After multiple trips exploring different regions of Italy, from hiking between the picturesque Cinque Terre, summiting mountains in the Dolomites, exploring the beautiful hilltop towns of Tuscany, and more, we have a really good idea of how to best stay connected on an Italy trip.
We’ve tested many eSIMs, not only in Italy but also around the world, so we know which ones offer the best value for money and are a reliable choice for travel.
That’s why we’ve only listed the top-rated eSIMs we personally used, trust, and have a history of great customer reviews. No fluff, no overcomplication, just facts.
Top three Italy Travel eSIM providers
Our recommended eSIM providers for travelers in Italy are Ubigi, Sim Local, and Sim Options.
Ubigi
Best value for money plans (unlimited and fixed-data), perfect for any trip.
Connection to Italy’s best networks at fast 5G speeds.
Great regional (Europe) plans for multi-country trips, including Italy.
Bonus: Monthly plans for digital nomads, remote workers, and longer trips.
Sim Local
Fixed plans of 1-20 GB, and unlimited data plans.
Great coverage at fast speeds.
SimOptions
Affordable plans for Italy and the European Union.
High data allowance plans.
Calls & SMS options.
Best Italy eSIM packages for traveling in 2026
Let’s explore the various options and highlight the pros and cons of each of our recommended Italy eSIM providers.
1. Unlimited Data Plans
Unlimited Italy eSIM data plans are the best choice if you require high data usage during your visit to Italy. These plans offer the freedom to use mobile data without worrying about running out or paying extra.
| Package | Ubigi ⭐ | Sim Local |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days unlimited | 19 EUR: 15GB max speed | 26.5 EUR: 10GB daily max speed |
| 15 days unlimited | 25 EUR: 30GB max speed | 44.75 EUR: 10GB daily max speed |
| 30 days unlimited | 39 EUR: 60GB max speed | |
| Monthly (min. 3) | 22 EUR: 60GB max speed | |
| Check plans | Check plans |
Unlimited Italy eSIM Data Plans from the best providers
2. Budget-Friendly Packages
As of 2026, Ubigi offers the best selection of budget eSIM plans for both short and long stays in Italy.
In our opinion, the 9 EUR, 7-day plan, which gives you 10GB at 5G speeds, is perfect for any shorter trip, and the 30-day plan with 25GB for only 19 EUR is what we would choose for a longer stay in Italy.
| Italy eSIM | 7 Days | 15 Days | 30 Days | Monthly (min. 3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 5 EUR | |||
| 10GB | 9 EUR | 12 EUR | ||
| 20GB | 11 EUR | |||
| 25GB | 19 EUR | |||
| Unlimited | 19 EUR | 25 EUR | 39 EUR | 22 EUR |
| 5GB/month | 4 EUR |
TRAVEL TIP
Book your Italy accommodation in advance to get the best deals and best hotels (especially during the high season)!
Check the price and availability of the best Italy hotels here.
3. eSIMs with local phone numbers
As most tourists don’t need calls and SMS in Italy, many eSIM packages are data-only and don’t include a phone number.
During our travels in Italy, we never really needed a local Italian phone number, as we communicated with everyone via WhatsApp and Messenger.
| eSIMs with a local phone number |
|---|
| Ubigi – No |
| Sim Local – No |
| SimOptions – Yes |
4. Regional eSIM plans
If, in addition to visiting Italy, you plan to visit other European countries, like maybe Croatia, then it makes sense to consider a regional eSIM plan.
You can buy the Standard Europe eSIM from Ubigi, which, in addition to Italy, gets you online in the whole European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and a few more countries. That way, you don’t have to buy a different eSIM for each destination on a multi-country trip – you just get the Europe plan.
We love the fact that these plans are not expensive at all, especially when compared to other providers.
| Europe eSIM | 7 Days | 30 Days | Monthly (min. 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 7 EUR | ||
| 5GB | 8 EUR | ||
| 10GB | 12 EUR | 16 EUR | |
| Unlimited | 26 EUR | 69 EUR | 49 EUR |
| 20GB | 24 EUR | ||
| 25GB | 32 EUR | ||
| 50GB | 59 EUR |
Get it now 10% cheaper with code SHIPPEDAWAY
You can get more information about the best regional plans in Europe by reading our Best Europe eSIM article. We dive deeper into the best plans not only for the EU but also for Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Baltic), the Balkans, and beyond.
Personally, we prefer buying separate packages, as we usually stay longer in each country, but we do use a regional Europe plan for trips that combine multiple countries.
5. Long-term packages for extended stays and digital nomads
Ubigi is the best and most affordable choice for digital nomads in Italy, offering fantastic monthly plans: 5GB for 4 EUR, 20GB for 11 EUR, and unlimited for 22 EUR. These are available when bought for a minimum of three months.
For stays in Italy up to a year, the Ubigi yearly plan makes a lot of sense, especially the 5GB/month plan costing just 36 EUR for the full year. That’s a better deal than many “local” offers within the country.
Italy trip
MUST-HAVE ✔
💳 Save money when changing currencies or taking out cash by bringing a backup travel card. Oh, and in case an ATM swallows your card. Yes, it happened to us. 🤦♂️
🔌 Bring a Universal Travel Adapter with fast-charging capabilities (45W and Power Delivery).
📶 Stay online by getting an eSIM. You can get our favorite eSIM at a 10% discount.
Benefits of buying an eSIM for Italy
When traveling in Italy, there are several advantages to choosing an eSIM over traditional SIM cards.
- Convenience: With eSIMs, there’s no need to swap SIM cards physically. eSIMs are built into compatible devices and can be activated digitally using a QR code or installation link.
- Cost savings: eSIMs often offer competitive data plans and pricing, allowing you to get online as soon as you arrive in the country and save on expensive international roaming charges.
- Environmental impact: eSIMs eliminate the need for plastic SIM cards, reducing waste and the environmental impact of traditional SIM cards.
Device eSIM compatibility
Please note that device compatibility may vary based on regional restrictions and carrier limitations. It’s important to check with your device manufacturer or eSIM provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing your Italy eSIM.
You can check this convenient list of eSIM device compatibility.
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 3 (2022), iPhone SE 2 (2020), iPad Pro 11″ (1st Gen or later), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad mini (5th Gen or later) |
| Samsung | Samsung Galaxy A17, Samsung S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A35, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung Galaxy A55, Samsung Galaxy A56, Samsung Galaxy A36, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung Galaxy A40, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Samsung Galaxy Note20, Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9a, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8a, Google Pixel Fold, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7a, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a | |
| Other phones | Fairphone, Hammer, Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Oppo, Rakuten, Sharp, Sony, Surface, Xiaomi, Vivo, Asus, TCL, T-Mobile, MyPhone |
| Windows Laptops | Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Surface |
Finding Wi-Fi is great!
But not if it's not secure
For more than 6 years, we have been using a VPN app while traveling, as it secures our data, especially when connecting to a public WiFi. 📶
We know we’re safe to use our banking and payment apps and don’t have to worry about someone stealing our money or passwords. 👨💻
Plus, you might think the hotel WiFi is OK, but often there’s minimal or no security behind the connection at all. 🟥
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, it allows us to switch countries so we can watch Netflix shows and movies that might not be available otherwise. 🍿
Italy eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Activating your Italy eSIM is a simple process with just a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you activate your eSIM:
Time needed: 15 minutes
Italy eSIM Step-by-Step Activation Guide
- Purchase your eSIM
Buy an eSIM plan from one of the trusted eSIM providers that best suits your travel needs in Italy.
- Receive the installation instructions
After your purchase is complete, you will receive an email containing a QR code from the eSIM provider to your email address. Keep this email accessible on your device.
- Scan the QR code
On your device, open the camera app and scan the QR code received from the eSIM provider. This will activate the eSIM and initiate the download of the necessary eSIM profile. If you’re wondering how to do this on the phone, save the QR code image or take a screenshot, and then tap on it in your photo gallery. It should scan it.
- Optional: Manually enter the eSIM plan settings or use the installation link
If you can’t scan the QR code, follow the manual steps for adding the eSIM to your phone. It’s very straightforward and shouldn’t take a long time either. Recently, you can also simply follow an installation link to install an eSIM on your device.
- Confirm the eSIM activation
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the activation of the eSIM profile. This may involve entering a confirmation code or selecting the appropriate settings on your device. Sometimes, you need to text the provider’s provided phone number to activate the eSIM.
Ensure your device has a stable internet connection for the initial activation process. We usually do this at the departure airport before flying into Italy, so we’re online as soon as we land. - Enable Data Roaming on the new eSIM plan
In your new eSIM plan settings, enable Data Roaming. Don’t forget this step or it won’t work.
- Turn off “Cellular Data Switching”
When you enable data roaming, make sure to turn off “Cellular Data Switching”. Otherwise, the phone might switch to your home plan if the eSIM loses connectivity. This is usually something that rarely happens, but it’s possible in elevators, where the connection drops. So, if your home plan gets connectivity first, it might cause extra costs.
- Set the new eSIM data plan as primary
Make sure to set the new eSIM plan on your phone as the primary one for mobile data. This way, your home plan won’t be used for data, but it can still receive texts and phone calls.
Otherwise, remember to remove or disable your physical SIM card while using the eSIM to avoid any conflicts or additional charges. - Start using your Italy eSIM
Once the eSIM activation is complete, you can start using your Italy eSIM to access mobile data. The validity period usually starts when the eSIM connects to the local network’s cellular data. But make sure to check this, as sometimes it starts right after installation (Steps 3-4-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, eSIMs in Italy provide wide network coverage in all regions, including remote areas. Plus, our recommended eSIM connects to the best networks in the country.
To top up data on your Italy eSIM, you can follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. This may involve using an app or website to purchase additional data packages or credits. It’s recommended to top up before your current data plan expires to avoid any interruptions in connectivity.
Yes, with Italy eSIMs, you can keep your home country and Whatsapp numbers active and still receive phone calls and texts. Just make sure to set the Italy eSIM plan as the primary data plan so your home plan is not used, and you avoid roaming charges.
Yes, sharing data between devices with a Italy eSIM is possible. However, the ability to share data and the specific process (and number of devices) may vary depending on the eSIM provider and your chosen plan.
If you encounter connectivity issues with your Italy eSIM, it’s recommended that you contact your eSIM provider’s customer support team. They can provide troubleshooting assistance and guide you through any necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Yes, there are many great Italy eSIM packages with unlimited data. The most affordable choice is the 15 or 30-day one by Ubigi. You can get it 10% cheaper with code SHIPPEDAWAY.
Yes, there are some eSIM packages for Italy that include a local number for calls and texts. Check options here.
Best way to explore Italy?
RENTING A CAR
We love exploring places at our own pace and on our own time, especially to avoid crowds at popular destinations we visit. Plus, watching sunrises and sunsets at epic locations is a must. ☀
That’s why renting a car for us is a no-brainer, and an unmissable part of most trips. 🚗
We love having the choice to compare prices, choose different pick-up and drop-off locations (one-way rentals), and pay for a reasonable full insurance policy without going broke. 🤑
Final thoughts
We hope we have provided you with everything you need to choose the best eSIM for Italy that will suit your travel itinerary and budget.
All of our recommended eSIM providers, Ubigi, Sim Local, and Sim Options, should deliver a great experience in terms of connectivity, network speeds, customer service, and ease of use.
Enjoy your Italy trip!
