Italy has one of the most competitive mobile markets in Europe, making prepaid SIM cards an excellent option for tourists, digital nomads, and short‑term residents. With strong 4G/LTE coverage, expanding 5G networks, and affordable data packages, Italian prepaid SIM cards offer great value compared to roaming plans.
This guide covers TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad, and popular MVNOs, including prices, coverage, registration rules, and data add‑ons—fully optimized for travelers.
Basic Information
- SIM type: Physical SIM (nano/micro/standard) and eSIM (selected operators)
- Network technology: 2G / 3G / 4G LTE / 5G
- Validity: Usually 30 days (renewable)
- EU roaming: Included under EU Roam‑Like‑At‑Home rules (fair use applies)
- ID required: Passport or EU ID mandatory
Availability
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available throughout Italy and can be purchased by both residents and tourists without an Italian tax code in most cases.
Where to Buy
- International airports (Rome FCO, Milan MXP, Venice VCE)
- Official operator stores (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad)
- Authorized phone shops & kiosks
- Shopping malls and city centers
- Online (home delivery or store pickup)
Airport SIMs are convenient but usually cost more than city‑store offers.
Mobile Frequencies in Italy
| Technology | Frequency Bands |
|---|---|
| 2G | 900 / 1800 MHz |
| 3G | 900 / 2100 MHz |
| 4G LTE | 800 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 MHz |
| 5G | n78 (3.5 GHz), n28 (700 MHz) |
Most unlocked smartphones support Italian networks without issues.
Coverage & Speed Comparison
| Operator | 4G Coverage | 5G Availability | Typical Speed |
| TIM | Excellent nationwide | Major cities | 50–300 Mbps |
| Vodafone | Excellent nationwide | Major cities | 50–300 Mbps |
| WindTre | Very good | Expanding | 40–200 Mbps |
| Iliad | Good | Limited | 30–150 Mbps |
| MVNOs | Depends on host | Limited | 10–100 Mbps |
At‑a‑Glance Comparison
| Operator | Best For | Starting Price |
| TIM | Best coverage & reliability | €10–15 |
| Vodafone | Fast speeds & extras | €10–15 |
| WindTre | Budget + solid coverage | €8–12 |
| Iliad | Cheapest large data | €7–10 |
| MVNOs | Calls & ethnic plans | €5–10 |
Biometric User Registration
Italy requires mandatory SIM registration. Buyers must present:
- Passport or EU ID
- Personal details (name, date of birth)
Fingerprint or facial biometrics are not required, but identity verification is compulsory.
Device Registration
Italy does not require IMEI or device registration. Any unlocked phone works.
SIM Card Price
- SIM card cost: €5–10 (sometimes free with promotions)
- Initial credit may or may not be included
Top‑Up Methods
- Operator stores
- Online via official websites
- Mobile apps
- Supermarkets & tobacco shops (Tabacchi)
- Recharge vouchers
TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile)
Prepaid Plans – Data Add‑Ons
| Data Add‑On | Price | Validity |
| 5 GB | ~€5 | 30 days |
| 10 GB | ~€10 | 30 days |
| 20 GB | ~€15 | 30 days |
TIM Unlimited Data Plans
| Plan | Data | Price | Notes |
| TIM Unlimited | Unlimited | ~€30 | Fair‑use policy |
Feature Packages TIM
| Feature | Availability |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| Wi‑Fi Calling | Yes |
| 5G Access | Yes |
TIM Social Media Offers
| App | Included |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| TikTok | Selected plans |
TIM Data‑Only SIM
Ideal for tablets, routers, and hotspots.
Vodafone Italy
Prepaid Plans – Data Add‑Ons
| Data Add‑On | Price | Validity |
| 5 GB | ~€6 | 30 days |
| 10 GB | ~€10 | 30 days |
| 20 GB | ~€15 | 30 days |
Vodafone Unlimited Data
| Plan | Data | Price | Notes |
| Vodafone Unlimited | Unlimited | ~€35 | Speed cap may apply |
Vodafone Feature Packages
| Feature | Availability |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| 5G | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes |
Social Media Offers Vodafone
| App | Included |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes |
Vodafone Data‑Only SIM
Available for tablets, laptops, and MiFi devices.
WindTre
Prepaid Plans – Data Add‑Ons
| Data Add‑On | Price | Validity |
| 10 GB | ~€8 | 30 days |
| 20 GB | ~€12 | 30 days |
WindTre Unlimited Data
| Plan | Data | Price |
| Unlimited XL | Unlimited | ~€30 |
Feature Packages WindTre
| Feature | Availability |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| 5G | Selected areas |
WindTre Social Media Offers
| App | Included |
| Yes | |
| Yes |
WindTre Data‑Only SIM
Popular for mobile routers and home backup internet.
Iliad Italy
Prepaid Data Add‑Ons
| Data | Price | Validity |
| 50 GB | ~€8 | 30 days |
| 100 GB | ~€10 | 30 days |
Iliad Unlimited Data
| Plan | Data | Price |
| Giga Unlimited | Unlimited | ~€20–25 |
Iliad does not usually offer social‑media‑only bundles.
Lyca Mobile Italy
Is one of the most popular MVNOs in Italy, especially among tourists and expats who need cheap international calls, flexible prepaid plans, and affordable mobile data. Lyca Mobile operates on the Vodafone Italy network, ensuring reliable nationwide coverage with competitive pricing.
Prepaid Plans – Data Add‑Ons
| Plan Name | Data | Calls & SMS | Validity | Approx. Price |
| Lyca Italy Mini | 3 GB | Unlimited calls (Italy) | 30 days | €4.99 |
| Lyca Italy Blue | 5–10 GB | Limited calls & SMS | 30 days | €6–8 |
| Lyca Italy Green | 10–20 GB | 600+ mins & SMS | 30 days | €9–10 |
| Lyca Italy White | 20–30 GB | Unlimited calls & SMS | 30 days | €12 |
| Lyca Italy Gold | 30–50 GB | Unlimited calls & SMS | 30 days | €10–15 |
EU roaming included with fair‑use limits.
Lyca Mobile SIM Card – Unlimited Data Plans
They does not offer true uncapped unlimited data. Instead, it provides very large data allowances subject to fair‑use policies.
| Plan | High‑Speed Data | Validity | Price | Notes |
| Lyca Pink (Promo) | Up to 150–200 GB | 30 days | €9.99–14.99 | Speed may reduce after cap |
| Lyca Gold Max | 40–60 GB | 30 days | €12–15 | Best for heavy users |
Lyca Mobile Data Feature Packages
| Data Add‑On | Data Allowance | Validity | Price |
| Data S | 1 GB | 30 days | €5 |
| Data M | 2 GB | 30 days | €7 |
| Data L | 4–5 GB | 30 days | €10 |
| Extra Boost | +1–2 GB | 30 days | €3–6 |
These add‑ons are ideal for topping up existing bundles.
Social Media Usage
Lyca Mobile Italy does not provide zero‑rated social media bundles. All popular apps work using standard data allowances.
| Social Media App | Supported | Data Type |
| Yes | Standard data | |
| Yes | Standard data | |
| Yes | Standard data | |
| TikTok | Yes | Standard data |
| YouTube | Yes | Standard data |
Lyca Mobile Data‑Only SIM Options
Olso offers data‑focused SIM cards suitable for tablets, mobile routers, and backup internet.
| Data‑Only Plan | Data | Validity | Price |
| Data Lite | 1 GB | 30 days | €4.99 |
| Data Plus | 5 GB | 30 days | €8.99 |
| Data XL | 10–20 GB | 30 days | €11.99–14.99 |
How to Check Remaining Balance
- USSD codes (*123#)
- Operator mobile apps
- SMS alerts
- Customer service
How to Check SIM Number
- Dial *#62# or similar
- Check SIM card holder
- View in phone settings
Tourist SIM Cards
Most Italian operators offer tourist SIMs with:
- High data allowances
- International minutes
- 30-day validity
Digital eSIM Providers
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad
- Vodafone Italy eSIM
Other Options
- EU roaming SIMs
- Portable Wi-Fi routers
- International travel eSIMs
Activation
- Instant in-store activation
- Online activation for eSIMs
- Passport verification required
Help Line Numbers
- TIM: 119
- Vodafone: 190
- WindTre: 159
- Iliad: 177
- Lyca Mobile: 40322
Official Websites
- TIM: https://www.tim.it
- Vodafone Italy: https://www.vodafone.it
- WindTre: https://www.windtre.it
- Iliad: https://www.iliad.it
- Lyca Mobile: https://www.lycamobile.it
Apps available on Google Play & Apple App Store.
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards in Italy are affordable, easy to obtain, and offer excellent coverage across cities, countryside, and tourist destinations. TIM and Vodafone provide the best nationwide reliability, WindTre balances price and performance, while Iliad remains the top budget option for heavy data users. For short trips, eSIMs are a convenient alternative, while long‑stay travelers will benefit most from local prepaid plans.
Choosing the right SIM ensures fast, reliable internet throughout your Italian journey.