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Will my phone work in Italy?
Yes, your phone will work in Italy. Learn more about staying connected using roaming services, SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and an unlimited data eSIM.
Yes, the good news is that your phone will work in Italy. But to avoid inconveniences, you need to make sure that your phone is set up properly (settings and plan).
To make sure your phone works, you can
- Connect to local Italian cell phone networks with a local SIM
- Activate an international roaming plan with your home provider
- Rent a pocket WiFi
- Opt for a travel eSIM.
Each option helps you stay connected and use your phone in Italy. Keep reading to discover which option best suits your needs.
An eSIM you can rely on
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Can I use my US cell phone in Italy?
Yes, you can use your US cell phone on foreign Italian networks. However, there are a few conditions. Your phone should be carrier-unlocked, compatible with Italy’s frequency bands, and have an international data plan to avoid high roaming charges.
1. Unlocked phone
Your cell phone must be unlocked to accept foreign networks and, in some cases, Italy SIM cards. Major US mobile phone providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile lock their devices initially. You’ll need an unlocked phone to install a new eSIM or SIM card.
2. Check compatibility with Italian frequency bands
Frequency bands help connect your cell phone to local networks. Mobile carriers purchase licenses to use specific frequency bands; your cell phone must be supported with these bands to work properly.
Contact your home provider to check if your device’s bands will work in Italy. Or use online tools like Kimovil for a quick check. Here are Italy’s current frequency bands:
| Tech | Bands |
|---|---|
| 5G bands | n28a (700), n28b (700), n38 (2600), n78 (3500), n258 mmWave (26GHz) |
| 4G bands | B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B20 (800), B28a (700), B32 (1500) |
| 3G bands | B1 (2100), B8 (900) |
3. Use an international plan
Now that you know your phone will work in Italy, you’ll need some type of an international data plan. With data roaming, you can stay online, navigate, and communicate with loved ones as usual.
Other than international data roaming in Italy, you can also use mobile internet in Italy through:
- eSIMs for Italy
- Local Italy SIM card
- Pocket WiFi for Italy
All of these options ensure your cell service in Italy works, whether it’s from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, and helps avoid excessive roaming charges.
How to use your phone in Italy
Once in Italy, there are four main ways to use your phone. Each has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs, budget, and connectivity needs. Overall, whether you’re checking Google Maps, making local calls, or uploading content on social media, you’ll want reliable internet access and coverage.
Roaming in Italy
Using international roaming is the simplest option. Turn airplane mode off and allow your phone to connect to a local Italian network. You’ll be able to retain your own phone number and carrier plan.
However, it’s also one of the most expensive options if you don’t have a roaming-inclusive plan, travel pass, or add-on allowances for your trip to Italy. Most US-based mobile carriers offer international roaming plans. Check your monthly plan before travelling to confirm whether roaming in Italy is included or not.
If your current plan isn’t eligible, you can explore alternatives to staying connected (roaming packages, travel passes, add-on allowances). Otherwise, you’ll be subjected to pay-as-you-go rates, which can rack up quite a large bill.
Will my Verizon phone work in Italy?
Yes, Verizon’s international roaming services offer a TravelPass for $12 per day in Italy and provides unlimited international calls, text, and data.
Will my T-Mobile phone work in Italy?
Yes, two plans include T-Mobile’s international roaming services: Experience More and Experience Beyond. If you’re not on either of these plans, you can opt for an international pass (with one-day, 10-day, or 30-day validity periods) and data allowances ranging from 512 GB to 15 GB.
Will my AT&T phone work in Italy?
Yes. AT&T’s international roaming services are offered in roaming-inclusive monthly plans and roaming passes. The single international day pass includes a daily fee of $12 which gives you access to your regular calls, texts, and data allowance.
eSIM for Italy
An eSIM is essentially the digital version of a physical SIM card. No more physical SIM swapping or visiting stores to engage in long-winded SIM registration processes.
All you need is an unlocked and eSIM-compatible phone (most modern phones are). The best part is, providers like Holafly offer unlimited data plans, so you never have to worry about running out when it comes to using data-heavy apps.
Holafly’s eSIM for Italy offers unlimited data, connection to the fastest local networks and high data speeds, and 24/7 multilingual customer support. With a five-minute online activation process and the flexibility to match your eSIM plan to your vacation, you can use your phone in Italy with peace of mind.
Physical Italy SIM card
A prepaid Italy SIM card is a great alternative, if your phone isn’t eSIM compatible or if you’d like to stay connected at local rates. Many networks offer Italian SIM card tourist packages, or you can order a physical prepaid SIM card before you travel from third-party online retailers like SimCorner, Amazon, or Simify.
However, you’ll have to go through a SIM registration process, for which several requirements vary from destination to destination.
Pocket WiFi for Italy
A pocket Wifi is a portable device used to create a WiFi signal that keeps multiple devices connected simultaneously. This is an ideal option for groups of multiple travelers, families, or large groups. Think of it as a portable home router.
There are some downsides including an extra item to carry, battery life limitations, data limits, and insurance.
On the other hand, Holafly offers Holafly Plans, a portable and virtual mobile hotspot solution perfect for frequent travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads. Choose from three internet plans, including unlimited data and unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 per month. Stay connected in 170+ destinations, including Italy.
Will your phone work in Italy? The verdict
If you’re still looking for a final answer, yes, your phone will work in Italy. How you choose to get data is up to you.
If your mobile device is unlocked and eSIM compatible, choose Holafly’s eSIM for Italy. Prices start at $6.90 for one day, but the daily price falls the longer you travel:
- $20.90 for a 5-day trip to Italy
- $29.90 for a 7-day trip to Italy
- $36.90 for a 10-day trip to Italy
Customize your eSIM plan to your needs, and never worry about paying more than you need with Holafly.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM for Italy before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
If you’d like to know more about using your phone in other countries, check out our blogs on:
- Will your phone work in France?
- Will your phone work in the UK?
- Will your phone work in Spain?
- Will your phone work in Switzerland?
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
