Mobile Operators & SIM Cards in Italy

Mobile networks in Italy

Share of mobile lines by operator, as of March 2026 (share of "human" SIMs, excluding machine-to-machine). Sources are listed at the end of the page.

Just over 91% of human SIMs in Italy are prepaid.

Buying a SIM card in Italy as a visitor

• Italian law requires mobile customers, prepaid or postpaid, to be identified before the service is activated, when the SIM is handed over or, for an eSIM, when the profile is supplied.
• For a new activation, the operator must record the customer's details from an identity document, along with the document's type and number, and keep a copy of it.
• If the customer is a citizen of a non-EU country, such as the US, the operator takes a copy of a valid residence permit, passport, equivalent travel document or other valid ID document.
• The identification can also be done remotely, provided the data needed to recognize the user is correctly collected.
• Iliad accepts an Italian ID card, an Italian driver's license or a valid passport to sign up.
• Iliad says you need your codice fiscale (Italian tax code) with you only if you want to port an existing number.
• Vodafone Italia's Dolce Vita tourist offers can only be activated by customers with a foreign tax code.

Bring your passport to the store: the seller must identify you and keep a copy of it before your Italian SIM or eSIM is activated.

Prepaid offer examples

Prices from each operator's own website or announcements, checked on September 29, 2026. Offers change often, so confirm before you buy.

Using your US phone in Italy

Whether your US plan covers Italy, and at what cost, depends on the plan, so check your carrier's international page before you go. Our guide to using your US phone abroad covers roaming, Wi-Fi calling and bill surprises.

To call Italy from the US, dial 011 + 39 + the number: see how to call Italy and the Italy phone number format.

FAQ

Do I need a passport to buy a SIM card in Italy?

Italian law requires mobile customers, prepaid or postpaid, to be identified before the service is activated, when the SIM is handed over or, for an eSIM, when the profile is supplied. If the customer is a citizen of a non-EU country, such as the US, the operator takes a copy of a valid residence permit, passport, equivalent travel document or other valid ID document.

Do I need an Italian codice fiscale (tax code) to get a SIM?

Operators handle this differently. Iliad says you need your codice fiscale (Italian tax code) with you only if you want to port an existing number. Vodafone Italia's Dolce Vita tourist offers can only be activated by customers with a foreign tax code.

Which is the biggest mobile operator in Italy?

Among "human" SIMs, Fastweb+Vodafone was the largest operator with 25.2% at the end of March 2026. WindTre held 23.6% of human SIMs at the end of March 2026. TIM held 22.3% of human SIMs at the end of March 2026.

Can I use the TIM Tourist SIM in other EU countries?

TIM Tourist includes 200 GB, of which 23 GB can also be used in other EU countries.

Does the ID rule apply to eSIMs too?

Italian law requires mobile customers, prepaid or postpaid, to be identified before the service is activated, when the SIM is handed over or, for an eSIM, when the profile is supplied. The identification can also be done remotely, provided the data needed to recognize the user is correctly collected.