For travelers, having access to mobile internet in Italy is essential for staying connected, navigating, and accessing information on the go. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various options for getting mobile internet in Italy, including coverage, speed, connectivity options, data rates, and more.
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Italy has a well-developed mobile network, with 4G coverage available in most urban areas and major tourist destinations. However, coverage can be spotty in rural areas and some smaller towns. The three main mobile operators in Italy are Vodafone, TIM, and WINDTRE. Based on OpenSignal in November 2023, you can compare the coverage of three mobile operators in Italy.
Vodafone:
TIM:
WINDTRE:
Vodafone is the best mobile operator in Italy for travelers who want the best possible coverage and speeds. However, it is also the most expensive operator. TIM is a good option for those who want a good balance of coverage, speed, and price. WINDTRE is the most affordable option, but it also has the slowest speeds and the least coverage.
Italy’s mobile internet speeds are some of the fastest in Europe. According to a recent study by Ookla, Italy’s average mobile internet speed is 40 Mbps. This is significantly faster than the global average of 25 Mbps.
In a recent Speedtest by Ookla, Fastweb was found to have the fastest mobile internet speeds in Italy, with with median download speeds of 100.10 Mbps and median upload speeds of 12.34 Mbps. Windtre was a close second at 70.97 speed score. Vodafone came in third, with an average download speed of 38 Mbps.
Based on the results of Speedtest, Vodafone is the best mobile operator in Italy for travelers who want the fastest possible mobile internet speeds.
There are a number of ways for tourists to connect to the internet in Italy. These include:
Here’s a table to compare each of these options:
| Option | How it Works | Cost | Where to Buy | Convenience | Pros | Cons |
| SIM card country | A physical SIM card that you insert into your phone | Varies depending on the plan | Mobile operator shops or online | Convenient, but may require unlocking your phone | Local rates, good coverage | May require a local phone number |
| eSIM country | A digital SIM card that you download to your phone | Varies depending on the plan | Mobile operator websites or third-party providers | Very convenient, no physical SIM required | Local rates, good coverage, no need to unlock phone | Not all phones support eSIM |
| Roaming with Italy operators | Use your home SIM card and pay roaming charges | Can be expensive | Your home mobile operator | Very convenient, no need for a new SIM | No need for a new SIM or phone number | High roaming costs, speed may be limited |
| Public WiFi | Connect to free WiFi hotspots | Free, but may require purchases | Cafes, restaurants, hotels, public spaces | Convenient, but may require moving around | Free | Slow, unreliable, security concerns |
| Pocket WiFi | A portable device that creates a personal WiFi hotspot | Daily or weekly rental fees | Mobile operator shops or online | Convenient, portable WiFi | Good speeds, secure connection | Adds extra device to carry, limited battery life |
To sum up, from the table above, for most travelers, a SIM card country from a major Italian mobile operator like Vodafone, TIM, or WINDTRE is the best option. Another great connectivity options is eSIM. You can buy from authorised eSIM reseller like GIGAGO. These will provide reliable coverage, fast speeds, and local data rates. Roaming can be convenient but expensive, while public WiFi can be unreliable and slow.
Tip:
Italy’s currency is the Euro (EUR). As of writing time on Saturday, February 24, 2024, the exchange rate is: 1 EUR = 1.08 USD. This means that 1 Euro is equivalent to approximately 1.08 US Dollars.
Here’s a table with the current mobile internet rates (internet tariff) for each option:
| Option | Cost |
| SIM card country | 10 – 30 GB for €10 – €25 ($12 – $27.5) |
| eSIM country (Vodafone) | 30 GB for €25 ($27.5) |
| eSIM country (TIM) | 50 GB for €24 ($26.5) |
| eSIM country (WINDTRE) | 70 GB for €12 () |
| Roaming with Italy Vodafone | €3.5 (approx. $3.78) per GB |
| Roaming with Italy TIM | €3 (approx. $3.24) per GB |
| Roaming with Italy Iliad | €2.5 (approx. $2.70) per GB |
| Public WiFi | Free, but may require purchases |
| Pocket WiFi | €5 (approx. $5.40) per day or €25 (approx. $27) per week |
For tourists visiting Italy, the best option is to purchase a SIM card or eSIM from one of the mobile operators like Vodafone or TIM. These offer the most competitive rates and generous data allowances. Roaming can be expensive, while public WiFi is often slow and unreliable. Pocket WiFi can be a good option for groups or families, but the rental costs can add up over a longer trip.
A leading data SIM card is a good option for tourists to both stay connected and stay in touch with people back home through apps. Here are some SIM card plans from major Italian operators, with prices in local currency (EUR) and USD:
Vodafone Italy SIM Card Plans
30 GB data (15 GB in EU) + Unlimited social media + 600 minutes in all Europe – valid for 30 days = €24.99 EUR – ($27.5 USD)
TIM Italy SIM Card Plans
50 GB data only valid in Italy + 200 minutes worldwide = €14.99 EUR – ($16.5 USD)
WINDTRE Italy SIM Card Plans
Note: The price is subject to change. Please contact provider to update new changes.
Tip: Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure your phone supports eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones, including iPhones and many Android devices, are eSIM-compatible.
Here are some of the pros of using an eSIM for mobile internet in Italy:
You have two ways to buy eSIM: buy eSIM directly from your mobile operators and buy eSIM from third-party provider. Here are some sample eSIM plans from these operators. eSIM plan and SIM card plan are the same.
Vodafone Italy eSIM Plans
30 GB data (15 GB in EU) + Unlimited social media + 600 minutes in all Europe – valid for 30 days = €24.99 EUR – ($27.5 USD)
TIM Italy eSIM Plans
50 GB data only valid in Italy + 200 minutes worldwide = €14.99 EUR – ($16.5 USD)
WINDTRE Italy eSIM Plans
Pros:
Cons:
GIGAGO is a prestigious third-party provider of eSIM services for international travelers. Here are some of the pros of buying an eSIM for Italy from GIGAGO:
How to buy eSIM from GIGAGO for Italy
Here are some eSIM plans from GIGAGO for Italy:
Pros:
Cons:
A: Yes, you will likely need to unlock your phone to use a local SIM card from an Italian mobile operator. However, if you use an eSIM, there is no need to unlock your phone.
A: Yes, you can use your home SIM card and roam in Italy. However, roaming charges can be expensive, so it’s generally more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card or eSIM.
A: Yes, most major Italian airports have mobile operator shops where you can purchase a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival.
A: A physical SIM card may take up to a few hours to activate after purchase. An eSIM can usually be activated within minutes of purchase and is ready to use almost immediately.
A: Most mobile internet plans in Italy are data-only and do not include voice or text messaging services. If you need to make calls or send texts, you may need to purchase a separate voice/SMS plan or use internet-based apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
A: Yes, most mobile operators in Italy allow you to use your data connection to create a personal WiFi hotspot, which can be shared with others. However, be mindful of your data usage and any fair usage policies.
Getting mobile internet in Italy as a traveler is a straightforward process, with several options to choose from. Coverage and speeds are generally good, especially in urban areas and major tourist destinations.
For most travelers, the best option is to purchase a SIM card or eSIM from a major Italian mobile operator like Vodafone, TIM, or WINDTRE. These will provide reliable coverage, fast speeds, and local data rates. eSIMs are particularly convenient, as they can be purchased and activated before your trip, ensuring you have mobile internet access as soon as you land.
Data roaming charges are one common expense that tourists often overlook. To stay connected without breaking the bank, it’s crucial to understand how data roaming in Italy works and how to avoid exorbitant fees.
Getting an Italy SIM card for your phone is the best way to get affordable data and calls during your trip.
Knowing how to use cell phone in Italy can be confusing. From using your local network to purchasing an eSIM or a local SIM card, several options are available to keep you connected while traveling in Italy.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting and using pocket WiFi in Italy, including costs, providers, alternatives like eSIM cards, pros and cons, and tips for getting the best connectivity.
Fastweb is a leading telecommunications provider in Italy, known for its extensive network coverage, fast speeds, and innovative services.
Whether you prefer a traditional SIM card or the convenience of an eSIM, Iliad has you covered with a range of plans tailored to meet your needs.
