I recently used an eSIM during our backpacking tour of Italy, which started in the North (in Turin) and ended in sunny Naples.
I wasn’t going to get an eSIM for this trip, but after my husband did some research, he realized it would be much cheaper for us to get an eSIM, as the roaming charges with our current provider were quite high. And we didn’t fancy trying to buy a local Italian SIM card when we landed, as we would be tired – having traveled all the way from Australia.
I’ve used an eSIM a few times in the past – like our eSIM experience in Spain, and so I have past experiences to compare to, and, in this blog post, I’ll let you know what eSIM we chose for Italy, why we chose it, and whether or not it’s worth your while getting one!
For this trip, I tested a Holafly eSIM for Europe. So this is what happened when I tried this eSIM in different Italian cities like Milan and Venice, in small villages, and in the remote Cinque Terre.
What is an eSIM?
What is an eSIM, I hear you asking – well, it’s a digital SIM card that you can use instead of a physical local SIM – it ensures you stay connected at all times (no matter what country you’re in!)
You can install it easily and almost instantly – after buying it on the app, you’ll receive it in under a minute from Holafly (the eSIM we chose for this trip); it came to our email and WhatsApp. Also, you can keep your physical SIM card in your phone and thus keep any contacts, your WhatsApp number, etc.
I will say, though, that you will need a new-ish smartphone to use an eSIM – think pre-2018. Anything older than that and it won’t work, unfortunately!
And actually, iPhone 14 users in the United States can only use eSIM’s in their devices, and that may be the route many companies may go with in the future.
Why I used an eSIM in Italy
The main reason was straightforward: I wanted to have mobile data available as soon as I landed. As a travel blogger, I need to have internet (almost) all of the time to respond to email, write & edit blog posts, and update my social media.
What I did this time was I purchased a plan online prior to my flight and installed the eSIM profile on my phone. I kept my home SIM in place to maintain access to my WhatsApp/iMessage accounts and anything else linked to my phone number.
While a local SIM could have been an option, I preferred to avoid the hassle of waiting in line at the airport, showing my I.D., comparing local SIM plans after a long journey, and physically swapping SIM cards in my phone.
Here is why we chose Holafly this time around:
- Unlimited data
- It offers a regional eSIM for Europe (FYI, they also offer eSIMs for places like Japan, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, etc.)
- No hidden costs
- 24/7 real-person support team
- And they also offer monthly and yearly subscriptions – the unlimited plan offers a local number
✅ P.S. You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!
How I set up my eSIM
Setup was really quick, actually; I’d say it took me around five minutes.
On the app, I chose manual installation and was guided through the process. Honestly, it’s an easy step-by-step process, even to someone not so tech-savvy, like me 🙂
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code, or there’s a super-easy one-button set-up for iOS 17.4 above!
You can pay for the exact number of days of your trip, which is what I did; it meant I didn’t have to pay for a pre-set duration and waste money on days I didn’t need the eSIM.
I installed the eSIM in advance, but I did not use it as my main data line until I arrived in Italy. Once I landed, I switched mobile data to the eSIM profile and kept my home number active for calls and texts.
P.S. You can also buy your eSIM plan on their website if you don’t want to get the app.
Any downsides?
The eSIM wasn’t perfect all the time – sometimes, in very crowded bars I struggled with slower speeds. We noticed it in bars in Rome especially, as we were here during a very busy weekend in August and in very rural areas, too (i.e., the internet wasn’t perfect on the hiking trails in Cinque Terre, which is understandable).
That is not really a Holafly issue, though; it’s just how mobile coverage works in some parts of Italy – especially rural areas and/ or very busy places.
The Holafly Europe eSIM I chose was data-only, so it didn’t give me a local phone number. Which was fine for us, but it may matter if you need to call hotels, restaurants, car rental offices, or local services. It worked for me because WhatsApp, iMessage, and email were enough for me to contact anyone I needed to reach.
However, I will add that the unlimited Holafly Plan provides a phone number to receive texts for certain destinations like the UK, USA, and Canada.
Can you use the Holafly eSIM and a regular SIM card at the same time?
Certainly! If you own a dual-SIM phone or an Apple device, you can use both a physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time. Consider using the SIM card for phone calls and text messages, while the Holafly eSIM handles your data needs.
However, remember that if your SIM card is still active, your mobile network provider may apply data roaming charges for any calls and SMS you send or receive.
What I liked about using an eSIM in Italy
Using a Holafly eSIM in Italy was a total game-changer for our trip. First off, it kept me connected without needing to buy a physical SIM card or stress about roaming fees.
And as soon as I landed, I was all set with the data I needed for my online job and for social media (which I post to regularly). Setting it up was a breeze too – I chose manual installation on their app, but you can just scan a QR code and boom, you’re good to go, no store visit needed. On top of that, you keep your original phone number and have access to customer support in several languages.
What else we really like about Holafly is that it’s got different data plans to suit whatever you need, making sure you’ve got enough juice for your whole trip.
In summary, this is why we loved Holafly for our Italy trip:
- I installed the eSIM once and kept my normal number active. I also liked that it had unlimited data.
- “Always On” is another benefit of Holafly – it provides 1GB/month of global backup data.
- And I also like that Holafly offers 24/7 real-person support in case anything goes wrong – it gave me peace of mind.
✅ You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!
Is an eSIM worth it in Italy?
The short answer is YES, for me, it was worth getting an eSIM for Italy! It was really easy (and quick) to set up, and it worked out cheaper than using the international plan my at-home cell provider offered.
The only downside I can think of is that you won’t have a local phone number, which could go against you if you need to call hotels, car rental companies, etc. But, for us, I don’t think we’ve ever had to call our hotels or car rental places on our travels, as most people respond just as quickly to an email as to a phone call.
✅ You can buy an Holafly eSIM using my link here and be sure to use code: SNAPHAPPY for 5% off for eSIMs and 10% off on monthly subscription plans!
P.S. You can read my other Italy blog posts here –
6 Picture-Perfect Small Towns in Italy
Where to Stay in Rome, Italy (Guide to the Best Hotels in Rome)
One Day in Verona, Italy (How I Spent 24 hours in Verona)
5 of the Best Day Trips from Naples
Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by snaphappytravel