If you purchase or rent a property in Italy and therefore spend a considerable amount of time there, you are probably wondering how to get an Italian phone number. Your Italian phone number can be used as a reference for your Italian bank account, internet connection, utilities contracts, and the increasing number of services that require digital authentication—making your life in Italy significantly easier. Having an Italian phone number primarily means getting an Italian sim card. We can walk you through the process of getting a SIM card in Italy, ensuring you stay connected effortlessly during your time in this beautiful country.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked: If you purchased your phone through a mobile carrier in your home country and especially if you purchased with a payment plan, it is likely that your phone can be used only with that carrier for a certain period of time. Phones that are purchased “unlocked” through manufacturers (e.g. Apple) or resellers (e.g. Best Buy) are generally free to use with any phone carrier in any country.
- Choose a Carrier: Italy has several reputable mobile service providers, each offering a range of plans to suit different needs. Major carriers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre have a broader range of plans, many physical store locations, and more complete service coverage. Lower cost providers like Iliad and Postemobile generally have fewer options for their mobile customers and more limited geographical coverage.
- Select a Plan: Mobile providers in Italy offer a variety of plans catering to different needs. Consider factors such as data requirements, talk time, and budget when choosing a plan. The monthly cost of an Italian phone plan is about 30-50% cheaper than in the U.S. Subscribing to a plan. However, it usually requires entering in a two-year contract with a mobile carrier. Most plans can’t be suspended without paying a penalty fee. If you prefer to avoid this kind of commitment, you can subscribe to a pay-per-use plan. Pay-per-use plans can be suspended at any time. They will charge a low monthly fee but usually result in higher daily cost, depending on your level of use.
- Visit a Retail Store or Kiosk: Once you’ve selected a provider, visit one of their retail stores or kiosks. These are often found in city centers and shopping centers. In order to obtain a SIM card and subscribe to a phone plan, you must bring a form of identification, such as a passport or ID card, as well as your Codice Fiscale either in card or paper format.
- Receive Your SIM Card: Once the registration is complete, you’ll receive your SIM card. Insert it into your unlocked device, and you’re ready to go. Newer phone models also work with an eSIM card which can also be purchased online. In order to correctly install your eSIM, which does not require the use of a physical chip, we would still advise you to visit a physical store or kiosk. You should make sure to specify that you intend to purchase and install an eSIM rather than a physical sim card.
- Activate Your SIM Card: Follow the activation instructions provided by the mobile service provider. This typically involves making a brief call or sending a text message. Activation is a straightforward process after which your service will be up and running in no time. If you have completed your purchase at a physical store, the retail assistant will make sure your eSIM installation is done correctly.
- Explore Additional Services: Many Italian mobile providers offer additional services such as mobile data packages, international calling options, and roaming plans. Explore these options based on your needs to enhance your mobile experience.
- When Leaving Italy: If you travel to other EU countries, your phone plan will continue to work outside of Italy and you will continue to be charged for mobile data as if you were in Italy with no additional charge. Calls and texts, however, will be charged at a higher rate. This is why most Europeans use the app “Whatsapp” to communicate instead of texting, since it works with data and Wi-Fi.
Keeping your cellular data active and receiving calls while you are outside of the European Union, however, will likely result in high daily charges. Any time you leave the EU, you will want to make sure you inquire about your carrier’s international rates. You may want to turn off your Italian SIM card and/or get a local SIM or eSIM in the country you are visiting.
Getting an Italian SIM card and Italian phone number is an important step for staying connected with friends, family, and the digital world. When you work with Dolce Living, we are happy to support you in setting up your new service and number to ensure your transition is as seamless as possible.
