Using an eSIM in Italy or Europe is recommended for those who want instant connectivity, unlimited data, calls, and a VPN. We used one on our recent holiday, and we were impressed by the simple set-up. There are various Italy eSIM options available today, and you may find that picking one is not that easy. We hope this guide helps you make your informed choice.
Italy eSIM Promo Codes
Here’s e a quick overview of the best prepaid Italy eSIM providers. Should you choose to book any of them, feel free to use our discount code as well.
5G Italy eSIM by BNESIM
✔ Ultra-fast and stable internet
✔ 1-100GB valid for 30 days
✔ 30% off with promo code TRAVLISTS
✔ Powered by Iliad, Vodafone, and Windtre
4G Italy eSIM by Airalo
✔ 1-20GB valid for 7-30 days
✔ 10% off with promo code TRAVLISTS
✔ Powered by Iliad, Vodafone, and Windtre
5G Italy eSIM by Ubigi (Vatican included)
✔ 10% off with promo code TRAVLISTS
✔ Powered by Iliad and Wintre
5G Italy eSIM by Nomad
✔ Unlimited data or fixed 1-20GB valid for 7-30 days
✔ 5% off with promo code TRAVLISTS
✔ Powered by Iliad, Vodafone, and Windtre
4G/5G Italy eSIM with Calls by Roamless
✔ 1-10GB with no expiration
✔ Get $5 credit with promo code TRAVLISTS
4G Italy eSIM by Instabridge
✔ 1-20GB valid for 7-30 days
✔ 20% off with promo code TRAV20 (website use only)
4G/5G Italy eSIM by Klook
✔ Unlimited data or fixed 500MB-2GB valid for 5-30 days
✔ 5% off with Klook promo code BETTERONAPP
4G Italy eSIM with VPN by Yesim
✔ Unlimited data or fixed 3-20GB valid for 7-30 days
✔ Get €3 off with promo code TRAVLISTS
✔ Powered by Vodafone and Wind Italy
4G Italy eSIM by World eSIM
✔ Exclusive 5% discount with our partner link
✔ Powered by Vodafone, TIM, and Windtre
✔ From the makers of the beloved Ninja WiFi in Japan
4G Italy eSIM with Free Trial by GigSky
✔ FREE 100MB data upon sign-up + 10% off with promo code TRAVLISTS
Why use an eSIM in Italy?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a new and great alternative to your traditional SIM card or pocket WiFi. The concept is simple: you get an instant internet connection without installing a SIM card on your phone or connecting to a WiFi egg. All you need to do is purchase your virtual SIM card here and install it through the app or by scanning a QR code. Once you have it all set up, you can instantly go online for the duration of your trip.
But which eSIM should you book? In the next few sections, we shall look at the different options available including their best features:
Award-winning travel eSIM in Italy
Like millions of tourists, our most preferred eSIM for Italy and Europe is BNESIM. Aside from affordable high-speed data plans starting below $2, I like that they have a user-friendly app where you can install your digital SIM card in a single click. They also have a generous 30% discount for our readers and great Europe eSIM plans as well.
Italy eSIMs with Unlimited Data
There are only a couple of providers with uncapped data plans. If you are a heavy internet user like me, you can consider Ubigi’s fast 5G eSIM. They have an unlimited data plan starting at $19 for 7 days, and their virtual SIM has great reviews from users.
Alternatively, you can choose to get Yesim. They also have unlimited data plans for 1-30 days starting at $8.4. When we tried using Yesim in Italy, we noticed that we got connected to both Vodafone and Wind at different times. I believe the network switch is intended to give you the most optimal speeds depending on which telco has better signals in a particular location.
Tourist eSIM with calls and phone number
Two brands come to mind when people ask me which Italy eSIM provider offers calls or a phone number: Roamless and Airhub. Roamless not only has an eSIM that can be reused across the world (perfect if you’re touring Europe), but they also provide in-app calls for over 200+ destinations. This is ideal if you’re flying into Italy for business or pleasure. Moreover, voice rates are very affordable starting from $0.01 per minute. Learn more and get Roamless here.
On the other hand, Airhub offers an Italy eSIM with a phone number and unlimited data. I find their plans suitable for short-term trips, but they’re equally useful for long-term use (good for students and business). View Airhub’s Italy and Europe eSIM with voice plans here starting at $32.
Italy and Europe eSIM
If your travels will take you to different parts of Europe, you can opt to get one regional eSIM. (Two years ago, this kind of multi-country plan did not even exist, so I had to purchase multiple single-country eSIMs!) For Europe eSIM with coverage in Italy, I would recommend BNESIM, Airalo, or Ubigi. However, among these three, only Airalo has 40+ countries covered. View the list of the included destinations here.
Get to Know the Top Italy eSIM Providers
Travel eSIM providers in Italy are not created equal, as you may have realized after reading the previous sections. However, given my experience with using some of them, as well as the reviews I read on Reddit and feedback I received from other tourists, I believe there are operators that we would not regret choosing. Below I share a shortlist of the most recommended Italy eSIMs:
1. BNESIM
Having been recognized at the World Travel Awards for 4 times, BNESIM deserves the top spot. They offer strong 5G internet connection from local telcos Vodafone, Iliad, and WindTre for just $0.97. They also boast a simple one-click installation, a rewarding referral program, and reliable customer service, which I absolutely like.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $0.97!
- PROMO CODE: 30% off with code TRAVLISTS
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: 250MB-20GB worth of 4G/5G data, validity period of 7-30 days for plans, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Italy powered by Vodafone, Iliad, or WindTre
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: Works well with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPads, and other Android phones.
- HOW TO USE:
- Download the BNESIM app here.
- Choose your destination and purchase your data plan.
- Activate your eSIM upon arrival.
- BEST REVIEW: “This is an excellent [eSIM…among the very best I have tried so far]. In particular, the Europe [eSIM data plan for 36 countries] without expiration is a fantastic deal. I ordered one to test it on my [iPhone,] and it worked really well. The app is very easy to use and informative,” reads a review for BNESIM on TrustPilot.
2. Airalo
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM marketplace and now has more than 10 million users (and counting). Many friends I know have used Airalo in Europe and found it to be a great internet companion. I heard that there was a tiny issue in that the eSIM suddenly stopped working for 30 seconds. But aside from that everything from the speed and setup was impressive.
- PRICE: Book here starting at only $4.5!
- PROMO CODE: Use our code TRAVLISTS here to get 10% off.
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: 1-20GB worth of 4G data valid for 7-30 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Italy powered by Vodafone, Windtre, & Free
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android phones. See the full list here.
- HOW TO USE: Simply install and activate your eSIM on the Airalo app.
- BEST REVIEW: “From my experience, Airalo is the best. I have used Airalo many times and it has never let me down,” reads a review on Reddit.
3. Ubigi
Ubigi is very popular in Europe, particularly in Italy. They offer a fast 5G internet experience, and their eSIMs can also be reused. This means you won’t have to set up or install a virtual SIM card each time you travel. What I like most about this provider is that they’re also the only one that offers offline top-ups, which means you can buy data on their app even if you run out of data mid-trip.
- PRICE: Book here starting at only $3!
- PROMO CODE: 10% off with our promo code TRAVLISTS
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: 500MB-25GB valid for 1 day-1 year, 5G speeds in Italy and 40+ destinations, mobile hotspot, & easy online and offline top-up
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel, Samsung, Sony, Oppo, Xiaomi, Rakuten, and Windows laptops.
- HOW TO USE:
- After booking, you will receive an email with your Italy eSIM QR code.
- Just before your trip and within 6 months of purchase, scan the QR code to install the eSIM.
- BEST REVIEW: “Thank you for making getting internet access on my trip seamless! Won’t ever be going through my home provider again with this [eSIM] option,” reads a review for Ubigi eSIM on TrustPilot.
4. Roamless
Established by passionate tech and communications entrepreneurs, Roamless is a game-changer in the eSIM space. Their product is an all-in-one solution for leisure and business travelers, with features like eSIM reusability in 180+ destinations and in-app calls. Through their eSIM or a WiFi connection, you can dial a number at home or anywhere around the world for as low as $0.01.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $2.35.
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: 1-10GB worth of 4G/5G data, non-expiring plans, unlimited mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Italy powered by Vodafone, Wind, & Iliad
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: Works well with iPhones and Android smartphones.
- HOW TO USE:
- Purchase a data plan here.
- Install the eSIM via the Roamless app or manually.
- Start using your eSIM and top up when needed.
- BEST REVIEW: “For day trips or for people that simply want [very fast data,] Roamless is very good. Roamless [was, by far,] the lowest latency eSIM provider I tested,” reads a review on Reddit.
5. Klook
If you are a Klook user, this eSIM for Italy is a great choice for you. This option comes with data plans that cover Italy and 40+ countries in Europe and can get you connected to the same telcos that locals are subscribed to.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $2.5!
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Fixed or daily allocated data worth 1-20GB for 7-30 days, coverage in Europe, & mobile hotspot
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones & Android phones (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.).
- HOW TO USE: Install your eSIM on the Klook app.
- BEST REVIEW: “First time using an [eSIM] card for my vacation. Overall, it was a smooth and fuss-free experience. Connection on local networks was easy enough, but please remember to install it…before flying off as you will need internet access in order to register… the eSIM card.,” reads a review for this Italy eSIM on Klook.
6. World eSIM
If you have never used an eSIM before or are frustrated with your current provider, try World eSIM. From the same company behind the beloved Ninja WiFi in Japan, World eSIM boasts super simple installation and ultra-flexible data plans. This company has already made a name as a reliable internet provider for travelers, so are sure to get a smooth experience all throughout.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $4
- DISCOUNT OFFER: Get 5% off when you book through our partner link here.
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited data or fixed 1-15GB, validity period of 3-20 days, mobile hotspot, & nationwide coverage in Italy
- HOW TO USE:
- Choose your plan here.
- Follow the simple set-up guide to install your eSIM.
- Activate upon arrival.
- BEST REVIEW: “…Another point I like about World eSIM is that I can recharge…immediately in case I run out of [data]. And, what can I say, it is inexpensive!”
7. Yesim
One of my favorite providers is Yesim, used by hundreds of thousands for their tourist eSIMs with VPN and unlimited data. I felt very safe while using their digital SIM card, and I liked that they have affordable unlimited data eSIM plans for Italy too. Upon signing up, I received a certain amount of discount in the form of Ycoins. On top of this, I was also able to apply my own promo code TRAVLISTS to get an extra €3 (more than $3) off. (Yes to savings!)
- PRICE: Book here starting at only $8.4
- PROMO CODE: €3 off with promo code TRAVLISTS
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Unlimited or fixed data plan with 3-20GB, validity period of 7-30 days, VPN for iOS, & nationwide coverage in Italy
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: iPhones, iPads, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and other Android smartphones.
- HOW TO USE:
- Buy your eSIM data plan here.
- Follow the installation instructions that you will receive via email.
- BEST REVIEW: “I was very satisfied with using the Yesim app. I had excellent coverage… When I had a question to the Customer Service team, I was helped quickly and kindly. I can recommend Yesim to everyone,” reads a review for Yesim eSIM on TrustPilot.
8. GigSky
GigSky was once selected by Visa and Apple as their eSIM partner, so you know that these guys are legit. This provider powers their eSIMs, which means that they do not rely solely on other networks. They also offer first-time users 100MB of data at absolutely zero cost, which is like a free trial if you want to see how GigSky works.
- PRICE: Get free 100MB here and top up starting at $4.49!
- PROMO CODE: 10% off with code TRAVLISTS
- COMPATIBLE DEVICES: iPhones, iPads (cellular), Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other Android smarphones.
- HOW TO USE:
- Receive your complimentary 100MB of data here.
- Install their eSIM and activate it in a few taps.
- Connect upon arrival in Italy.
- BEST REVIEW: “Such a great service,” reads a customer review for GigSky on Google Play Store.
BONUS: Nomad’s eSIM with Unlimited Data for Italy
Due to popular demand, let me include Nomad’s Italy eSIM as a bonus. Nomad is one of the pioneer eSIM providers and is known to offer unlimited data and excellent customer support. Not all companies are able to extend good customer service, but these guys are very good at it. Choose Nomad if you want to feel assured of 24/7 customer service via chat and email.