Pocket Wi-Fi in Italy: Pros, cons, and the best alternatives

If you're planning a trip to Italy, you're probably dreaming of delicious food, historical sights, and stunning coastlines. But how will you book a table at a popular restaurant or get a skip-the-line ticket to the Colosseum if you have no internet access? That's where pocket Wi-Fi comes in! Find out what you need to know about using portable Wi-Fi in Italy — the pros, the cons, and whether it's your best bet for staying online.

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9 min read

Pocket Wi-Fi in Italy: Pros, cons, and the best alternatives

How does portable Wi-Fi work in Italy?

Pocket Wi-Fi is a small device that provides wireless internet access using local mobile networks. You can call it your very own mobile hotspot, letting you connect multiple devices all while you're on the go. Whether you’re navigating winding streets or posting stories from a gelateria, pocket Wi-Fi gives you internet access anywhere there's a mobile signal, and frees you from relying on public networks or that one café with "WiFi" written in chalk.

Pros of using pocket Wi-Fi in Italy

Pocket Wi-Fi comes with several perks that make it an excellent option for travelers in Italy:

  • Whether you're uploading your latest selfie or exploring the maze of Venice, pocket Wi-Fi has your back — it's a reliable choice for internet access. 

  • Are you traveling with friends or family? Pocket Wi-Fi lets everyone get online — you can connect to it from multiple devices. 

  • Stream your favorite shows, upload vacation pics, or video call your cat back home (we won't judge). You'll feel at home with high-speed data, except with better pizza.

  • Pocket Wi-Fi is much better than international roaming fees, which could rival your hotel bill. Save those euros for more important things — like a decadent truffle pasta at a local trattoria.

Cons of using pocket Wi-Fi in Italy

While pocket Wi-Fi can be your best friend on your Roman holiday, it's not all sunshine and smooth connections. Here are a few reasons why you might want to weigh your options:

  • Yet another device to keep juiced up! If you're already juggling a phone, camera, and smartwatch, this could be another gadget that demands to be charged. 

  • Most portable Wi-Fi devices come with data caps. If you're binge-watching your favorite show while sipping a cappuccino, you might hit those limits quicker than you think.

  • Renting pocket Wi-Fi can add extra cost to your trip, especially if you're on an extended vacation. It's like paying for Wi-Fi at home but with a return deadline.

  • Speaking of deadlines, remember to return the device! It can be a bit of a hassle at the end of your trip when all you want to do is savor that last scoop of gelato.

  • Are you dreaming of exploring the quiet Tuscan countryside or hiking in the Dolomites? Depending on the local network strength, your portable Wi-Fi may ghost you in remote areas.

  • If the local mobile networks are shaky, so is your Wi-Fi. Not all corners of Italy have strong 4G/5G signals, so be prepared for some "no service" moments.

How to get portable Wi-Fi in Italy

If you're sold on staying connected with portable Wi-Fi in Italy, here's how to get your hands on one and be ready to roam.

Do your research

First things first — do your homework! Look for reliable providers that offer portable Wi-Fi rentals specifically for Italy. Not all providers are equal — a little research can save you from a headache later. You'll want to compare rental fees, data plans, and extra features they might offer, like delivery to your hotel or free customer support.

Book the device online

One of the easiest ways to get pocket Wi-Fi in Italy is to book it online before your trip. This will save you from frantically searching for options when you're already in Italy. When booking online, you can choose how and where to receive the device. Some providers will ship it to your home before you leave, while others can deliver it directly to your hotel in Italy or even have it waiting for you at the airport when you land.

Get your device

Once you've made your reservation, it's time to grab your portable Wi-Fi. When you first receive the device, double-check that it has everything you need. That usually includes a charger, a user manual, and sometimes even a cute little case.

Start surfing 

After you've received your device, turn it on and follow the simple instructions to connect your phone, laptop, or tablet to the Wi-Fi network. Voilà! You can now scroll, stream, and search your way through Italy.

Don't forget to return it

Once your Italian adventure is over and you've uploaded all your vacation photos, it's time to say goodbye to your trusty pocket Wi-Fi. Follow the return instructions provided by the rental company — this usually means packing the device back up and shipping it off using a prepaid label. Some companies may offer convenient drop-off points, especially if you're at the airport. Don't accidentally stuff it in your suitcase only to find it when you're back home, unless you want to pay for overseas shipping costs

How much does pocket Wi-Fi cost in Italy? 

Here are some popular options based on features, price, and delivery options:

Provider

Price per day (EUR)

Features

Delivery Options

MIOWIFI

± €8

Unlimited internet access, connect up to 5 devices at the same time.

Shipping to a personal or business address.

Hippocket WiFi

Starting from ± €5

1GB/day or unlimited internet access (depending on the plan), up to 10 devices at the same time, up to 8 hours of battery life.

Delivery to a personal or business address, to your hotel or rented apartment, or at more than 35,000 pick-up locations (stores and post offices).

My Webspot

± €10

Unlimited internet, up to 5 devices at the same time, up to 8 hours of battery life.

Delivery to a personal or business address as well as to your hotel or rented apartment.

TravelWifi

Starting from ± €8

Flexible data options, up to 5 devices at the same time, long-lasting battery (doesn’t mention how long).

Delivery by postal services to any address.

These providers offer varying delivery options, data plans, and prices to meet travel needs, so double-check provider websites to find the latest information.

Alternatives to pocket Wi-Fi in Italy

If you're not sold on the idea of lugging around a pocket Wi-Fi device, you have a few alternatives to staying connected while exploring Italy, each with its own pros and cons.

International roaming

One option is to stick with your current mobile carrier and use its international roaming services. Many phone providers offer international plans, but checking the fine print is crucial before you get too excited — international roaming can be notoriously expensive. Data usage rates can pile up quickly, especially if you're streaming videos or using GPS to navigate those charming Italian alleyways. Proceed with caution!

Public Wi-Fi

Another alternative is to rely on public Wi-Fi networks while traveling. You'll find free Wi-Fi in many cafés, hotels, and even public spaces like airports or train stations in Italy. However, public networks might be unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your activities. So while it might be tempting to hop on the nearest café network to upload your latest Instagram masterpiece, you might want to think twice before entering sensitive information or making online purchases. And if you're hoping to work remotely, let's just say "buffering" could become your least favorite Italian word.

The best alternative — an eSIM for Italy

When it comes to staying connected in Italy, the eSIM card is a modern and hassle-free alternative that beats portable Wi-Fi and traditional SIM cards. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you activate a mobile data plan directly on your smartphone without physically swapping out your regular SIM.

An eSIM is the ultimate connectivity solution for your trip to Italy for several reasons:

  • An eSIM is downloaded directly to your phone, so it's ready to use as soon as you arrive. No more waiting in lines to pick up a pocket Wi-Fi device or looking for stores where you can buy a physical SIM.

  • Many eSIM providers offer competitive pricing for international data plans, often at a fraction of international roaming fees.

  • Like pocket Wi-Fi, you can share your eSIM data connection across multiple devices, making it perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers with phones, tablets, and laptops.

With an eSIM, you'll stay connected effortlessly, skipping all the rental and return headaches while enjoying reliable internet access throughout your Italian getaway.

Do you need pocket Wi-Fi in Italy? 

Pocket Wi-Fi in Italy is a practical choice if you're traveling in a group with many devices to connect. However, the real MVP is the eSIM. It's convenient and eliminates the need to carry an extra device around — or worry about returning it at the end of your trip. All you have to do is download an eSIM and activate your data plan before you arrive in Italy, and you're good to go! Also, an eSIM is typically cheaper and more flexible than renting pocket Wi-Fi. So unless you love the idea of carrying around a mini router, an eSIM is your best bet for staying online in Italy. Buon viaggio!

FAQ

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    saily blog author giedre palubinskaite
    Giedrė Palubinskaitė

    Giedrė is an outdoor enthusiast who feels more at home in a tent than in a luxury hotel. She’s the type who packs her bags with a headlamp and enough snacks to survive a zombie apocalypse, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like snapping pictures to post on her Instagram stories. For that, she’s always prepared with an eSIM card on her phone — it helps her navigate the forest, too!