Complete Guide for Travelers 路 Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Italy. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $16 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$16
Providers
3
Network
Currency
EUR
Fiumicino Airport (Rome) or Malpensa Airport (Milan) arrivals, or any TIM/Vodafone store in the city
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Italy. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TIM Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $22USD 25 GB / 30 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier Store |
Vodafone Italy | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $22USD 20 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier Store |
WindTre | Major | Good | Good | $16USD 20 GB / 30 days | 1plan | Carrier Store |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$22
25 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIM Tourist 25GB | 25 GB | 19.99 EUR | $22 | 30 days | 200 min international |
| TIM Tourist 50GB | 50 GB | 29.99 EUR | $33 | 30 days | 400 min international |
From
$22
20 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 19.99 EUR | $22 | 28 days | 200 min international |
| Tourist 40GB | 40 GB | 29.99 EUR | $33 | 28 days | 500 min international |
From
$16
20 GB / 30 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 14.99 EUR | $16 | 30 days | 100 min local |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
WindTre
Tourist 20GB
14.99 EUR EUR
TIM
TIM Tourist 25GB
19.99 EUR EUR
Vodafone Italy
Tourist 20GB
19.99 EUR EUR
TIM
TIM Tourist 50GB
29.99 EUR EUR
Vodafone Italy
Tourist 40GB
29.99 EUR EUR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Italy
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$16
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Italy, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Italy.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in Italy. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Italy uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Italy
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Italy requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Italy
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Italian tax code (codice fiscale) - generated at the store
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Italian tax code (generated at store)
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Step 2
Italian tax code
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Italy.