Best eSIM for the 2026 Winter Olympics
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
Are you planning to visit Milano for the 2026 Winter Olympics? Then, you must be aware of how great it would be to stay connected at all times. Luckily, this is now possible with a travel eSIM. More precisely, you’ll receive incredible connectivity and a stable network.
Two of the most significant benefits are always having Internet access, which allows you to follow directions across the city and keep in touch with your loved ones. However, you shouldn’t forget about the reduced roaming charges.
One of the best eSIMs for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is Saily. It offers a reliable connection, straightforward activation, and affordable data plans for Italy. So, if you’re willing to learn more, let’s get into more detail!
Top 5 eSIMs for 2026 Winter Olympics – our recommendation
- Saily – best overall eSIM for the Milano Cortina 2026
- Airalo – a budget-friendly eSIM provider for the Winter Olympics
- Nomad – fast eSIM provider
- Jetpac – flexible eSIM provider for travelers
- aloSIM – reliable eSIM provider
When are the Italy Winter Olympic games?
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026. Events will be spread across Northern Italy, with competitions hosted in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and several Alpine venues.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6, while the Games will officially wrap up with the closing ceremony on February 22.
That said, the Olympics don’t begin with the opening ceremony alone. Ahead of the Games, the Olympic Torch Relay will make its way across Italy, following its traditional lighting in Olympia, Greece, in late 2025. After traveling through Greece, the flame will arrive in Italy and tour key regions before reaching the opening ceremony in Milan.
Once the Olympic Games conclude, attention turns to the Winter Paralympics, which will run from March 6 to March 15, 2026. The Paralympic closing ceremony will mark the official handover to Los Angeles, host of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
Where are the 2026 Winter Games taking place?
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place across several locations in Italy, rather than being centered in a single city. The main hosts are Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with competitions spread throughout Northern Italy’s Alpine regions. Because of this multi-city format, venues range from modern urban arenas to long-established mountain resorts.
Some events will take place in newly adapted or purpose-built locations, especially in Milan, which will serve as a major hub for ceremonies and indoor sports. At the same time, iconic alpine sites in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the surrounding Dolomites will host snow and ice events, blending Olympic competition with dramatic natural landscapes.
To make travel between venues easier, Italy is investing in transport upgrades, including rail connections and regional transit improvements, allowing spectators to move between cities and mountain locations more efficiently. While Milan offers strong public transport within the city, attending events in Alpine venues will typically require regional trains, buses, or car travel.
Beyond Milan and Cortina, competitions will also be held in other Northern Italian locations, giving visitors the chance to explore multiple regions during the Games. From cosmopolitan city life to historic mountain towns, Milano Cortina 2026 is designed as a truly distributed Winter Olympics experience – less about one Olympic park, and more about discovering Italy through sport.
The best eSIMs for Winter Olympics – our detailed list
In order to provide you with the best eSIM for Italy and improve your Olympics experience, together with a research team, I’ve tested a few of the best providers.
1. Saily ﹘ the overall best eSIM for the Winter Olympic Games in 2026
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $3.59/week |
Saily can improve your Winter Olympic Games experience. This excellent eSIM provider offers several different plans at very affordable prices.
Plan options. Saily is one of the numerous eSIMs that offer data-only plans. These plans allow you to receive mobile data but not phone calls. However, all of Saily's plans are also prepaid.
Italy plans pricing. Saily’s prices vary from $3.59/week to $64.79 for 30 days. In this range, you can get 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and even unlimited data plans.
Network coverage. While Saily doesn’t disclose which network carrier services you’ll use and the type of network connection, we can assure you that you’ll get the best networks in Italy. Depending on the coverage, you may use 3G, 4G, or 5G Internet speeds.
Activation process. Thanks to the smooth activation process, you’ll activate your Italian eSIM in no time. Just go to the official page, download the app, pick your plan, and scan the QR code to finish the process. You can pay by using your credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Again, Saily doesn’t point out if there’s KYC verification.
Customer support. If you run into an issue, you will be able to solve it in no time. More precisely, Saily has knowledgeable support that is available 24/7 via live chat, email support, help center, and FAQ section.
Advanced features. While Saily doesn’t come with many advanced features, you can only enjoy its multiple eSIM profiles option. More precisely, Android users can create seven profiles, while Apple users can create up to 10.
2. Airalo – Italy eSIM with 6 top-up data plans
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $4.00/week |
Airalo is our runner-up eSIM provider, and you can choose it over Saily. With numerous plans and six top-up options, you’ll enjoy it if you’re frequent traveler.
Plan options. Airalo offers six data-only and prepaid plans. You can get 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB of data. These plans do not include an international phone number, but you can upgrade your data with some of the six top-up plans.
Italy plans pricing. Airalo is also one of the most budget-friendly providers. You can get the 1GB data plan for $4.00/week, or if this is insufficient for your needs, go for the 50GB data plan that costs $36.00 for a whole month. You can also choose from unlimited data plans, which start from $11.50 for 3 days.
Network coverage. One of the best things is that you will enjoy stellar 5G connections by using some of the most prominent Italian operators, such as Vodafone, TIM, Wind Tre, and Iliad.
Activation process. Without the required KYC, you’ll activate your Airalo plan in around 5 minutes. Download the app, pick your preferred eSIM deal, and scan the QR code to complete the installation. Also, you’re free to pay with a credit or debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and Airmoney.
Customer support. Airalo offers reliable 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, knowledge base, blog page, and FAQs. Therefore, your issues will be resolved quickly.
Advanced features. Ultimately, Airalo has a range of unique features, including tracking your data usage, referring a friend, using it offline, and earning cashback rewards.
3. Nomad ﹘ eSIM provider with 5G connections
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50/week |
With 5G Internet speeds and a variety of eSIM plans for Italy, Nomad takes you on an unforgettable journey.
Plan options. Like the previous providers we’ve tested, Nomad also has prepaid data-only plans. You can pick from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, or unlimited data, but you won’t receive a phone number.
Italy plans pricing. Nomad is usually a bit more expensive than our other chosen providers, but currently, you can get the beginning plan of 1GB of data for $4.50/week. On the other hand, unlimited data costs $31.00 for 10 days.
Network coverage. While some of Nomad’s plans come with 4G connections, most of them offer 5G Internet speeds. Also, all of your connections will go through Vodafone or Wind.
Activation process. Nomad didn’t make it clear whether there’s KYC verification, but you’ll activate the eSIM in less than 10 minutes. Go to the official page, pick your plan, pay with your credit card, debit card, prepaid card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, download the app, and scan the QR code.
Customer support. The only drawback is that Nomad doesn’t offer live chat support. However, you can solve your problems by submitting a ticket.
Advanced features. Nomad doesn’t have a lot of extras, but there is a program referring to loyalty points accrual and redemption.
4. Jetpac ﹘ the most affordable eSIM for the Olympics
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $1.00 for 4 days |
Jetpac is the 4th eSIM provider for Italy that will enhance your Winter Olympic Games journey. If you’re a new user, don’t sleep on the offer. Get your $1.00 data allowance and enjoy fast Internet speeds.
Plan options. Jetpac is one of the many data-only eSIM providers for Italy. Its prepaid plans offer 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, and unlimited data. However, you won’t get any calls.
Italy plans pricing. Jetpac’s initial plan costs only $1.00 for 4 days, but this exclusive offer is just for new users. However, if you plan to stay longer and need more data, you can pick the 40GB data plan that costs $29.99 for 30 days, or opt for an unlimited data plan.
Network coverage. Jetpac partners with Vodafone and Iliad, meaning you will use their services, enjoying 4G and 5G speeds.
Activation process. Activating Jetpac is very straightforward. Go to their website, download the app, choose the plan you want to use, and scan the QR code. It’s not very clear if there’s KYC verification, but this process will only take a few minutes. You can complete the payment with your credit or debit card or Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Customer support. Jetpac lacks live chat support, but you can contact them by email and explain any issues that you might’ve encountered.
Advanced features. Unfortunately, Jetpac doesn’t seem to have any additional features except for the new-user discount.
5. aloSIM ﹘ reliable eSIM provider with an international phone number
| Supported networks: | LTE, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 200+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50/week |
aloSIM is the last eSIM provider that we picked for the Olympics in Milano. One incredible thing is that there’s a phone number that lets you make phone calls.
Plan options. By going for aloSIM, you can pick any of its 7 eSIM plans for Italy. You can get 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited data. The best part is that each deal includes an international phone number.
Italy plans pricing. The most affordable plan starts at $4.50/week and grants you 1GB of data. However, if you need to use the plan longer, you can even get 20GB of data for $36 for 30 days.
Network coverage. Depending on the coverage, you’ll get either LTE or 5G Internet connection from some of the most prominent Italian network carriers: TIM Maritime, Vodafone, and Wind Italy.
Activation process. aloSIM has an effortless activation process. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have the eSIM up and running. Just select your preferred plan, scan the QR code, and make the payment with your debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
Customer support. aloSIM has 24/7 customer support. You can use their live chat or email, or browse through their extensive FAQ section.
Advanced features. An incredible extra that aloSIM offers is automatic activation. You can set up your arrival date, and the eSIM will start working automatically.
Why choose eSIM for the Milano Cortina 2026?
eSIMs simplify your travels, as they provide you with instant Internet access, a lot of flexibility, and cut the expensive roaming charges. However, these are not the only reasons why you might need an eSIM for the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
The Italian eSIM provides you with Internet access at every step of your way. Due to this, you’ll be able to use navigation and find your end destination easily. Also, this lets you contact your friends and family over VoIP services.
How to activate eSIM for Italy
Activating an eSIM depends on the provider you choose. However, there are five main ways that you can implement. Let’s check them out:
- QR code scan. Activating an eSIM by scanning the QR code is very simple. You first need to get the code, then you go to your phone’s settings, click on ‘Cellular,’ and scan the code.
- Manual input. You can also manually activate the eSIM for Italy. Receive the SM-DP+ address, activation code, and link, open the settings, find ‘Cellular,’ and add the eSIM. Then, click on ‘Manual entry’ and find ‘Enter Details Manually.’ Once you do that, enter the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.
- App activation. eSIMs also have app activation. This means that you need to download the app, select your deal, pay, and then scan the QR code and add the eSIM via settings.
- Provider's website. Another method is to use the provider’s site. Similar to the previous technique, you pick your plan, scan the QR code, and complete all the installation prompts.
- Customer support. If you’re not sure how to activate your Italy eSIM, it’s best to contact your provider’s customer support. They will guide you through the process by explaining some of the above-mentioned activation ways.
Does my phone support eSIM?
If you own a phone that was launched in 2019 or later, it probably supports eSIMs. However, this is not always the case, so you might need to check with your mobile operator to explore your phone’s specifications.
eSIM compatibility on iPhone
As you may guess, not all iPhones work with eSIMs. More precisely, models like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8 don’t have this functionality. However, all of the models after the iPhone XR, including that one, support eSIM technology.
In the USA, the iPhone 15 comes in an eSIM version only, meaning you can’t put a physical SIM card.
eSIM compatibility on Samsung
While the Samsung S20 works with eSIMs, your model might not be compatible. To make sure you have an eSIM-friendly Samsung, here’s what you need to do:
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM. If you see an option that says to add eSIM, your phone will work with this tech.
- Open Settings and input “IMEI” in the search bar. If you see “IMEI (eSIM),” your device supports eSIMs without any issues.
eSIM for Milano Cortina Olympics – key takeaways
eSIMs are an innovative technology that doesn’t require the purchase of a physical SIM card. Basically, you activate them online and get instant Internet access. Therefore, navigating through Milano and other Italian regions will be a breeze, and you’ll also reduce the costly roaming charges.
eSIM deals you may also be interested in:
FAQ
Does eSIM work in Milano?
Yes, eSIMs work in Milano. Each provider we've listed offers a local Italian plan, and you can even get regional plans that you can use in Milano.
Should I get an eSIM for Italy or choose an European regional plan?
If your trip is limited to Italy for the Olympics, an Italy-only eSIM will do the job. But if you’re planning to hop over to Switzerland, Austria, or France before or after the Games, a Europe regional plan makes more sense – it covers 40+ countries and usually costs only about $17 extra.
When do I need to activate eSIM for Italy?
You can activate the eSIM for Italy as soon as you arrive there, but you can also do it earlier. However, if you don’t want to waste your eSIM plan, it’s best to install it at home and activate it once you land.
