eSIM technology is the best solution for traveling abroad without worrying about Internet connection. Using embedded chips, the best eSIM for Italy connects you to stable 5G Internet without roaming charges. Search precisely, and you can even find options with virtual numbers and the opportunity to send SMS abroad.
Table of Contents
- Understanding eSIM: Activation and Ease of Use
- Yesim for Italy
- Saily for Italy
- AloSIM for Italy
- Nomad eSIM for Italy
- The Full Comparison of eSIM Providers in Italy
- Choose the Carrier Depending on Your Priorities
Let’s see what are the leading providers that connect you to the local Internet in Italy. In this guide, you’ll find the best SIM plans with actual prices and coverage. See how to activate an eSIM, use it later, and switch from your phone number to the new one. Finally, explore regional eSIM options to find the best eSIM for France and Italy, as well as other European countries.
Understanding eSIM: Activation and Ease of Use
unlike traditional SIM cards, embedded SIMs work without a plastic card in your phone. All you should do is choose a reliable eSIM provider, buy a data plan for Italy, and activate it. By using such tariffs, you don’t pay for roaming, make local calls, and scroll the 5G Internet at a reasonable price:
- Yesim provider offers prepaid and unlimited data, which can be activated in the official application or via a QR code;
- Saily is a budget-friendly carrier with prepaid Internet data. Buy the tariff and activate it automatically by scanning the unique QR code.
- Nomad eSIM offers manual installation, which is less convenient. At the same time, you receive better conditions for visiting several countries within one plan. Regular discounts add to benefits.
- AloSIM adds a virtual number to each data plan, so you can also make calls and send SMS. Activate the tariff using a QR code and detailed instructions, sent to your account.
Let’s explore each option in detail and compare tariffs in 2024. While all companies offer high-speed internet and seamless connectivity, each goes with pros and cons. Don’t forget to check if your device is compatible with eSIM. Each provider has a detailed list of supported devices.
Yesim for Italy
- 5G connection by Vodafone and Wind Italy;
- Prepaid and unlimited connection;
- Price from $1.59 per 1 gigabyte or $2.20 per day.
For stable connection, Yesim uses two cell data providers. Select this eSIM for your trip if you need customizable data and unlimited Internet. Within the single-country tariff, you choose from 8 plans:
| Prepaid offers | Unlimited Internet |
|---|---|
| 3 gigabytes for 7 days at $11;5 gigabytes for 15 days at $15.40;10 gigabytes for 30 days at $22;20 gigabytes for 30 days at $31.90. | 1 day at $7.70;7 days at $24.20;15 days at $40.70;30 days at $60.50. |
Italy is also included in a bunch of regional plans. Choose from Europe and the UK, Global, Business Destinations, USA Global, and Africa and Europe. Each goes with 8–10 data options, including prepaid and unlimited connection.
Saily for Italy
- 5G and 4G connection;
- Only prepaid plans;
- Price from $0.96 per 1 GB.
Although Saily is the cheapest option, users praise connection quality in Italy. The provider is a part of NordVPN, created only in 2023-2024. During this period, Saily developed local plans and a bunch of regional options for different parts of the world. The company doesn’t mention its cell data provider, but claims to provide the best possible connection.
The choice is limited to prepaid plans. If you need a lot of data, consider other options. Yet, these are the best eSIM plans for tourists. Italy goes as a single tariff, a part of European regional plan, and the Global offer:
| Single data plan | Europe | Global |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gigabyte for 7 days at $3.993 GB for 30 days at $8.005 GB for 30 days at $12.9910 GB for 30 days at $20.9920 GB for 30 days at $28.99 | 1 gigabyte for 7 days at $4.993 GB for 30 days at $12.495 GB for 30 days at $19.4910 GB for 30 days at $35.9950 GB for 30 days at $95.99100 GB for 30 days at $179.99 | 1 gigabyte for 7 days at $8.992 GB for 25 days at $16.495 GB for 60 days at $33.9910 GB for 180 days at $56.9920 GB for 365 days at $66.99 |
AloSIM for Italy
- LTE connection by WINDTRE, Iliad, and Vodafone;
- Only prepaid plans with virtual numbers;
- Price from $1.65 per 1 GB.
According to 2024 reviews, AloSIM offers amazing stability in Italy. The service uses 3 cell data providers to ensure you’re always connected. The coverage includes cities, nature, and most of the roads. Plus, all plans go together with a virtual Italian number. You can make calls and send SMS within the country without buying additional services. Currently, there are 6 prepaid plans for the destination:
- 1 GB for $4.50 (7 days);
- 2 GB for $8 (15 days);
- 3 GB for $10 (30);
- 5 GB for $14.15 (a month);
- 10 GB for $24 (a month);
- 20 GB for $33 (a month).
Unfortunately, unlimited connection is not available. If you plan to see several countries, consider regional offers: Europe, Wester Europe, and Mediterranean.
Nomad eSIM for Italy
- 5G and 4G connection by WIND Telecom Italy and Iliad Italy;
- Only prepaid plans;
- Price from $1.65 per 1 GB.
Be ready that Nomad disconnects or slows you down in mountains, which is a typical occasion even among local providers. In cities, however, connection is stable and usually reaches 5G. For this, Nomad uses data by Iliad and Wind providers. The company is especially popular for a bunch of regional plans for all possible destinations and budgets. Italy is included in 5 tariffs:
| Single-country plan | Regional tariffs |
|---|---|
| 1 GB for 7 days at $4.50 (5G);1 GB for 7 days at $6 (4G);3 GB for a month at $8;5 GB for a month at $14;10 GB for a month at $19;15 GB for a month at $27;20 GB for a month at $33. | Italy, France, and Germany (from $4);Europe (from $5);Global (from $19);Global-EX (from $300). |
Apart from ready-made plans, you can customize the tariff. For this, use the “Day Plans” tab and choose the amount of Internet and the number of days you really need. In this option, unlimited connection is also available.
The Full Comparison of eSIM Providers in Italy
| The best eSIM cards for Italy | Yesim | AloSIM | Saily | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating |  |  |  |  |
| Coverage in Italy | Vodafone and Wind Italy (4G/5G/LTE) | WINDTRE, Iliad, Vodafone (LTE) | Not mentioned | WIND Telecom Italy and Iliad Italy (5 G and 4 G) |
| Plans duration | 1–40 | 7–30 | 7–30 | 1–30 |
| Price per 1 GB | From $1.59 | From $1.65 | From $0.96 | From $1.65 |
| Unlimited connection | Available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Virtual numbers to make calls and send SMS | Available at individual price | Included in all plans | Not available | Not available |
| Activation | QR code or app | QR code | QR code or app | QR code or via the “Manage” page in your account |
| Unique features | Activate within 365 days | All plans go with phone calls and SMS | $3 bonus for inviting friends | Activate within 60 days |
Choose the Carrier Depending on Your Priorities
Each provider offers services for a certain audience. Tourists commonly choose Nomad to visit several destinations within convenient regional plans. For digital nomads and immigrants, Yesim and AloSIM became a popular choice. Using those two, you can buy a virtual number to make calls across the country. Saily, finally, is a good choice for cost-effective travel and beginners. Its support offers easy installation and assistance during all steps. Choose depending on what you need and be welcomed to share your opinion below. Tell our readers about your experience with eSIM providers in Italy and Europe.
Currently, tourists choose Saily, Yesim, Nomad, and AloSIM. All the carriers offer Internet connection in Italy and stable speed. AloSIM and Yesim use virtual numbers to make phone calls and send SMS.
Tourists should pay attention to short-term tariffs for a week or less. Consider options by Yesim. This provider offers a single-day plan with unlimited Internet for only $7.70. Prepaid plans vary depending on the data volume – for instance, you can buy 3 GB for only $11.
All companies use data from several cell providers in Italy. Thus, you remain connected in any part of the country. While the Internet may be slowed down to 2G on the roads, the city connection is stable.
Embedded SIM cards are much more convenient than traditional SIM options. They don’t require plastic cards in your smartphone slot, offer better connection, and usually go at better pricing. Plus, you can prepare for the trip in advance and buy a plan from the comfort of your home.
Listed providers offer QR code activation and in-app installation. You only follow simple instructions, while your plan is being installed automatically. For detailed information, visit the official websites of providers individually.
