Overview of Italian Mobile Operators
Italy has several mobile providers offering competitive plans with good coverage and internet speeds. The main operators are:
- TIM – Excellent nationwide coverage, good for long-term use.
- Vodafone – Fast 5G and great for international use.
- WindTre – Affordable and widely available in urban areas.
- Iliad – Very popular for its low prices and transparent offers.
How to Buy a SIM Card in Italy
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at:
- Official operator stores – located in shopping centers and cities.
- Airports – tourist SIMs available right after arrival.
- Electronics shops – like MediaWorld or Unieuro.
- Online – via operator websites, some deliver SIMs to your address.
Note: You need a valid ID or passport to register and activate the SIM in-store.
How to Top-Up Your SIM
- Online: Use the operator’s website or services like Recharge.com.
- Retail stores: Top up at tobacconists (Tabacchi), supermarkets, or ATMs.
- Mobile apps: Official apps let you top-up and manage your data easily.
- Top-up vouchers: Buy a voucher and enter the code via USSD (e.g., *123*code#).