Will my phone work in Italy? Tips and important information on using your mobile phone in Italy

Will my phone work in Italy?

Yes, your phone will work in Italy as long as it’s carrier unlocked (i.e., able to connect to networks outside of the ones you use at home), but we’d advise against enabling your international roaming to avoid costly charges. Present-day mobile phones and smartphones are designed for a global consumer base and have the ability to connect to most international networks, including Italian ones. You should have no trouble making calls, sending SMS texts, and using your mobile data plan, but the trouble is the cost associated with doing so. So no, you won’t need to get a “burner phone” in Italy like you would have in the early 2000s. 

The reason your cell phone will likely work in Italy is that most smartphones support the cellular frequencies used in Italy — Italian carriers operate on GSM networks with 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G capabilities. If you have a relatively recent phone from a major manufacturer like Apple, Samsung, or Google, you're probably good to go.

However, the most important question isn't really "Will my phone work in Italy?" but rather, "How much will it cost?" Just because your phone can technically connect doesn't mean it'll be cheap or convenient. You'll still need to decide how you want to handle your mobile service — whether that's through your current carrier's roaming plan (which we don’t recommend), an eSIM, a local SIM card, or other connectivity options. 

How to use your phone in Italy: All your options for getting mobile data 

You have several options for getting internet access via cellular data on your phone in Italy, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at the most common ways travelers stay online in Italy.

Enable international roaming with your carrier (not recommended)

The easiest way to get access to mobile data on your phone in Italy is to enable data roaming with your network carrier. But we’ll cut to the chase — this can be an extraordinarily expensive option, and it’s not one we recommend. The reason enabling your international roaming is so easy is that all you need to do is toggle a switch in your phone’s settings — but the catch is that you can end up with an incredibly expensive roaming bill. Many carriers charge daily flat fees to use your mobile data abroad, which means it doesn’t matter whether you quickly search “How many days in Rome is ideal?” or stream a three-hour documentary on the Roman empire — the daily cost will be the same. On top of that, you might face slower internet speeds or data caps (slower speeds after a certain amount of data has been used) that you wouldn’t normally get while using your data at home. 

Our advice is to only enable your international data for emergencies. Otherwise, you should opt for a cheaper way to stay online while in Italy. 

Get an eSIM (recommended option)

Instead of enabling your international roaming, a cheap, convenient way to get internet access on your phone is by purchasing an eSIM for Italy. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual version of a SIM card. The biggest advantage of using an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card in Italy is that you won’t have to worry about buying a SIM card when you get to the country. All you need to do is download an eSIM app like Saily, buy a data plan with as many GBs as you’d like, and install the eSIM on your phone. We’d even recommend installing your eSIM before leaving for Italy so that you have internet access the moment you land. Saily offers fixed data plans for Italy starting at just US$3.99 for 1 GB over 7 days or unlimited data plans starting at just US$2.40/day for 30 days. You’ll even get three built-in security features with your Italy eSIM plan that add a layer of privacy while you browse and help you use 28.6% less of your data!

Buy a prepaid local SIM card

Another way to get mobile data without incurring international roaming charges is by purchasing a SIM card for Italy. The three major Italian carriers — TIM, WindTre, and Vodafone — all offer prepaid data plans for tourists with generous data allowances starting at around €14.99 (US$17.65). SIM cards are a relatively cheap and reliable way to get mobile data in Italy, and depending on the provider, you might even get a temporary Italian phone number with domestic and international calling allowances. However, opting for a physical SIM card comes with a few downsides. 

Some disadvantages of getting a physical SIM card for Italy include: 

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  You’ll have to wait to purchase a SIM card in person before getting internet access on your phone.

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  Most Italian carriers don’t offer unlimited data options for tourists.

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  You’ll need to present your passport while buying an Italian SIM card.

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  You risk losing or damaging your home SIM card by having to swap it out with a prepaid Italian SIM.

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  You’ll be choosing a connectivity option with more plastic waste compared to an eSIM.

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  You won’t get built-in security features, unlike with the Saily eSIM app.

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi router

Another way to get an internet connection on your phone is by renting pocket Wi-Fi in Italy. Pocket Wi-Fi devices are portable hotspots that you can carry around to get internet access on multiple devices at once (much like the Wi-Fi router you use at home). You can order a pocket router through online rental companies and have it shipped to an airport, hotel, or residential address for pickup. Pocket Wi-Fi routers are especially popular amongst tourists traveling in groups or people in need of an internet connection on multiple devices at once, like business travelers. 

But not so fast — the cons of renting a pocket Wi-Fi router far outweigh the pros:

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  Pocket Wi-Fi is more expensive than a prepaid eSIM or SIM card for Italy. You’ll be paying between US$5.89 and US$11.78 per day with pocket Wi-Fi rentals from the most popular Italian companies. With a Saily eSIM plan for Italy, you can get 20 GB of data over 30 days for US$28.99 (US$0.97/day). 

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  You’ll need to be within range of the router to stay connected. Most routers have a range of about 30-50 feet — walk any further, and you’ll lose internet. 

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  You risk losing or damaging the router. An extra device to carry around means you’ll have an extra device to lose or damage. In this unsavory situation, you’ll also owe the rental company a fee. 

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  You might need a power bank to keep the battery alive. Pocket Wi-Fi devices will typically last you 6-8 hours when fully charged. If you have a packed itinerary, you might need a power bank to keep it alive for the whole day. That’s two extra devices to carry!

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  You’ll need to return the router before leaving Italy. It’s not exactly ideal to find the rental counter if you’re already rushing for your flight back home.

How much are roaming charges in Italy?

Roaming charges in Italy vary wildly depending on your carrier and plan. You usually have two options — purchase an “international roaming pass” to tack on to your regular data plan or face incredibly steep pay-per-use roaming rates. 

Most major US carriers offer international plans or day passes that cap your costs, but these still aren't cheap. If you're traveling from the US with major carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon, you can purchase an international roaming pass for about US$10 to US$15 per day that will give you unlimited data coverage in Italy. However, the pay-per-use rates of these three providers fall between a whopping US$2.05 and US$15 per MB. These are the kinds of roaming prices that leave travelers devastated at the end of their trip with a triple-digit roaming bill. 

If you do decide to rely on your international roaming while in Italy, it’s imperative that you research what kinds of roaming rates apply to your mobile plan to avoid a trip-ruining bill. Here's what you can expect from major US carriers:

Using your Verizon mobile phone in Italy

Verizon phones will work in Italy, but you'll want to purchase a TravelPass if you plan on using your data roaming. For US$12/day, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data in over 210 destinations, including Italy. If you don’t buy a TravelPass beforehand, you’ll be charged pay-as-you-go data roaming rates in Italy at US$2.05 per MB — an incredibly steep cost compared to prepaid eSIM options. 

Using your AT&T mobile phone in Italy

AT&T phones work in Italy, and you’ll have a few options for accessing mobile data on your trip. AT&T's International Day Pass costs US$12/day and allows you to use your phone abroad in over 210 destinations. AT&T also offers monthly Passport plans with set data allowances for frequent or long-term travelers. However, without purchasing an International Day Pass, you’ll face pay-as-you-go data roaming rates in Italy at US$2.05 per MB. These rates are easily avoidable with a prepaid eSIM or SIM card for Italy. 

Using your T-Mobile mobile phone in Italy

T-Mobile actually includes basic international coverage in many of its mobile plans, making them a bit more cost-effective compared to other US carriers (but still more expensive than prepaid eSIMs and SIM cards for Italy). If you want more data allowances on your trip to Italy, you can buy one of T-Mobile’s International Passes. For US$5, you can get 512 MB of data and unlimited calling for 1 day. For US$35, you’ll get 5 GB of data and unlimited calling over 10 days. For US$50, you’ll get 15 GB of data and unlimited calling over 30 days. For reference, a 20 GB Saily eSIM plan for Italy costs US$28.99. 

Using your UScellular mobile phone in Italy

UScellular offers international roaming in Italy with its Daily Travel Passes at US$15/day or Monthly Travel Passes at US$100/month. However, accessing UScellular’s website while you’re already in Italy is difficult because most servers based outside the US are blocked. So if you want to purchase a travel pass for your UScellular mobile plan, you’ll need to do so before departing for Italy. Otherwise, you can get a prepaid Saily eSIM for Italy starting at just US$3.99. 

Important tips for using your cell phone in Italy

Before jetting off to Italy, you should check a few settings on your phone to make sure it’ll connect to Italian networks when you arrive. 

Make sure your phone is carrier unlocked

Some carriers lock phones to their network, which means you won’t be able to connect to Italian networks if you’re using an eSIM or local SIM card. If your phone is locked, your only option will be to enable your data roaming and incur expensive roaming charges. 

To check whether your iPhone is unlocked:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap “General” and then “About.”

3. Go to “Network provider lock.”

4. Check if it says “No SIM restrictions.” If so, your phone is unlocked. 

5. Check if it says “SIM locked.” If so, you’ll need to contact your carrier to unlock your phone. 

To check whether your Android device is unlocked:

1. Go to “Settings,” then “Connections.” 

2. Tap “Mobile networks.”

3. Select “Network operators.”

4. Toggle the switch beside “Select automatically.” Your device will then search for available Italian networks. If multiple networks appear, your phone is likely unlocked. However, if you only see your home carrier’s network displayed, your phone might be carrier locked. 

For more detailed instructions, check Saily’s guides on how to check if an iPhone is unlocked or how to check if an Android phone is unlocked. 

If you’re still having trouble, you can contact your carrier’s customer support to see if your phone is unlocked. 

Research eSIM and SIM card options

Buying a prepaid eSIM or SIM card for Italy is a great way to avoid outrageously high roaming fees. You can download an eSIM app like Saily, purchase a prepaid data plan, and install an eSIM on your phone before you leave for Italy to get internet access the moment you land in the country. A less convenient option is to buy a tourist SIM card from a popular provider like TIM, WindTre, or Vodafone once you arrive in Italy. One advantage of getting a local SIM card is that you’ll get an Italian phone number that allows you to make domestic and international calls. However, you can always use a VoIP app like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Signal with your regular number as long as you have internet access. 

Check your phone’s compatibility with Italy’s band frequencies

“Frequency bands” is a fancy term for the distance required between your phone and a cell tower to get a signal and how fast this process happens. As previously mentioned, Italian carriers operate on GSM networks with 2G (900 MHz and 1800 MHz), 3G (900 MHz and 2100 MHz), 4G/LTE (800 MHz, 1500 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz), and 5G capabilities. If these numbers look like technical gibberish, worry not — most smartphones nowadays support these frequency bands. A quick Google search for your phone model plus "GSM bands" or "international compatibility" will tell you whether you’ll be able to connect to Italian networks. 

Other practical tips for using your cell phone in Italy

Aside from technicalities about network compatibility and frequency bands, here are some additional tips for using your phone in Italy:

• Download offline maps to save your battery. Not only will offline maps come in handy if you happen to run out of mobile data and don’t have access to Wi-Fi, but they’ll also help reduce your battery usage. 

• Beware of pickpocketing in Italy. There’s a reason Italian politician Monica Poli went viral for shouting “ATTENZIONE, PICKPOCKET!” to warn tourists in crowded urban areas. Avoid keeping your phone in your back pocket or in your backpack, and consider using a fanny pack that you can hide under your clothes. You should stay vigilant all over Italy, but pickpocketing is especially common in Rome, Florence, and Milan. 

• Know Italy’s emergency number and your embassy’s contact information. Italy’s emergency number is 112. Before leaving for your trip, save your country’s embassy’s contact information on your phone as well. 

• If you’re making domestic calls, know Italy’s dialing code. Italian phone numbers start with +39. 

• If you’re traveling elsewhere in Europe, make sure your phone will work in other countries. Embarking on a tour of Europe after Italy? Check out Saily’s guide if you’re wondering, “Will my phone work in Europe?” 

Why an eSIM is the best way to get internet access in Italy

Getting a prepaid eSIM plan for Italy is a great way to get affordable, convenient mobile data access on your phone without incurring international roaming charges. Most US carriers charge incredibly steep international roaming rates, and getting a local SIM card comes with the hassle of having to make an in-person purchase. Instead, you can install a virtual SIM card on your phone and get an internet connection the moment you land in Italy, roaming-fee free! You won’t get an Italian phone number with most eSIM providers, but you can use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Signal to make calls via cellular data or Wi-Fi. 

You can enjoy the following benefits of an eSIM for Italy:

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  No international roaming fees.

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  No need to remove your home SIM.

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  No need to wait in line at the airport for a SIM card.

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  No plastic waste, unlike with a SIM card.

The Saily eSIM app is a fantastic option if you’re looking for affordable eSIM data plans for Italy. With Saily, you can enjoy the following benefits: 

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  Speedy, reliable internet access across Italy.

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  Fixed data plans starting at US$3.99.

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  Unlimited data plans starting at US$2.40/day.

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  One-time eSIM installation for all existing Saily plans.

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  An option for automatic data top-ups.

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  Three built-in security features: An ad blocker, a virtual location changer, and web protection against malicious sites and trackers.

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  Data saving feature — Saily’s ad blocker helps you use 28.6% less data on average.

Overall, an eSIM for Italy is your best bet for getting affordable mobile data in Italy without roaming charges from your carrier. The Saily eSIM app offers competitive prices, flexible plan options, and a slew of additional features that competing eSIM apps don’t come with. 

Will my phone work in Italy? A quick recap

Your phone will work in Italy as long as it's unlocked (able to connect to networks outside of the one you use at home) and supports GSM networks (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G). If you want access to mobile data, the cheapest and most convenient option is to buy a prepaid eSIM plan for Italy. Buying a local SIM card is another way to get internet access on your phone, but it’s slightly less convenient than simply installing an eSIM from an app. Plus, most Italian SIM providers don’t offer unlimited data options. The worst way to stay online in Italy is by enabling your international data roaming — at best, you’ll be charged between US$10 and US$15 per day for unlimited data. At worst, you’ll be charged US$2.05 per megabyte (MB) with most US carriers. Renting a pocket Wi-Fi router for Italy is another alternative to getting internet access on the go, but it’s far too logistically tedious. 

Before getting an eSIM or SIM card for Italy, make sure that your phone is unlocked. If you’re relying on your international roaming (which we do not recommend unless it’s an emergency), make sure you check your carrier’s roaming rates beforehand to know what kind of bill to expect at the end of your trip.