Mobile SIM Cards and Internet in Italy – Best Options for Expats

 If you are moving to Italy as a student, worker, or expat, one of the first things you’ll need is a mobile SIM card and reliable internet connection. Italy offers many providers with different prices, coverage, and benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your needs  whether you want cheap international calls, unlimited data, or strong rural coverage.

Main Mobile Operators in Italy

Here are the most popular and trusted providers:

  • TIM (Telecom Italia) – Best for rural and small-town coverage.

  • Vodafone Italia – Reliable with great urban and international roaming.

  • WindTre – Competitive balance of price and coverage.

  • Iliad – Transparent and affordable, popular with students.

  • Fastweb – Great data deals and home internet bundles.

  • Lycamobile – Best for international calls, cheap expat-friendly plans.

Other low-cost operators: Ho.Mobile, Kena Mobile, PosteMobile (use big networks at lower prices).

Best SIM Card Options for Expats in Italy

1. Iliad

  • Plans: €7–10/month

  • Includes: 100–200 GB data + unlimited calls in Italy

  • Benefits: No hidden fees, cancel anytime

  • Best for: Students & budget-conscious expats

2. Vodafone

  • Plans: €15–25/month

  • Includes: Good data + strong EU roaming

  • Benefits: Reliable for city use and travel

  • Best for: People who move around Europe often

3. TIM

  • Plans: €15–20/month

  • Includes: Large data bundles, international calls available

  • Benefits: Strongest rural and countryside coverage

  • Best for: Expats living outside big cities

4. WindTre

  • Plans: €12–18/month

  • Includes: Unlimited calls + good data packages

  • Benefits: Affordable balance between price & coverage

  • Best for: Long-term expats who want stable service

5. Fastweb Mobile

  • Plans: €9–12/month

  • Includes: 100–150 GB data, unlimited calls, EU roaming

  • Benefits: Discount if bundled with Fastweb home internet

  • Best for: Families or people needing both SIM + Wi-Fi

6. Lycamobile

  • Plans: €5–10/month

  • Example: Italy Gold Plan €7.99/month – 100GB + 1000 mins in Italy + cheap calls to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa, etc.

  • Benefits: Uses Vodafone’s network in Italy, excellent international calling

  • Best for: Expats who need cheap calls abroad (students, workers sending money home)

7. Other Low-Cost Operators (Ho.Mobile, Kena, PosteMobile)

  • Plans: €5–8/month

  • Includes: Calls + small data

  • Best for: Short stays or backup SIMs

 Internet for Home (Wi-Fi) in Italy

If you are staying long-term, home internet is important.

 Installation takes 5–10 days(sometimes it will take months), so many expats use mobile hotspot/tethering before Wi-Fi is activated.

 What You Need to Buy a SIM in Italy

  • Passport or ID card

  • Codice Fiscale (tax code) – required for SIM registration

  • Italian address (sometimes requested for billing)

 Which One Should You Choose?

  • Cheapest option (students/short-term): Iliad or Ho.Mobile

  • Best for rural towns: TIM

  • Best for EU travel: Vodafone

  • Best balanced option: WindTre

  • Best SIM + home internet bundle: Fastweb

  • Best for international calls: Lycamobile

 Final Tips for Expats in Italy

  • Most Italian SIMs include free EU roaming.

  • Always compare promotions  providers give discounts for new customers.

  • If staying short-term, go for prepaid SIM. For long-term, monthly plans are cheaper.

  • For international students/workers, Lycamobile is the cheapest option for calling family abroad.


My Personal Experience with Contracts in Italy

I want to share something important from my own experience, because many expats face the same problem.

When I first took an internet connection with WindTre, the salesperson told me it was only a 1-year contract and that the modem was free. But after 1 year, when I changed my house and requested to cancel, they surprised me with a €240 fine. They said I had to pay it because of the modem, even though they had told me it was free.

The same thing also happened to some of my friends with different providers. Many people face these kinds of hidden charges in Italy.

 My advice:

  • Always read the contract carefully before signing.

  • Ask clearly if the modem/router is really free or if there are hidden costs.

  • Check how long the contract lasts  sometimes it’s 24 or even 36 months.

  • Be careful with SIM card plans too  some are prepaid (safe), while others are contracts that can trap you with penalties.

 To avoid problems, I personally recommend choosing prepaid (ricaricabile) SIMs and internet plans, because they give you more freedom without extra charges if you want to cancel.

Location: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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