which one you select, you’ll receive unlimited data that lasts from 1 to 90 days.
Price. Ultimately, Holafly is a bit pricey eSIM, starting at $6.55 for 1 day of unlimited data. Here’s more about its cost:
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $6.55 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $28.40 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $48.35 |
| Unlimited data for 30 days | $71.15 |
| Unlimited data for 60 days | $101.55 |
| Unlimited data for 90 days | $132.90 |
8. Instabridge – best Italy eSIM for pay-as-you-go plans
| Rating: | |
| Countries and regions: | 190+ |
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Calls/SMS: | ❌ No |
| Starting price: | $2.00 (1GB for 7 days) |
Instabridge has local, regional, and global eSIM plans for Italy, plus pay-as-you-go options. It also includes a Wi-Fi map, VPN, and a data-saving browser.
Coverage. Instabridge eSIM is available in over 190 destinations, including 34 in Europe. It works with Vodafone and Wind to provide internet access to users in Italy.
Customer service. Like Nomad, Instabridge doesn’t have a live chat option. To contact the Instabridge customer support team, you need to fill out a form on its website or app and await a response.
Activation process. The Instabridge eSIM is activated via the app. The process is very straightforward, even if you have never used an eSIM. I installed the Instabridge app, purchased a data plan for Italy, and clicked install to set it up. You get connected to the internet once you arrive at your destination and activate the eSIM.
Data plans. Instabridge has 4 local data plans for Italy, offering 1GB to 20GB of data and valid for 7 to 30 days. Instabridge also has regional and global plans and a pay-as-you-go plan. However, it doesn’t support calling or SMS.
Price. Instabridge’s regular eSIM plans for Italy start at $2.00 for 1GB of data (valid for 7 days), while its pay-as-you-go plan costs $2.00 per GB. Here’s a summary of Instabridge’s plans for Italy:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $2.00 |
| 3GB for 15 days | $4.50 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 20GB for 7 days | $16.00 |
| Pay-as-you-go | $2.00 per GB |
Best eSIM providers for Italy compared
| eSIM provider | Data allowance | Networks | Calling | SMS | Price | Plan duration | Compatibility |
| Saily | 1GB to 20GB | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $3.79 | 7-30 days | iOS, Android |
| Airalo | 1GB to 20GB | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | ✅ Yes (only on Discover+ global plans) | ✅ Yes (only on Discover+ global plans) | $4.50 | 7-30 days | iOS, Android |
| Jetpac | 1GB to 40GB | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $1.00 | 4-30 days | iOS, Android |
| aloSIM | 1GB to 20GB, or unlimited | LTE, 4G, 5G | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $4.50 | 7-30 days | iOS, Android |
| Nomad | 1GB to 50GB | 3G, 4G, 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $4.50 | 7-30 days | iOS, Android |
| GigSky | 100MB to 10GB, or unlimited | 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $4.49 | 7-90 days | iOS, Android |
| Holafly | Unlimited | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $6.55 | 1-90 days | iOS, Android |
| Instabridge | 1GB to 20GB, or pay-as-you-go | 3G, 4G, 5G | ❌ No | ❌ No | $2.00 | 7-30 days | iOS, Android |
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for Italy
I teamed up with our Cybernews research team to test and rank the best eSIMs for Italy. Here’s what we focused on when ranking these services:
- Coverage in Italy (30%). We looked at the coverage of different eSIM providers in Italy and selected those with excellent coverage across the country.
- Network speed (20%). We measured and compared the network speeds of various eSIMs in Italy. Depending on your chosen provider and your location in the country, you can expect 3G, LTE, 4G, or 5G speeds.
- Data plans (15%). We analyzed the data plans of many eSIMs and selected the ones with the best selection of plans. The eSIM providers on this list have local, regional, and global plans covering Italy.
- Price (15%). We compared the prices, features, and performance of different eSIMs and picked the eSIMs offering the best deals.
- User-friendliness (10%). We tested different eSIM services to check their ease of use. The eSIMs on this list are among the most user-friendly available today.
- Customer support (10%). We checked the customer support channels of different eSIMs and contacted them to check response times. All the eSIMs on our list responded to us within 24 hours.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Italy?
Jetpac has the cheapest eSIM data plan for Italy. Its entry-level plan for new customers (1GB for 4 days) costs only $1.00. Instabridge and Saily come close at $2.00 and $3.79, respectively.
Instabridge’s more extended plans are also cheap. Its 10GB plan (valid for 30 days) costs only $12.00. In comparison, aloSIM and Airalo charge $24.00 for the same plan. However, Jetpac has the same plan for $11.00. Ultimately, I recommend comparing prices from different eSIM providers before settling on one.
Here’s a table comparing the 1GB 7-day plans from all the eSIM providers mentioned earlier, except for Jetpac, whose 1GB plan lasts only 4 days.
| Provider | Price of 1GB 7-day plan |
| Instabridge | $2.00 |
| GigSky | $4.49 |
| Saily | $3.79 |
| aloSIM | $4.50 |
| Airalo | $4.50 |
| Nomad | $4.50 |
How to check if your phone is compatible with eSIMs
Before buying an eSIM plan, make sure your smartphone supports eSIMs. Here’s how to check if your iPhone and Android is compatible with eSIMs.
eSIM compatibility on iPhone
Newer iPhone models, starting from the iPhone XR, support eSIMs. In fact, iPhone 14 and later models have eSIM-only variants in some regions. To check if your iPhone is eSIM-compatible, go to your iPhone Settings, select General, click About, and scroll down. If you see an Available SIM option and a 15-digit IMEI number, your iPhone supports eSIMs.
You can also check your iPhone specifications for compatibility. Unfortunately, older iPhone 6, 7, and 8 models don’t support eSIMs. For a complete list of Apple smartphones that work with eSIMs, check out our guide to activating eSIMs on an iPhone.
eSIM compatibility on Samsung
The steps to check eSIM compatibility might differ depending on your Android device, but they’re usually pretty similar. Head to your device’s settings, then look for Network & Internet. From there, check the SIM card or Mobile network section to see if you can add a new SIM.
If you can, your device probably is eSIM-compatible. For Samsung Galaxy devices, models from the S20 series onward and foldables like the Z Fold and Z Flip supporteSIM. Just remember that some regional restrictions might apply, so double-check your settings or specs to be sure.
Why use an eSIM card when traveling in Italy?
Here are a few reasons you should get an eSIM if you plan to visit Italy:
- Immediate internet access. You can get online as soon as you arrive in Italy. This can be useful if you need to order a taxi, check maps, or contact your relatives to say you have arrived safely.
- Easy setup. You can purchase an eSIM plan and set it up easily at home all by yourself. You don’t have to go to a vendor or phone shop.
- Save money. Most mobile service providers offer internet access worldwide, but it often comes with costly roaming charges. Using an eSIM is much cheaper than paying roaming fees.
- Manage data. Most eSIMs allow you to track your data consumption and easily top up if you run out of data.
- Combine SIM cards. You can use an eSIM alongside your regular SIM even if you don’t have a dual SIM device. Most people keep their regular SIM cards for international calls and use an eSIM to access the internet.
How to buy an eSIM card for Italy
While there are third-party eSIM marketplaces, I recommend buying your eSIM plan for Italy directly from the website or app of your preferred eSIM provider.
Simply visit the website or install the app, select a plan, and purchase it. Some eSIMs may require you to create an account before you can buy a plan. eSIM providers usually have multiple payment options, including debit or credit card, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Once you purchase a plan, the eSIM provider will email instructions on how to install and activate the eSIM on your device.
How to activate the eSIM plan on your phone
There are a few ways to activate an eSIM on your phone, and most eSIM providers will give you step-by-step instructions to make it a breeze. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common methods:
This is a widely used method for activating eSIMs, such as Saily, Airalo, or Instabridge. Here’s how it typically works:
- Download and install the eSIM provider’s app
- Sign up and purchase a plan
- Click Install or Activate on the app to initiate the process – the eSIM will be installed automatically
- You may be instructed to change some settings on your device to complete the activation process
QR-based eSIM installation is similar to app-based installation, but instead of tapping Install or Activate, you need to scan a QR code. Here’s how it usually works:
- Purchase an eSIM from a provider like Jetpac, aloSIM, Nomad, or others that offer QR-based activation
- You’ll receive a QR code via email along with instructions for installation and activation
- Scan the QR code to start the eSIM installation process
- You may need to tweak some settings on your device, such as setting the eSIM as your primary data SIM card and turning on roaming
Manual eSIM installation is less common. While it requires more steps, it’s still relatively easy. Here’s how it works:
- Buy your selected eSIM plan through the provider’s website or app
- You’ll receive an eSIM activation code, along with the SM-DP+ address and other necessary information
-
Follow the guide for your device:
- On iOS devices, go to Settings > Mobile Data and enter the eSIM details
- On Android devices, go to Settings > Network & Internet, and find the option to add an eSIM manually
With most eSIMs, you need to arrive at your destination (i.e., Italy) and connect to a local network to complete the activation process. So, don’t worry if you go through the process and your phone says the eSIM is still activating.
When to order an eSIM card for your trip to Italy?
There’s no best time to order an eSIM card for Italy. However, keep in mind that eSIM plans are only valid for a few months after you purchase them. I purchase my eSIM plans a couple of days before I travel and do the activation the day before the trip.
You may need internet access to download the eSIM app and complete the activation process, so it makes sense to do it while you’re at home and still have a reliable internet connection. Besides, if you encounter any issues during the activation, you have ample time to reach out to your eSIM provider’s customer service team for assistance.
eSIM for tourists vs eSIM for residents in Italy
There are various eSIM plans to choose from. Some are better suited to tourists, while others focus on long-term travelers or residents of Italy.
Most short-term plans, designed for tourists, usually come with a small amount of data (1GB to 5GB) and are valid for one or two weeks. However, it should be noted that some eSIM providers, like Instabridge, have short-term eSIM plans with a large amount of data – up to 20GB.
Meanwhile, eSIM plans created for residents of Italy or any country are usually valid for a long time – up to a year or longer in some cases. They also come with considerably more data. For example, you’ll find regional eSIM plans valid for up to 180 days and with 100GB of data.
Things to know about using an eSIM card
Here are a few things to know about using an eSIM during your trip to Italy:
- Unlock your smartphone. Your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM card. If your phone is locked to a particular carrier, you can’t install and activate an eSIM on your device.
- eSIM compatibility. Make sure your smartphone model supports eSIMs. You can verify iPhone and Android eSIM compatibility using the steps outlined in this article.
- eSIM activation. Double-check the exact steps to activate your eSIM. Most eSIMs automatically activate upon arrival in Italy, but the procedure may differ depending on your provider.
- Phone call and SMS requirement. Most eSIMs do not allow phone calls or SMS on their default plans. If you’d like to make phone calls or send text messages using an eSIM, confirm that the eSIM you’ve chosen supports these features.
Best eSIM for Italy: final thoughts
Whether you’re a regular eSIM user or this is your first time, any eSIMs I mentioned here will greatly help you on your trip to Italy. They’ll give you fast, instant internet as soon as you arrive, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about staying connected. After checking out all the options, I found Saily eSIM to be the best eSIM for Italy in terms of affordable and flexible data plans. Made by the same team behind NordVPN, it offers fast speeds, an easy-to-use app, and outstanding reliability.
Also read:
Best eSIMs for France: top-rated eSIMs for France travel.
Top eSIMs for Spain: travel in Spain worry-free with these eSIMs.
Best eSIMs for Germany: stay connected effortlessly throughout your trip.
Best eSIMs for Turkey: discover the best affordable eSIMs for seamless vacation in Turkey.
Best eSIMs for Montenegro: pick the best eSIM to stay connected in Montenegro
FAQ
Can I use 5G on an Italian eSIM card?
Yes, the 5G network is widely available in Italy, and most of the eSIMs I highlighted above support 5G in the country. I recommend Airalo eSIM for a fast and stable 5G connection.
Which eSIM is best in Italy?
According to our research, Saily eSIM is the best eSIM for Italy. It’s super easy to set up and offers excellent value with its data plans.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Italy?
Jetpac has the cheapest eSIM plan for Italy, offering 1GB for 4 days at just $1.00 for new users. Instabridge and Saily are close behind at $2.00 and $3.79, respectively.
Can I make calls with an eSIM card in Italy?
Yes, some eSIMs, like aloSIM, allow users to make calls and send SMS in Italy. You can also use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and FaceTime to make calls with data-only eSIMs.
