Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, the Amalfi Coast — Italy is usually explored by train, and places like the Colosseum and the Uffizi admit visitors with timed tickets. All of it lives on your phone.
Networks and coverage
The main operators are TIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad. Cities and tourist routes have good coverage, including 5G. In the mountains, small villages and on trains between tunnels the signal can drop.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
A local SIM is bought on arrival, roaming without a package is expensive, while an eSIM takes a minute to buy from home: the QR code arrives instantly and your main number stays on for calls and texts. Worth knowing in Italy:
- Trenitalia and Italo train tickets are easy to buy and show on your phone.
- In historic centres, map navigation saves a lot of time.
- Passing through France, Switzerland or Austria? Check the regional “Europe” eSIM.
How to prepare before you fly
- Check eSIM support: dial
*#06#— if you see an EID line, you're good. - Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi. For most plans the clock starts at the first connection abroad; the exact rule is on the plan card.
- Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM so it doesn't spend money.
Step by step, with videos: How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android.
Trip tips
- In Rome and Milan, FreeNow and itTaxi work for taxis.
- Save museum tickets offline — the signal can be weak inside ancient walls.
- Share data to your laptop if you work on the road.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: ask for directions, explain yourself at a pharmacy, find a café nearby.