Italy is a beautiful country, and I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a large portion of my summer there this year. I was based in Florence for around a month and visited Rome, Pisa, Viareggio, and spent some time in the Tuscany countryside.
As someone who likes to explore and work at the same time, I needed to have seamless access to the internet throughout. So, I put some of the main methods of accessing the internet to the test, including an eSIM, public WiFi networks, a physical local SIM card, and data roaming with my existing SIM.
In this blog, I will take you through each method and explain how each worked out with me. Starting with my preferred method at the top – eSIMs!
Just a quick thank you to my sponsor for this post, Holafly!
Thank you to Holafly for sponsoring this post and providing me with the opportunity to share useful content like this about my travels in Italy.
1. I used an eSIM
The most useful method of accessing the internet whilst in Italy was with an eSIM (Holafly, to be exact) – a digital SIM that is installed alongside your physical SIM card. This is because it was the only method to provide me with seamless internet access, no matter where I was.
My Holafly eSIM connected me to local phone networks*, allowing me to access the internet on my phone with 4G/5G speeds. It allowed me daily hotspot usage so I could also access the internet on my other devices, particularly useful when I was working remotely and the public WiFi had let me down.
I was mostly getting 4G and 5G in big cities (like Rome and Florence), and 4G in smaller towns and seaside areas. This meant I was able to browse the internet seamlessly, useful for navigating the streets of Italy, locating restaurants and sights, and keeping in touch with friends and family.
Moreover, I was still able to access the internet whilst staying at an isolated countryside retreat, located in the middle of the Tuscany countryside.
This method of accessing the internet in Italy was a lot cheaper for me than using data roaming on my physical SIM, and a lot more convenient than purchasing a physical SIM card when arriving in the country.
Because I could use it alongside my physical SIM card, I still had access to my phone number (useful for online banking). Moreover, I was able to install and activate the eSIM before arriving, meaning I could access the internet the moment I stepped off the plane!
*The local phone networks that Holafly utilises in Italy include ILIAD Italy/Tim/Vodafone Italie/Wind Italie – all major providers.
Pros
- Unlimited data (with Holafly)
- Get 4G and 5G with Holafly Italy eSIM
- Install and activate the eSIM instantly
- Access the internet anywhere on your phone
- Hotspot to other devices (500MB p/day on Holafly)
- It is often the most affordable option
- Works alongside your existing physical SIM
Cons
- Old phones may not be compatible with eSIMs
2. I accessed public WiFi
As a remote worker, I often utilise public WiFi networks on my travels. But before the era of eSIMs, I used to rely on public WiFi to access maps, to help me navigate around new places, and to send updates to friends and family.
Obviously, this was a lot less convenient than being able to access the internet directly on my phone at all times. With eSIMs, I haven’t had to fully rely on public WiFi in Italy. But whenever I was looking for somewhere to work, I would look for somewhere with free WiFi, including in both coffee shops and libraries.
In coffee shops
I love working in coffee shops. As a remote worker, it is a great way for me to explore the city whilst working. Plus, I will take any excuse to enjoy an oat flat white whilst I work. Therefore, I use a lot of public WiFi networks in coffee shops!
They aren’t often the most reliable, so I wouldn’t rely on coffee shops to do intensive work or to conduct online meetings. But they are a good option to get you away from your apartment or hotel for the morning or afternoon.
It is worth keeping in mind that whilst Italians love their coffee, they don’t have many work-friendly coffee shops. Most traditional coffee spots will not be too welcoming to laptops and nomads. But you can find a few trendier spots, the kind that serve flat whites (not very Italian), where you can prop up your laptop for the afternoon.
For example, Filter Coffee Lab in Pisa is a great spot for remote working. They allow laptops in the window seats, unless it gets super busy.
That being said, this isn’t a method of accessing the internet that I would rely on in Italy. But great for the occasional spot of work!
In libraries
If you like having a quiet place to hang out or work, then you may want to check out a library. Italy is home to many beautiful libraries, like the Biblioteca delle Oblate in Florence. These often have free public WiFi, which you can use to work from on your laptop or phone.
The downside with libraries is that they aren’t that useful when you need the internet to plan excursions with your travel partner(s). It is often expected that you remain quiet in libraries, and so really it is only a place for quiet working or studying.
Pros
- Public WiFi is often free to use
- You can buy a pocket WiFi (but expensive)
Cons
- Public WiFi isn’t always secure (use a VPN)
- Public WiFi internet speeds may be inconsistent
- Have to visit specific places to access public WiFi
3. I tried a physical SIM
My partner had been staying long-term in Florence and so had a physical eSIM for his phone. This meant that he had to replace his existing physical SIM card and lost access to his prior phone number. This created extra faff when he needed to use two-factor authentication for anything (like banking).
I tried out the internet on his local Italian SIM card and compared it to the internet on my Holafly eSIM. Other than the fact that he was able to get huge chunks of data for cheap, I found that the convenience of my eSIM far outweighed this.
Plus, the internet speeds were comparable, and I got coverage near enough everywhere he did. All without having to swap out my physical SIM card.
Pros
- Great if your phone isn’t eSIM compatible
- Local phone number for texts & calls
Cons
- Won’t work alongside your SIM (unless you have 2 slots)
- Restricts you to one local network
- No internet access until you visit a phone shop
4. I used data roaming
Many phone companies offer data roaming in other countries, which means you can use your existing SIM card to access the internet whilst travelling through Italy. For example, I use GiffGaff in the UK, and they offer data roaming across the EU.
However, it is very limited. GiffGaff offer just 5GB of data with your monthly plan, which is simply not enough data when travelling for more than a weekend. Particularly since I rely on my internet a lot to navigate around a place, plus to stay in contact with friends and family. Not to mention researching places to visit.
Other phone plans may offer data roaming at a cost, which I always find to be way more expensive than it’s worth. Particularly when you can just install and activate an eSIM like Holafly, and get access to unlimited data throughout your stay, at a reasonable price!
Pros
- Uses your existing SIM card
Cons
- Data roaming can be expensive or limited
- Not all SIM plans include data roaming
Why I use Holafly eSIM in Italy
During my travels in Italy, I found the most useful method of accessing the internet to be with my eSIM. In particular, I enjoyed using the Holafly unlimited data eSIM. With its easy setup, unlimited data plans, daily hotspot allowance, and flexible duration, it was the perfect pick for Italy – whether I was travelling through a major city, visiting a small beach town for the day, or relaxing in a countryside retreat.
Here is an overview of why I recommend Holafly for Italy:
- Unlimited data plans
- Access to 3G, 4G and 5G networks in Italy
- 500MB of hotspot data every day
- The duration is flexible – you choose how many days you need it for, so you don’t pay for what you don’t need
- The setup is really easy, with three different methods to use
- They also offer a regional Europe eSIM that includes Italy and 30+ countries, great for country hopping!
eSIM FAQs
If you’re considering an eSIM for your trip to Italy, here are my answers to some of the most common questions about eSIMs and Holafly – to make things as simple as possible for you!
How do I install the Holafly eSIM?
There are several ways to get your Holafly eSIM up and running. If you download the Holafly app, you can activate it directly from there by following the guided steps. If you prefer, you can use the QR code that Holafly sends to you via email or WhatsApp – just scan it with the phone where you want the eSIM installed.
You’ll also have the option to install it manually using the details provided in your purchase confirmation.
Where can I purchase an Italy eSIM?
No need to wait until you get to Italy, your eSIM can be purchased online in advance. Holafly lets you buy through their website on a computer or tablet, or via their mobile app on your phone. Once you’ve purchased, installation and activation is quick and easy with the instructions provided (see above for more info).
Can I use an eSIM on any phone?
Not all devices are eSIM-ready, so it’s worth checking before you buy. Most recent iPhone models and many Android phones are compatible. Holafly has a full list of supported devices, so you can confirm whether your smartphone will work with an Italian eSIM.
How much data should I buy?
The amount of data depends on your travel style. In Italy, you’ll likely be using Google Maps to find your way through historic city streets, translating menus, and staying connected with friends or family. Streaming or making a lot of video calls will increase your data use.
To avoid worrying about running out, I recommend going for Holafly’s unlimited plan. It means you’ll always stay connected, even though (like most unlimited plans) speeds may slow slightly after very heavy daily usage.
If you are still wondering how much data you may need, check out Holafly’s data usage calculator here 
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