There are a few things I want figured out before I land in Rome: where I’m staying, how I’m getting from the airport, and, perhaps most importantly, how I’m going to get my phone working the second I step off the plane. Because in Rome, you’re going to use your phone. A lot.
On my trips, I’ve walked 20,000+ steps a day, used buses and the Metro, relied on Google Maps, ordered Ubers, checked restaurant reservations, pulled up attraction tickets, translated things and probably taken approximately 4,000 photos. So reliable mobile data isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
For my international trips, Holafly is my eSIM pick because it offers unlimited-data plans, so I don’t have to worry about how much data I’m using.
Just want the highlights? Here they are: Holafly lets you install an eSIM before your trip, keep your regular SIM in your phone and use mobile data when you arrive. Its Italy plans offer unlimited data, which is especially handy when you’re constantly using Google Maps, transportation apps, restaurant information, attraction tickets and messaging. And with Holafly Always On, you get 1GB of free backup data every month for 12 months, starting from the moment you install your eSIM.
✨ If you’re ready to get connected before your trip, you can save 5% on eSIMs and 10% on Holafly Plans( for the first 12 months) by using code BUCKETLISTJOURNEY through my personalized https://holafly.sjv.io/gReM3v ✨
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying and installing a physical SIM card after you arrive, you purchase an eSIM before your trip and install it while you’re still at home.
Once you arrive in Italy (or anywhere else abroad you travel), you switch your mobile data to the travel eSIM and connect to a local network. The best part? You can set everything up before you’re tired, jet-lagged and standing in an Italian airport trying to figure out where to buy a SIM card.
Why Use an eSIM Instead of Your Regular SIM or Carrier Plan?
You have a few other options for getting data abroad.
Use your regular cell phone carrier: Your carrier may offer an international roaming plan, but pricing and data allowances vary by provider and plan. You also need to make sure international service is activated before you leave.
Buy a physical SIM in Italy: This can work, but you have to find a place selling SIM cards, choose a plan, install it and keep track of your original SIM.
I’ve been traveling internationally long enough to know that the thing that sounds easy at home can suddenly feel very complicated when you’re exhausted, jet-lagged, and standing in an airport you’ve never seen before.
Or you can use an eSIM: You can purchase and install it before you leave home, keep your physical SIM in your phone and switch to the eSIM for mobile data when you arrive.
For me, that last option wins on convenience. And if you’re already a little nervous about navigating a new country, having your phone ready to go before you leave home is one less thing to worry about.
Ready to get connected before your trip? Use code BUCKETLISTJOURNEY through my personalized link (https://holafly.sjv.io/gReM3v) to get 5% off eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans for the first 12 months.
Why I Like Holafly for Rome
Holafly offers Italy eSIM plans based on the number of days you need, with 4G LTE and 5G connectivity where available. The Italy eSIM connects through local networks, including Vodafone Italy and WINDTRE.
But, my favorite thing about Holafly is the unlimited data.
That unlimited data is especially useful in Rome because I’m constantly using my phone for:
- Google Maps and walking directions
- Bus and Metro information
- Uber
- Restaurant addresses and reservations
- Attraction tickets
- Translation
- WhatsApp and messaging
- Travel research
I don’t want to spend my vacation wondering how many gigabytes I have left.
Another perk is Holafly Always On, which gives you 1GB of free backup data every month for 12 months, starting from the moment you install your eSIM. So even after your regular plan ends, you have a little backup data available when you need it.
Holafly also offers 24/7 customer support and lets you keep your regular SIM in your phone.
One thing to know: Holafly’s travel eSIMs are primarily data plans. You can use data-based apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime and Messenger for calls and messages, but you shouldn’t assume you’re getting a traditional Italian phone number with standard calling and SMS.
How Easy is Holafly? Here’s How it Works
Getting started is pretty simple.
1. Check your phone.
Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked for use with another carrier.
2. Purchase your Italy Holafly eSIM.
Choose the number of days you’ll need.
3. Install it before your trip.
Holafly provides installation instructions. I recommend doing this at home while you have reliable Wi-Fi, rather than waiting until you land.
4. Arrive in Rome.
Once you’re there, turn on the Holafly eSIM for mobile data. Holafly says the plan activates when you arrive and turn on the eSIM.
That means you can land, request your Uber, pull up Google Maps and start navigating without hunting down a SIM card first.
Will You Actually Need Cell Data in Rome?
Yes. Could you technically survive without it? Of course. Rome existed long before Google Maps, Uber, and smartphones. But I’m not interested in making travel harder simply because I technically can.
When you’re visiting Rome for the first time, there is already enough to figure out. You’re navigating a new country, unfamiliar streets, a different language, transportation, restaurant reservations, attraction tickets, and the general sensory overload that comes with arriving somewhere as extraordinary as Rome.
You don’t need to add “Where can I find a SIM card?” to the list.
Especially if you’re an introvert like me, there is something very comforting about being able to solve a problem on your own phone rather than walking into a shop and trying to explain exactly what you need while you’re jet-lagged.
Save on Holafly
Ready to stay connected in Rome without worrying about data? Just enter BUCKETLISTJOURNEY using my Holafly link (https://holafly.sjv.io/gReM3v) to get 5% off eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans (for your first 12 months). Grab yours before your trip and get your phone set up before you even leave home.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend booking an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Also, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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