If you’re planning a trip to Italy in 2025, whether for a spring 10-day journey, enjoying the Ferragosto holiday, or a genuine Christmas time in Italy, staying connected is essential.
One easy way to do this is to use an eSIM, which allows you to access mobile data without getting a local SIM card. This guide will help you choose the best eSIM for Italy, including details about providers, available plans, and how to set it up.
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What is an eSIM for Italy, and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that’s already inside your phone or device and can’t be taken out. It works like a normal SIM card, but instead of changing physical cards, you just download settings to your device. This makes it easier to switch between phone carriers or plans without needing a new SIM card.
Physical SIM cards are still common, but eSIMs are becoming more popular because they offer more flexibility. By February 2025, more than 260 mobile operators worldwide provide eSIM services for smartphones.
In 2024, the eSIM market was worth around $9.6 billion, meaning that more and more people and companies are using eSIM technology, which is growing in popularity.
eSIMs aren’t just for phones; they’re also used in devices like smartwatches, tablets, cars, bike-sharing systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For travelers, eSIMs are particularly useful because they allow users to quickly connect to local networks in other countries and avoid high roaming fees.
How do eSIMs and SIM cards differ in Italy?
If you’re traveling to Italy, you have the option to choose between an eSIM or a SIM card.
An eSIM is more convenient because it doesn’t require swapping out a physical card; everything is set up digitally, usually with a simple QR code. However, eSIMs are limited in availability and may not be compatible with all phones. On the other hand, prepaid SIM cards are widely available at airports, kiosks, and stores and can be easily activated by simply inserting the card into your phone.
An eSIM can store multiple profiles, making it easy to switch between different plans, while a prepaid SIM requires you to physically swap cards each time. In terms of network coverage and speed, eSIMs connect to major mobile carriers that provide strong coverage and fast internet speeds. In Italy, many eSIM providers work with well-known networks like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre, ensuring a reliable connection. Similarly, prepaid SIM cards also use these same networks, so their coverage and speed can be just as good as those of eSIMs.
From an environmental perspective, eSIMs are better because they don’t involve plastic waste, while prepaid SIM cards contribute to more plastic use and carbon emissions.
Cost-wise, both options are competitive, but eSIMs are often the cheaper choice. If your phone supports eSIMs and you prefer a quick and hassle-free setup, they can be a great option. However, if your phone doesn’t support eSIMs or you prefer having a physical SIM card, a prepaid SIM would be the better choice.
Why Choose an eSIM for Traveling in Italy?
Cut Down on Roaming Expenses
Traditional roaming can be very expensive. You might pay around $10-$15 each day for limited data, calls, and texts. Some carriers could charge you $2-$3 per MB.
With an eSIM, you can get local data plans at cheaper prices. Instead of paying international rates, you pay local rates. An eSIM plan for Italy with 1GB of data can start as low as $1.25.
For example, Using just 500MB of data over a week could cost $100 or more with traditional roaming. A 10GB eSIM plan for Italy might cost around $20–$30, saving you up to 90% compared to traditional roaming fees.
Related: Should Data Roaming Be On or Off While Traveling?
Quick and Easy Activation
An eSIM lets you buy and set up your phone plan online before you even travel, so you don’t have to search for a SIM card store when you get to your destination. When you arrive in Italy, your eSIM will automatically connect to a local network, meaning you’ll have internet access right away as soon as you get off the plane.
Picture by Josh Withers on Pexels
One eSIM, Global Coverage
If you’re planning to travel between Italy and other European countries like the UK, you can use an eSIM that works across multiple nations.
Instead of buying a new SIM card for each country, you can get a regional eSIM plan that covers several European countries, including Italy.
Some mobile providers, such as Yoho Mobile, offer eSIMs that can be used in up to 33 countries. This is more convenient and cost-effective compared to buying individual SIM cards for each country you visit. Additionally, the price of a Yoho eSIM becomes cheaper the more countries you add to it, making it a better deal as you travel to multiple destinations.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Each year, a lot of plastic SIM cards are produced, and most of them are thrown away after they are used. eSIMs, which are digital SIM cards, help reduce plastic waste and keep places like Italy cleaner. By switching to eSIM, people can enjoy a more environmentally friendly way to stay connected.
If just 5% of mobile users switched to eSIMs, it could prevent tons of plastic waste and lower CO2 emissions.
Reliable Connection, Even in Remote Areas
Italy is about 300,000 square kilometers in size, with cities, mountains, and countryside. eSIM providers offer strong 4G/5G services in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Using an eSIM means you can stay connected to the internet as you travel across the country, whether you’re in a busy city or a more remote area, and you don’t have to change SIM cards to stay online.
However, in more rural areas like Tuscany or the Dolomites, the coverage might not be as good. Some major providers are working on expanding 5G to these remote areas, but for now, some places might only have 4G.
How to Choose the Best eSIM for Italy
Network Coverage
In cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, you’ll have great eSIM coverage with most providers. However, in more rural places like Tuscany or Sicily, the signal might be weak or drop sometimes.
If you’re heading to quieter, less populated areas, it’s a good idea to pick an eSIM that works with big Italian networks like TIM, Vodafone, or Wind Tre since they tend to have better coverage in these locations.
How Much Data Is Right for You?
The amount of data you’ll need during your trip depends on how you use your phone.
If you’re a light user who only needs maps, emails, and occasional browsing, you’ll likely need 1GB to 3GB per week, which would be around 3GB for a 10-day trip.
For those who use social media, stream music or videos, or make video calls, about 5GB to 10GB for two weeks. Some plans offer 10GB for around $12, which should be enough for most people.
Heavy users who do a lot of streaming, remote work, or rely heavily on mobile data should consider an unlimited plan or at least 20GB for the month. For example, Yoho Mobile offers an unlimited plan for $17.68 over seven days, which is cheaper than many other options.
Tip: Take a moment to review how you usually use your phone and choose a plan that fits your needs.
What’s the Duration of Your Stay?
eSIM plans come in different lengths depending on how long you’re staying.
For short trips, between 1 to 7 days, a weekly plan offering 1GB of data per day is a good option. If you’re staying for a longer period, such as two weeks to a month, it’s better to go with plans that offer 5GB, 10GB, or even unlimited data.
Providers like Yoho Mobile offer a variety of plans for Italy, with prices starting at $1. Their 7-day unlimited data plan costs $17.68, and for longer trips, Yoho Mobile’s 30-day at $37.61 plans helps reduce the need to recharge frequently.
Do You Need Calls and Texts, or Only Data?
Most eSIMs are designed for data use only, so they don’t support traditional voice calls or text messages. To make calls or send texts, you’ll need to use apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, which rely on the internet.
However, some eSIM providers offer plans that include a local phone number and a certain amount of call minutes. If this is important to you, make sure to confirm the details before purchasing.
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Do You Require an eSIM for Hotspot Use?
Many eSIM plans in Italy allow you to share your data with other devices through tethering, which is great for things like group trips or working remotely. To set up a hotspot, simply go to your device’s settings, tap on “Personal Hotspot,” and turn on the “Allow Others to Join” option.
Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure to check whether your plan includes tethering, as some providers might restrict it or charge extra. For example, Yoho Mobile offers phone plans that let you use your phone as a hotspot, so you can share your internet with other devices, like a laptop or tablet, while you’re in Italy.
Cost Overview
eSIM prices in Italy vary based on how much data you need, which provider you choose, and the network coverage.
If you’re only there for a short trip, you can get a small data plan (1GB) at $1.25 with Yoho Mobile. For people who need more data, medium plans with 5GB to 10GB cost between $2.99 and $11.58. If you need unlimited data, there are options for around $17.68 for 7 days or $40.21 for a month with a phone number.
To get the best deal, make sure to review the plan to ensure it fits both your budget and your data needs.
Best eSIM Providers for Italy in 2025
Yoho Mobile
Yoho Mobile lets users create personalized eSIM plans for Italy, where you can choose how much data you need and how long you’ll use it.
You can choose the amount of data and the duration that suits you. For example, you can get 1 GB of data for $2.98 for one day. If you need more, there are options for unlimited data, such as $35.61 for 15 days or $17.68 for 7 days. They also have regional plans that cover several European countries like Austria, Greece, Spain, and France.
Note that pricing per GB gets lower as you choose larger plans, and the cost decreases further when you select more countries. Yoho Mobile also supports hotspot and tethering functionality. There are no hidden fees, and they offer a full refund policy.
Yoho Mobile operates on the Vodafone, Iliad Italy, Telecom Italia, and WINDTRE networks in Italy, providing broad coverage across the country. They support 4G/5G networks where available. The service also includes 24/7 customer support via email, hotline, and WhatsApp. Additionally, Yoho Mobile has apps for both iOS and Android devices that allow users to manage their data usage.
User reviews for Yoho Mobile are mostly positive, highlighting how easy it is to set up the service, the affordable pricing, and how reliable the service is. On Trustpilot, the company has a high rating of 4.8, indicating that a lot of customers are happy with their experience.
Flexiroam
Flexiroam provides a range of eSIM plans for Italy, offering both fixed data and unlimited options. These plans include local, regional, and global choices, with durations that can range from 7 days to a full year. The starting price for a plan is $8 for 1GB of data over 7 days, with the cost per GB dropping as you choose larger data packages. The service uses networks like Vodafone and Orange to provide coverage and 4G and 5G speeds.
Unlimited plans come with a 3GB daily usage limit, after which the internet speed is slowed down. You can contact customer support through email or their app. Their service is easy to use and reliable, although Flexiroam’s prices tend to be higher than those of other providers.
Jetpac
Jetpac provides a variety of data-only eSIM plans for Italy, with options based on the amount of data you need. The plans start at $4 for 1 GB of data, lasting 4 days, and go up to $32 for 40 GB of data, valid for 30 days. You can also use your device’s hotspot feature to share its internet connection with other devices.
Jetpac uses Vodafone and Wind Tre networks for 4G and 5G coverage, but it’s important to note that these plans don’t include voice calls or SMS messaging, which could be a major drawback for travelers who need to make local calls.
Customer support is available via email and app, but there is no 24/7 live chat or phone support. It doesn’t offer either regional or global plans, which can be a problem for people who travel to multiple places. While it’s affordable, Jetpac lacks some features that might make it more useful.
Saily
Saily provides eSIM plans for Italy, offering a range of options to suit different data needs. For example, you can get 1 GB of data for 7 days at $3.99 or 20 GB for 30 days at $31.99. They also offer regional and global plans, starting at $4.99 for 1 GB of data in Europe., making it a straightforward and affordable option for staying connected while traveling.
Saily provides 4G/LTE internet coverage by using local mobile carriers, but it does not support phone calls or text messages. It can only be used for data-related activities, like browsing the internet or using apps. Saily does support hotspots, so at least you can use it to share your mobile data connection with other devices.
Airhub
Airhub provides a range of eSIM plans for Italy, which include options for data-only or data with calls. They offer plans that are tailored to different areas, including local, regional, and global coverage. These plans range from 1 GB of data to unlimited data, and they come with fixed durations between 7 and 30 days. The eSIM does allow for hotspot use, but it’s important to be aware that it could consume data more quickly than expected.
While the coverage is generally good in major cities, it might not perform as well as the top Italian carriers like TIM or Vodafone or in rural areas. Customer support can be hit or miss, with some users experiencing delays in responses.
Overall, Airhub’s plans are more affordable than other providers, but you might have to sacrifice some reliability and speed for a lower price.
Picture by Jing Zhan on Pexels
How to Buy & Activate an eSIM for Italy
- Choose your eSIM provider in Italy
First, pick an eSIM provider like Yoho Mobile or any other that offers plans for Italy.
Before proceeding, make sure your phone supports eSIM by dialing *#06# to get your EID number, check your phone’s settings or this list of eSIM-compatible devices.. This step ensures your phone is compatible with the eSIM service.
- Go to the provider’s store or website
Visit the Yoho Mobile website or download their app.
- Select your destination
Pick Italy or any other countries you plan to visit. Some providers offer plans that work in multiple countries or globally.
- Pick a plan for Italy
Choose a plan based on how long your trip is and how much data you’ll need. For short trips, 1-3 GB might be enough, but for longer trips, you may want 10 GB or even an unlimited plan.
- Purchase the eSIM
After choosing the plan, complete the payment online. You’ll need to give your email address so the provider can send you the eSIM details.
If you have a promo code (like YOHO12 for 12% off), enter it to get a discount.
Then, choose your payment method (like credit card, WeChat, Amazon Pay, Alipay, or Cash App Pay) and enter your payment information to finalize the purchase.
- Install and activate your Italy eSIM
After receiving the eSIM confirmation in your email, use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code in the “Add Cellular Plan” section of your phone’s settings. Make sure you’re connected to WiFi during the activation process. Once done, your eSIM is ready to use when you get to Italy!
Is an eSIM Worth It in Italy?
Yes, getting an eSIM for Italy is definitely worth it! It’s easy to set up by scanning a QR code, and it helps you avoid extra charges for roaming. You can choose from different plans that fit your needs, making it more convenient to stay connected while you’re traveling. As more people use eSIMs, they are becoming a popular choice for staying connected while traveling internationally. It just makes your trip easier!
FAQs About Using an eSIM in Italy
How much data do I need for my trip to Italy?
The amount of mobile data you’ll need during a trip to Italy depends on how much you use your phone. If you only need it for basic activities like checking email and browsing the web, about 1 GB per week should be enough. If you plan on using maps or social media regularly, you might need around 3 to 5 GB per week. For those who stream videos or use data-intensive apps a lot, 10 GB or more per week would be ideal. Italy offers reasonably priced mobile data, so it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card or eSIM to save money while you’re there.
Does Italy work with eSIM?
Yes, Italy works with eSIM, which is a digital SIM card embedded in your device. This allows you to connect to a mobile network without needing a physical SIM card, making it easier to switch between different plans. You can purchase an eSIM online before you travel and activate it as soon as you arrive in Italy. Some providers, such as Yoho Mobile, offer eSIMs that provide data access while you’re in Italy.
Can I make calls and send texts with an Italy eSIM?
Yes, you can make calls and send texts with an Italy eSIM, but it depends on the service provider. Some eSIMs only provide data, while others, like Yoho Mobile, offer calling and texting as well. If making calls and sending texts is important to you, make sure to check the details of the eSIM before purchasing.
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What is the best eSIM for Italy?
Yoho Mobile is the best provider for eSIMs in Italy because it offers reliable connectivity and affordable pricing. While other well-known providers like Flexiroam, Jetpac, Saily, and Airhub are good options, they may have limitations, such as only offering data plans or charging more for larger data packages. Yoho Mobile offers customizable plans designed to meet various travel needs so you can have a smooth and uninterrupted experience in Italy.
Can eSIMs be considered safe?
Yes, eSIMs are secure—often even more so than public WiFi. They use advanced encryption and authentication protocols to protect your data and make it harder for scammers to steal your number or hack your phone.
How to set up an eSIM for Italy?
Getting an eSIM for Italy is simple with Yoho Mobile. Just buy it online, scan a QR code, and set it up shortly before or when you arrive.
Does using an eSIM drain the phone’s battery?
Nope! Some people think that an eSIM will suck up your battery, but that’s not true. eSIMs are kinder to your battery, using less power for data than regular SIM cards.
What are the cons of using an eSIM?
Well, you can’t switch it to another phone since it’s built into your device. Also, eSIMs don’t come with a phone number like regular SIM cards do. And they won’t work on older phones since it’s a newer tech. We’re convinced that the benefits far outweigh any cons, don’t they?
