Vodafone is one of the most popular mobile operators in Italy, known for its wide 4G coverage and fast speeds. This guide will provide travelers to Italy with key information on getting a Vodafone SIM card or eSIM, including where to buy, best plans, how much data you’ll need, and step-by-step activation instructions. With strong connectivity across the country, a Vodafone Italy SIM / eSIM is a great way for tourists stay connected on-the-go.
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With strong 4G coverage even in rural parts of Italy, fast average download speeds, and competitive rates for tourists, Vodafone is an excellent choice for staying connected in Italy.
Vodafone claims to cover 99.9% of Italy’s population with its 4G network. Independent testing shows strong coverage even on roads and railways across the Italian countryside. With 34,000 mobile sites nationwide, Vodafone generally provides signal even in remote villages or mountain regions.
As Italy’s largest 4G network based on geographic coverage, choosing Vodafone is a reliable bet for tourists visiting any part of Italy – whether small towns or big cities.
Based on November 2023 report, independent researchers OpenSignal found Vodafone Italy’s 5G download speed averaged 202.2 Mbps. This makes it a little lower than competitors like TIM (239.3 Mbps avg) and WINDTRE (101.9 Mbps avg).
For uploads, OpenSignal measured Vodafone Italy’s average 5G upload speeds at 21.6 Mbps.
In OpenSignal’s analysis, Vodafone had the:
Vodafone’s network was also most consistent, with with a score of 75.8% of the time. This reliability ensures generally fast connectivity on Vodafone across Italy.
Based on these independent tests, Vodafone generally provides the fastest, most consistent mobile data connectivity for tourists traveling across Italy.
For travelers heading to Italy, there are 3 main options to connect to Vodafone’s fast, reliable network:
▶ Our recommendation: Choosing the best option depends on your needs and budget:
For most individual travelers, getting a local Vodafone Italy SIM card generally provides the best value, connectivity, and convenience during your stay. It allows you to use mobile data affordably across Italy while keeping your existing phone number through data-based messaging apps if needed.
Vodafone Italy offers only one prepaid SIM card plans targeted to tourists with short-term data packages, affordable rates, and easy online activation.
These Vodafone tourist SIMs include 600 minutes in Italy and other European numbers. No contract or registration is required – just present your passport when purchasing the SIM. Top-up data add-ons are available if needed after activating your initial allowance.
For even more data, Vodafone’s Red Unlimited plans offer semi-annual or annual deals with huge 100GB+ data bundles, unlimited calls/texts, and roaming across the EU. However, these require an Italian tax ID to register longer term.
Yes, Vodafone Italy has supported eSIM connectivity since 2019. Instead of a physical plastic SIM card, an eSIM allows you to digitally download a mobile plan straight to your phone.
Vodafone eSIMs provide exactly the same coverage and speeds as regular Vodafone SIMs. With easy activation through a mobile app, eSIMs are a convenient option for connectivity across Italy.
Easy to connect in Italy with GIGAGO Italy eSIM. We provides eSIM for 200+ countries over the world. You don’t need to registration or any documents to buy eSIM. GIGAGO has many data plans for you to choose.
For Italy, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.50 , so reasonable for a short trip. Moreover, what is great about Gigago’s Italy eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, vary between $3.50 – $125.98 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Italy, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
There are a few options where travelers can purchase Italy SIM card or eSIM plans from Vodafone:
As Italy’s largest mobile operator, Vodafone SIM cards are readily available at:
Airports on Arrival: Vodafone and partner stores located in major Italy airports. In the arrival hall at Rome Airport there is a Vodafone store. Besides, you can get to Money Exchange Store in both Rome Airport and Milan Airport.
Visit Vodafone’s Store Locator to find official stores close to your hotel or activity area in Italy. There will always be smaller independent resellers as backup too.
You should avoid buying SIMs from unofficial street vendors, as they may overcharge tourists or provide invalid plans. Purchase directly from Vodafone stores or known agents for security.
Since eSIM activation involves downloading a mobile profile instead of a physical card, you have three options to purchase a Vodafone Italy eSIM as a tourist:
GIGAGO allows you to conveniently buy and activate an Italian eSIM completely online, without needing to provide Italian tax details that Vodafone requires. There is no difference in actual service – GIGAGO just simplifies the tourist eSIM purchasing process.
Tips when buying SIM/eSIM in Italy:
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Activating your Vodafone Italy SIM card or eSIM will vary slightly depending on which option you choose during purchase.
To use a standard Vodafone Italy SIM card purchased in-store, follow these steps:
Vodafone shop staff can assist with standard SIM activation and data plan registration if you face any issues.
You’ll then be ready to start using mobile data, sending texts, and making calls within Italy, with Europe-wide usage also enabled on most plans.
eSIM purchased online:
If you purchased your eSIM online, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Here’s how to activate it:
eSIM purchased from a Vodafone store:
If you purchased your eSIM from a physical Vodafone store, they will help you activate it during the purchase process. This may involve:
Note: To use eSIM, you need a carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone. Learn how to check if your phone is unlocked and eSIM-supported by yourself or quickly check with our updated list.
Once your initial data allowance is used up, you can add more high-speed data to your Vodafone Italy SIM/eSIM by:
As a foreign tourist, you just need to show your valid passport at any official Vodafone store or reseller. No pre-registration is required.
Yes, most Vodafone tourist SIM plans include full talk, text u0026amp; data roaming in all EU countries. Some also cover Switzerland/UK. Check bundle specifics.
Almost any unlocked 4G LTE phone should work. Vodafone uses common frequency bands that international devices support. Apple or Android smartphone users should have no issues.
Vodafone has launched 5G in select Italian cities. To experience ultra-fast 5G speeds, you’ll need a 5G-compatible device plus be in 5G coverage zones in Rome, Naples, Turin or Genoa. 5G is still limited as of early 2024.
Any unused data or credits will be forfeited when your Vodafone prepaid SIM expires after the set validity. As the plans are tourist short-term bundles, there are generally no extensions or rollovers.
Vodafone provides customer service in both Italian and English online, through their call center, and at stores in big cities like Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. So English-speaking travelers can easily get help.
Getting connected with Vodafone Italy is quick and convenient for tourists visiting any region, thanks to strong nationwide coverage, good speeds, great prepaid deals, and English support options. For most travelers, we recommend picking up one of Vodafone’s tourist SIM card bundles on arrival at the airport. But eSIMs are also emerging as an easy digital alternative. Gigago is a good choice for smooth eSIM service.
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