Compared with Russian or Ukrainian tariffs, the mobile Internet in Italy is quite expensive. On average, I spend 2-3 gigabytes on calls and the Internet about 17-20 euros per month.
What tariff plan and operator to choose, where to buy a SIM card? Let's figure it out.
Most often, tourists vacationing in Italy buy a local SIM for the sake of mobile Internet. Checking mail, being in touch on whats'up or posting photos on instagram is so much more profitable than using roaming domestic operators. I immediately warn you that don’t particularly count on free wi-fi in Italy, even in four or five star hotels it may be absent despite the description of the room. Get used to - this is Italy.
Just in case, before traveling, check the tariffs for roaming your operator, you probably should not bother, but most often it’s the most expensive mobile traffic abroad:
Important: To buy a SIM card in Italy, you will definitely need a passport, and to activate all the services it may take 24-36 hours - no one is in a hurry here, get used to it. Also, for a mega complex operation to activate a SIM card or some kind of tariff, you can one-time charge 5-10 euros - do not be surprised.
In my opinion, it is profitable to buy a SIM card if you travel to Italy for more than 5 days or if you have Internet access in your phone. Expect that all the pleasure will cost you about 30 euros, if you are lucky, then a little less.
The operator Orange just has a special offer - Internet traffic at all tariffs is multiplied by 3. For example, you can connect 7 gigabytes for only 10 euros.
The cost of a SIM card with delivery and activation of the tariff will be 2170 rubles. Discount code specifically for our readers:italy4.me - he will turn this amount into 1953 rubles.
Operator selection and rates
In fact, in Italy there are 2 main operators - Wind and Vodafone, the third Tim I would consider as a spare. I and most friends in Rome on Wind, although I know that many use Vodafone and are also happy. I would advise bothering with the purchase of an Italian SIM card in a pinch.
Wind
Wind, no matter how you twist the tariffs, is the most understandable and profitable. An All INCLUSIVE tariff with 1 gigabyte will cost 12 euros, and with 2 gigabytes 14 euros per month.
Additional traffic can be activated by SMS request, for example +2 gigabytes for 6 euros.
Request2 GIGA SI to number 4033
Do not forget to send an SMS again at the end of the month or before leaving 2 GIGA NO to the same number to cancel the service, otherwise caring operators will automatically charge you monthly - this is true for all operators.
Addresses of the offices of the operator Wind in Rome:
- Piazza Mastai, 20 - in Trastevere
- Largo Chigi, 8 - next to the Trevi Fountain
The office is at Termini Station. There is no connection at Fiumicino Airport, you can only replenish your balance.
Offices in other cities or nearby your hotel can always be easily found on google maps, just enter the query “wind Roma” or, for example, “Vodafone Milano”.
How to replenish
To replenish the balance, you must go to the RICARICA (replenishment) section on the official website. Enter your number, the required amount. You can recharge from a PayPal account, as well as credit cards Visa, Mastercard. It is important that some countries may not accept cards from Italian banks. According to personal experience, PayPal replenishes without problems, the payment is credited instantly.
- See also the instructions: How to get to any attraction in Rome
Vodafone
Vodafone has a Flexi Start tariff with 1 gigabyte for 15 euros
and Flexi Start with as much as 3 gigabytes for 24 euros
Vodafone SIM card can be ordered in advance on the official website euroroaming.ru/shop/vodafone-s-tarifom-smart-passport/
Tim
I still did not understand Tim tariffs - most likely it is necessary to decide in the office on the spot. I would be the last to connect to them. Perhaps the current tariff is 2 gigabytes for 20 euros.
I hope this article has helped you understand the intricacies of Italian mobile Internet. Have a question? Feel free to post them in the comments and share your travel experiences in Italy.