Staying online while traveling to Italy comes with various benefits. For instance, it’s easy to navigate without asking directions. If you are traveling for work, you will connect with colleagues and clients. Additionally, you can access online content and stay entertained on the go.
But how do you achieve this while traveling to a foreign country away from your home and work internet connection? Well, you can use roaming services from your mobile provider or public wi-fi. But these options come with their challenges.
For instance, roaming services are expensive and might not be sustainable for most people. In this article, we’ll look at five smart ways to stay online while in Italy to help you choose which option works for you.
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The pros and cons of free public wi-fi in Italy
You can access free public Wi-Fi in public spaces such as cafes, restaurants, major tourist attractions, airports, and train stations. Here are the pros and cons of using public Wi-Fi in Italy.
Pros
- Free internet connection – Public Wi-Fi connections are usually free. You are not required to pay for data usage. This way, you can save on internet costs.
- Unlimited data – The internet connection is not metered and allows you to access unlimited data online. Unlimited data connections improve your productivity compared to limited data bundles.
- Easy to use – Connecting to most public Wi-Fi connections is hassle-free. You can scan a QR code to sign into the network or enter a password manually.
- Comes in handy in emergencies – You can use public Wi-Fi to get help in emergencies, allowing you to send distress signals and guide rescue teams to your location.
Cons
- Security concerns – Public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure because they do not encrypt data shared from the devices connected to them. Hackers can intercept your data, such as login credentials to bank accounts or work sites, and lead to financial or intellectual property losses.
- Slow speeds – Another challenge with public Wi-Fi connections in Italy is that they are slow. This makes it hard to communicate efficiently. You cannot stream videos or send large files if you are working.
- Limited range -You will find Wi-Fi hotspots in eateries or public joints in urban centers, and not in the countryside when hiking or sightseeing. Therefore, you will be offline if you depend on public Wi-Fi connections.
Traditional SIM vs eSIM Italy: what travelers should know
Italy boasts 99.5% 5G broadband coverage, which ensures high-speed internet connections through mobile networks. Travelers can enjoy better connectivity using GSM networks compared to Wi-Fi hotspots.
You can buy a traditional SIM card from a local mobile service provider or a data plan via eSIM Italy. Acquiring a traditional SIM card with a local service provider will cost you about €30. You will be required to visit a service provider with your identification documents.
Therefore, assuming you register a day after your arrival, you will be offline on your arrival date or opt to use expensive roaming services. Once you register a local SIM card and buy a data plan, you can only use it in Italy and can’t get a refund.
On the other hand, if you own an eSIM-enabled device, you can buy a line before you travel and activate your data plan so that you use it on arrival. If you are travelling as a group, you can make a bulk purchase for your team and get unlimited data rates for as low as $1.55/day.
eSIM solutions give you the convenience of planning your trip so that you don’t waste time registering with local mobile service providers. You can request the company to refund your money if you fail to travel as planned.
How to activate an eSIM in minutes before landing
Once you buy a data plan, install your eSIM before you travel and follow these steps to activate it minutes before landing in Italy.
- Go to your eSIM-enabled device’s settings and tap the “Network and Internet” or “Connections” option.
- Under the “Mobile Network” or “SIM card Manager”, choose the option to add an eSIM
- Scan the QR code shared with you by email or use the manual activation steps sent to you via WhatsApp when you purchased your data plan.
- Follow the prompts to finish the setup activation process. Feel free to contact customer support if you get stuck.
Internet speeds and network coverage across Italy
Italy enjoys good internet coverage, with over 98% of all households in the country having access to high-speed internet. Moreover, mobile service providers have 5G broadband networks rolled out to cover rural and urban regions.
On average, the internet speed over 5G networks could be as high as 27 Mbps, which can serve you sufficiently while on a trip. If you get an unlimited data plan, it will be easy to stream video calls and share bulk data over your phone.
With such network coverage, you should travel to Italy with the confidence that your eSIM data plan won’t fail you. At least you will be assured of a stable network with a high-speed internet connection as you travel across the country.
Safety tips for using data abroad
When traveling abroad, take precautions to protect your data from possible attack by unauthorized persons. Here are examples of safety tips for using data abroad.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots because they don’t offer secure connections.
- Turn off your Wi-Fi autoconnection on your devices before you travel. This way, you prevent your device from connecting to public networks without your consent.
- Turn off the Bluetooth autoconnect feature on your mobile device to prevent it from pairing with unauthorized devices.
- Avoid sharing your location on social media, as people can track you and know your whereabouts. For instance, criminals can know you are not at home and take that opportunity to break into your home.
- Lock your mobile device with a security code or fingerprint. This will prevent strangers from accessing your data easily.
