Prepaid Vatican City SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
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This post provides all the information tourists require to purchase Vatican City SIM cards in the Vatican for reasonably priced access while they are there.
Prepaid SIM cards make it simple to stay connected when visiting the Vatican. Everything you need to know is included in this guide, including the many kinds of Vatican City SIM card that are available, where to purchase them, the greatest offers, and the most recent costs.
In this article
I. What are the Best Vatican City SIM Cards for Tourists?
There are 4 main operators in the Vatican: TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre and Iliad.
1. TIM Vatican City SIM cards
TIM is one of the largest mobile operators in Italy, known for its wide coverage and impressive 4G/5G speed, including in Vatican City. It’s a popular choice among tourists thanks to its variety of prepaid plans and reliable network. Below are some typical prepaid plans you can use in Vatican City:
| Plan | Data | Calls/SMS | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIM Tourist | 50GB (13GB EU roaming) | 200 mins domestic/international + unlimited chat | €24.99 | 30 days |
| TIM International | 30GB | Unlimited calls in Italy | €19.99 | 30 days |
| TIM Giga Power | 100GB (6GB EU roaming) | Unlimited calls in Italy | €29.99 | 30 days |
2. Vodafone SIM cards
Vodafone is the second-largest mobile operator in Italy, offering stable 4G/5G speeds and strong coverage in Vatican City. With English-speaking support and flexible plans, Vodafone is a great option for tourists. Here are some prepaid plans you can use:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Features | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Speed 50 | 50GB | 5G access (if device supports) | €11.99 | 30 days |
| Giga Speed 100 | 100GB | 5G access, ideal for heavy usage | €19.99 | 30 days |
| Giga Speed Plus 200 | 200GB | 5G access, unlimited hotspot | €29.99 | 30 days |
| Giga Speed Unlimited | Unlimited | 5G access, speed up to 10 Mbps | €39.99 | 30 days |
Additional Notes:
- Activation: These plans require a Vodafone SIM card, which costs an additional €10 if purchased new (one-time fee). Activation can be done online or at a Vodafone store.
- 5G Access: Available in areas with 5G coverage (e.g., Rome and Vatican City), but your device must support 5G to benefit from higher speeds.
- Hotspot: All plans allow tethering, with Giga Speed Plus 200 and Unlimited offering unlimited hotspot usage for multiple devices.
- EU Roaming: Data can be used across the EU, though higher-tier plans (like Giga Speed Plus 200 and Unlimited) may have a fair usage limit (e.g., 20-30GB) when roaming outside Italy.
3. WindTre SIM cards
Wind Tre is Italy’s largest mobile operator, offering extensive 4G/5G coverage across the country, including Vatican City. It’s a great choice for tourists thanks to its tailored prepaid plans that include generous data, unlimited calls in Italy, and international minutes to stay connected with home. Below are the prepaid plans available for tourists visiting Italy:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Calls/SMS | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Pass Full | 70GB (15GB EU roaming, 3GB Switzerland) | Unlimited calls in Italy, 100 international minutes | €24.99 | 30 days |
| Tourist Pass Extra | 100GB (20GB EU roaming, 3GB Switzerland) | Unlimited calls in Italy, 100 international minutes | €34.99 | 60 days |
Additional Details:
- Cost Breakdown: The price includes €14.99 (Tourist Pass Full) or €24.99 (Tourist Pass Extra) for the plan, plus a €10 one-time SIM card fee. Total cost is €24.99 and €34.99 respectively.
- International Minutes: The 100 minutes are valid for calls to over 50 countries, including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, USA, and more (full list available on the Wind Tre website).
- 5G Access: Both plans support 5G speeds where coverage is available (e.g., Rome and Vatican City), provided your device is 5G-compatible. Wind Tre covers 97.1% of Italy’s population with 5G.
- EU Roaming: Use your data and calls across EU countries, with a cap of 15GB (Tourist Pass Full) or 20GB (Tourist Pass Extra).
- Switzerland Bonus: 3GB of data is reserved for use in Switzerland, activated only when you connect there within the plan’s validity period.
- Hotspot: You can share your data via Wi-Fi hotspot with no extra cost.
- Activation: Available at Wind Tre stores (bring a passport). The SIM auto-deactivates after 30 or 60 days, and the offer cannot be renewed on the same SIM.
4. Iliad SIM Cards
Iliad is one of Italy’s fastest-growing mobile operators, known for its affordable, transparent pricing and robust 4G/5G coverage across Italy, including Vatican City. It’s a top pick for both locals and tourists due to its no-hidden-fees approach and generous data allowances. Below are the current prepaid mobile plans available:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Calls/SMS | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga 120 | 120GB (11GB EU roaming) | Unlimited calls & SMS in Italy | €7.99 | 30 days |
| Giga 250 | 250GB (13GB EU roaming) | Unlimited calls & SMS in Italy, 100 international minutes | €11.99 | 30 days |
| Data 350 | 350GB (16GB EU roaming) | No calls/SMS included (charged at €0.28/min, €0.28/SMS) | €14.99 | 30 days |
Additional Details:
- SIM Cost: A one-time fee of €9.99 applies for a new SIM card, added to the first month’s plan cost (e.g., Giga 120 would total €17.98 initially).
- 5G Access: Giga 120 and TOP 250 include 5G in covered areas (like Rome and Vatican City) if your device supports it. Dati 350 is limited to 4G/4G+.
- International Minutes (TOP 250): The 100 minutes cover calls to over 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, China, India, and most EU nations (full list on the Iliad website).
- EU Roaming: Data and calls can be used across the EU up to the specified roaming limits (11GB, 13GB, or 16GB). Beyond that, standard roaming rates apply.
- Hotspot: All plans allow data tethering at no extra cost, making them great for sharing with other devices.
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in the Vatican for Tourists?
Tourists can buy SIM cards at airports, city center stores near the Vatican, or online via eSIM providers for convenience.
1. Buy Vatican City SIM Card Online
You can purchase a SIM card online before arriving in Italy or Vatican City. This option is ideal for those who want to skip local stores and have mobile service ready upon arrival.
- Pros: Convenient, instant activation (especially with eSIM), no need to visit a store.
- Cons: May cost slightly more, limited local customer support.
2. Buy SIM card at Vatican airports
You can buy Vatican City SIM cards from the official stores of major operators including TIM and Vodafone when you arrive at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. These shops, which are found in the arrival halls, provide a range of tourist-friendly prepaid plans.
Pros: You can get connected as soon as you arrive, which is convenient for contacting accommodations, and staying in touch.
Cons: Vatican City SIM cards and data plans at airports tend to be more expensive than those purchased in city centers. While major providers are present, the full range of available plans might be more limited than in city stores.
3. Buy SIM Card in Vatican City Center
Since Vatican City does not have any mobile network official stores, you must buy a Vatican City SIM card in Italy. TIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad have stores near Vatican City in Rome’s city center. Also, some small shops and train stations sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists.
Pros:
- Buying from stores in the city center gives you access to more data packages.
- Prices may be cheaper than buying at the airport.
Cons:
- Stores near Vatican City can be crowded with tourists.
- Some store staff may not speak English fluently.
III. How Much is a Tourist Vatican City SIM Card?
Prices generally range from €7.99 to €40. Most tourist plans provide a significant amount of data, some local and international calls, and a range of texting options. The cost of prepaid SIM cards in Italy varies according to the supplier and plan selected.
IV. What types of Vatican City SIM Cards are available for tourists?
When traveling to Vatican City, tourists have two primary SIM card options for staying connected: Prepaid SIM Cards, Tourist eSIMs
Here is comparison Table:
| Criteria | Prepaid SIM card Vatican | Tourist eSIM for Vatican |
| Convenience | Requires physical purchase at nearby stores in Rome | Activated digitally without physical SIM |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most unlocked phones | Must be used on eSIM-compatible devices |
| How to Use | Insert the SIM into the phone and activate | Scan the QR code to install and activate the eSIM |
| Plan Example | 3GB for 30 days at €15 | 5GB for 30 days at €25 |
| Price | Generally cheaper than eSIMs | Typically more expensive than physical SIMs |
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Vatican travel?
Yes. If you want to stay connected while visiting the Vatican, it’s a good idea to acquire a SIM card. You will have a dependable network for utilizing mobile data, sending messages, and making calls if you have a local SIM card.
Let’s examine some alternatives:
- Data roaming: can be highly costly
- Pocket wifi: is simple to misplace and can be expensive to insure.
- Free WiFi: This can jeopardize your personal information and frequently has sluggish speeds and erratic connections
- Embedded SIM: convenient, but only compatible with devices that enable eSIM, is embedded SIM, or eSIM
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in the Vatican?
Here are some preparations to make when purchasing a SIM card in the Vatican:
- Passport: is typically required for registration, especially for prepaid SIM cards in Italy (the Vatican follows the same regulations)
- Unlocked phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked to work with local SIM cards.
- Cash or Credit Card: Most stores accept both, but it’s helpful to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
- Consider an eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate a plan remotely without needing a physical SIM card, which can be very convenient.
You can save time and avoid paperwork by selecting the eSIM option if your phone allows it.
VII. Vatican City eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
Get local network connectivity as soon as you land without needing to find a store with a Vatican City eSIM. Instead of waiting for delivery and queuing for a traditional SIM card, eSIM can be purchased and activated online within minutes. It is easy to switch between different eSIM profiles without inserting or removing a SIM card.
Stay connected effortlessly with Gigago Vatican City eSIM, offering both unlimited data plans and fixed data plans to suit your travel needs. With Gigago, tourists can connect to the best local networks for fast and stable internet throughout Vatican City. Gigago Vatican City eSIM starts at $3.00 for 3 days of use, with other plans available from $3.00 – $95.90 .
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Vatican City?
A tourist SIM card in Vatican City typically lasts anywhere from 30 days or up to 2 months, depending on the plan you choose.
- Short-term plans: Usually 3 to 7 days, ideal for quick visits.
- Medium-term plans: Often 2 to 3 weeks, great for extended stays.
- Long-term plans: Some tourist SIMs last 30 days, perfect for those staying a month.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Vatican City
Activating a SIM card for use in Vatican City involves slightly different procedures depending on whether you’re using a traditional physical SIM or an eSIM. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Using Prepaid Vatican tourist SIM Cards
- Purchase: Prepaid SIM cards can be bought in stores around Rome, or at major retailers offering mobile services. While Vatican City itself doesn’t have many mobile stores, nearby locations will have SIM card options.
- Insert the SIM: Put the prepaid SIM card into your unlocked phone.
- Activation: The SIM card may activate automatically once inserted. If not, follow the instructions provided with the card or contact customer service for activation.
- Top-Up: You can add credit to your prepaid card at convenience stores, kiosks, or online.
- Data Settings: Ensure that your phone’s APN settings are properly configured, though this is often done automatically.
2. Setting up and activating Vatican eSIM:
- Purchase: Buy an eSIM from an online provider, either directly from a local Vatican carrier or an international eSIM service.
- Receive QR Code: After your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code for eSIM activation.
- Install the eSIM: Open your phone’s eSIM settings, scan the QR code, and follow the activation instructions on your phone.
- Activation: Your eSIM should automatically activate once it’s installed. If it doesn’t, follow the instructions provided by the eSIM provider to complete activation.
- Set Up Data: Double-check that your mobile data settings are correct for Vatican City use.
X. FAQs about Vatican City SIM card
Can I buy a Vatican City SIM card?
Vatican City does not have its own mobile network, but you can use Italian SIM cards from providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre, which work greatly within Vatican City.
How long does a Vatican City tourist SIM card last?
Tourist SIM cards typically last from 3 days to a month, depending on the plan you choose.
Can I use an eSIM in Vatican City instead?
Yes. eSIMs are a great alternative, offering instant activation without the need for a physical SIM.
XI. Conclusion
To summarize, getting a prepaid Vatican City SIM Card for your trip is all about choosing between a physical Italian SIM or a convenient eSIM. Both offer connectivity, but understanding the activation process and your phone’s compatibility is key. With a little planning, you’ll be online and ready to explore, share, and navigate Vatican City with ease.