How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Italy (2025) | Prices, Coverage & Setup

Quick Answer: Traveling to Italy in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Rome, Florence, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, an eSIM helps you stay connected the moment you land. Forget about hunting for SIM shops or showing ID—just scan a QR code and enjoy instant data. This guide compares the best eSIM providers for Italy, realistic price ranges, coverage insights, and a 2-minute setup checklist.

Why use an eSIM in Italy?

Italy is one of Europe’s most visited destinations, and reliable mobile data makes your trip smoother. With an eSIM you can:

Buy online before arrival, activate instantly.
Choose between small bundles or unlimited-style data.
Keep your WhatsApp number without switching SIMs.
Travel across Europe with regional bundles (Italy + France, Spain, Greece, etc.).

Quick Picks (2025)

Best value: Airalo — affordable 1–10 GB plans, perfect for short trips.
Unlimited option: Holafly — unlimited-style plans with fair usage; ideal for heavy users.
Multi-country: Nomad — EU bundles covering Italy and neighbors.

Prices & Data Packages (2025 snapshot)

Provider	Plan	Price (EUR/USD)	Validity	Notes
Airalo	1–3 GB	€4–€9 (~$5–$10)	7–15 days	Good for city breaks
Airalo	5–10 GB	€12–€22 (~$13–$24)	30 days	Best for 1–2 week trips
Holafly	Unlimited-style	€19–€69 (~$20–$74)	5–30 days	Hotspot may be restricted
Nomad	EU bundle	€10–€25 (~$11–$27)	7–30 days	Covers Italy + EU neighbors

Coverage & 5G in Italy

Italy’s main mobile networks are:

Tim (Telecom Italia) — very strong nationwide coverage, 5G in big cities.
Vodafone Italy — reliable 4G/5G, especially in tourist regions.
WindTre — competitive data offers, good coverage in urban areas.
Iliad — budget-friendly, expanding coverage quickly.

In Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice you’ll enjoy strong 5G. Coastal towns, Tuscany villages, and the Dolomites may drop to 4G. Train routes (Rome–Florence–Milan, Naples–Venice) have good service with minor tunnel interruptions.

Setup Checklist (2 minutes)

Buy your eSIM plan (Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad).
Open the QR code email.
On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR → select as Mobile Data line.
Enable data roaming → restart if prompted.

Which plan fits your trip?

Weekend in Rome: 1–3 GB from Airalo.
10–14 days Tuscany tour: 5–10 GB from Airalo or Nomad EU plan.
Heavy use (social, maps, hotspot): Holafly unlimited-style plan.

Tips to Save Data

Download Google Maps and train tickets offline.
Use hotel Wi-Fi for large uploads/backups.
Reduce video streaming quality to save GBs.

FAQs about Italy eSIM

Is 5G included? Yes, most eSIMs connect to Tim/Vodafone 5G in cities.

Do I need an Italian number? No, data-only eSIMs are enough; keep your WhatsApp number.

Can I hotspot? Allowed on most Airalo/Nomad plans; Holafly may limit tethering.

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Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. We update plans regularly to keep info accurate.