Italy – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Italy, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

The international dialling code for Italy is +39. When placing international calls from within Italy, you use the prefix 00, which is the standard for most European countries. One thing that catches many newcomers off guard is Italy’s treatment of the leading zero in area codes: while nations like Spain or France require you to drop the trunk zero when dialling from abroad, Italy is an exception — you must include it. To call a landline in Rome from outside Italy, for instance, you dial +39 06 and then the local number, keeping the “0” in “06” intact.

Rome and Milan are the only Italian cities with two-digit area codes. Most major cities and regions use three-digit codes, while smaller towns typically have four-digit codes. Landline numbers begin with the digit 0 and range from 6 to 11 digits in total length. Mobile numbers begin with the digit 3 and are consistently ten digits long.

The table below sets out area codes for the Italian cities most frequented by expatriates. Whether you are dialling domestically or from another country, always include the full code — the leading zero included.

When dialling within Italy, you must always dial the complete number, even if you are calling somewhere within the same city. There are no fixed national conventions for how telephone numbers are formatted when printed or displayed, so you may encounter the same number written with spaces, hyphens, or dots — all of these are equally valid. Italy’s telecommunications regulator, AGCOM (Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni), publishes authoritative guidance on numbering plans and consumer entitlements. For the definitive list of area codes, consult AGCOM’s official website.

Who are the major landline providers in Italy, and how can you contact them?

TIM (Telecom Italia) is Italy’s national telephone company and continues to underpin much of the country’s fixed-line infrastructure, making it the most widely available provider — particularly in smaller towns and rural areas where competing operators may have limited reach. Alternatives include WindTre, Vodafone, Tiscali, Fastweb, and Iliad.

One notable recent change in the Italian market is the acquisition of Vodafone Italy by Swiss telecoms group Swisscom, which integrated it into its Italian subsidiary Fastweb under the combined Fastweb + Vodafone brand. On 1 January 2026, Vodafone Italia S.p.A. ceased to exist as a separate legal entity; however, the Vodafone name continues to be used in Italy by Fastweb S.p.A. under a licensing arrangement. For consumers, both brand names remain visible and in active use.

The table below lists the principal fixed-line providers and their contact details. Tariffs and plan specifics change regularly, so always check each provider’s official website for up-to-date information before committing to a contract.

Fastweb stands out for its bundled offerings, combining mobile, fibre home internet, and television into a single monthly payment — an attractive proposition for expats looking to consolidate their telecoms services. TIM, meanwhile, remains the leading choice for fixed-line services alone, especially outside the major urban centres. Always verify pricing on each provider’s official website, and contact AGCOM if you encounter billing disputes or service difficulties.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Italy, and how can you contact them?

Italy’s mobile market has five main players: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad, and Fastweb. Each occupies a distinct position in terms of coverage, speed, and pricing. By the close of 2023, TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre each held over 21 percent of the market measured by active human SIM cards.

TIM is Italy’s oldest and largest operator, built on an extensive legacy network that reaches even remote rural regions, mountain communities, and islands. This heritage gives TIM a consistent edge in nationwide 4G coverage that its rivals struggle to match outside the major cities.

WindTre emerged from the merger of Wind and 3 Italia and serves approximately 25 million mobile customers. It offers competitive pricing and package deals, and according to independent testing by Opensignal in 2024, it leads the market on 5G availability, achieving a score of 24.5%.

Iliad entered the Italian market in 2018 and has grown rapidly to more than 8 million subscribers. It has built a reputation for straightforward, low-cost plans and is the most economical option for users who are primarily based in cities.

The table below provides an overview of Italy’s main mobile operators. Always check each provider’s official website for current plans, as offers are updated frequently.

Mobile coverage is excellent across urban centres and major transport routes, with 4G/LTE reaching over 99% of the populated territory. 5G service is available in major cities including Milan, Rome, Turin, Naples, Bologna, and Florence from TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. More remote locations — parts of the Alps, the Apennines, the interior of Sardinia, and certain southern regions — may experience weaker or intermittent signals. If you intend to live outside a city, consult your chosen operator’s coverage map before selecting a plan.

Beyond the main operators, a range of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer budget-friendly alternatives. PosteMobile, run by Poste Italiane, the state postal service, uses Vodafone’s network and offers plans from around €6–€8 per month, activatable at any post office branch. Other notable options include Kena Mobile (TIM’s low-cost brand, with plans from approximately €6–€8/month) and Very Mobile (WindTre’s budget label, with plans from around €5–€7/month). All prices are as of 2024–2025; confirm current offers directly on each provider’s website.

How do I get a landline connected in Italy?

Arranging a fixed-line telephone connection in Italy follows a broadly similar process to setting up a home internet service. You can apply online, by phone, or by visiting a local branch of your chosen provider. Whether you own your home or rent makes little practical difference to the application process, although tenants may be asked to supply their lease agreement alongside identity documents. It is advisable to let your landlord know if a technician will need to visit the property to install the line.

Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a new landline connection in Italy:

1. Obtain your codice fiscale: Italian law makes it mandatory to provide your codice fiscale when arranging a fixed-line or broadband connection at a residential address. This tax identification number is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) and is one of the first documents newcomers should secure on arrival.
2. Select a provider: Review the available plans from TIM, Fastweb + Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad, and Tiscali. Think about whether you need a voice-only line or a bundled package that incorporates broadband and television.
3. Assemble your documents: You will generally need a valid passport or national identity card, your codice fiscale, proof of address (a tenancy agreement or recent utility bill will usually suffice), and your Italian bank account IBAN for direct debit billing.
4. Submit your application: You can apply through the provider’s website, call their customer service line, or visit a branch or authorised retailer in person.
5. Arrange the technician appointment: After your application is processed, an engineer will be scheduled to visit your home and complete the physical connection. Make sure someone is available at the property throughout the allocated time window.
6. Allow time for activation: The period between submitting your request and being able to use the line can range from a handful of working days (TIM averages around ten days) to several weeks, depending on your provider and the existing infrastructure at your address.
7. Establish your billing arrangement: Direct debit from an Italian bank account is the standard method. Some providers may ask for a deposit from customers who do not yet have a local credit history — clarify this before signing your contract.

If you experience problems with connection timelines or service quality, you can contact AGCOM, Italy’s independent telecoms regulator, or seek assistance from the national consumer organisation Adiconsum. Requirements and processing times are subject to change, so always confirm the current conditions with your provider before signing anything.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Italy?

Purchasing a SIM card in Italy requires a valid passport (or EU national identity card) and your codice fiscale. Under Italian law, all SIM card sales must be accompanied by identity verification — you cannot obtain an anonymous prepaid SIM as you might in certain other countries. This requirement is stricter than in a number of EU member states where prepaid SIMs can be activated with minimal documentation. In Italy, even the simplest top-up card requires registration.

Without a codice fiscale, the vast majority of operators will decline to sell you a SIM. Obtaining this number from the Agenzia delle Entrate should therefore be treated as one of your very first administrative tasks after arriving. EU and EEA citizens can also request a codice fiscale at an Italian consulate before leaving their home country.

For prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIMs, the process is relatively quick once you have the right documents in hand:

1. Visit a provider store, tobacconist, or supermarket: The main operators — TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad — all have retail outlets in most Italian cities. Prepaid SIMs are also widely sold in supermarket chains such as Coop, Auchan, and Esselunga, as well as in many corner newsagents and tobacco shops (tabaccherie).
2. Present your ID and codice fiscale: Staff will complete a registration form on your behalf. Your passport is the most reliable document to bring. Activation is typically completed within five to ten minutes, and data connectivity is usually available straight away.
3. Choose your plan: Italy’s mobile plans fall into two main categories: pay-as-you-go and fixed monthly contracts. Prepaid plans renew each month and can be adjusted or cancelled easily, making them the most accessible starting point for newcomers.
4. Top up as required: Adding credit (ricarica) to a prepaid SIM is straightforward — you can do so via your provider’s website or app, or purchase top-up vouchers in grocery stores, phone shops, or tabacchi.

Postpaid contracts involve a more thorough documentation process. In addition to identity documents and a codice fiscale, you will need an Italian bank account so that the monthly charge can be collected by direct debit. Operators also typically require full-time Italian residency before approving a subsidised handset plan. This mirrors the approach in countries like Germany or the Netherlands, where postpaid mobile contracts are linked to local residency and credit standing. If you have just arrived, begin with a prepaid SIM and make the switch to a contract once your residency is established.

eSIM functionality is supported by TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad on compatible handsets. That said, certain operators limit eSIM activation to Italian residents who can provide a codice fiscale, so check the individual terms with your preferred provider. One piece of advice worth heeding: avoid buying SIM cards at airports, where tourist-facing packages typically come at a significant premium. Head instead to a city-centre operator store, where you will find a broader selection of plans and staff who have time to walk you through the details.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Italy?

Payment options differ between providers, but most support online payment, direct debit, and in-person settlement. For postpaid plans — covering both landlines and mobile contracts — the most common and often the most cost-effective method is direct debit (addebito in conto corrente), which requires an Italian bank account and IBAN. Most providers default to this arrangement and some offer discounted rates to customers who use it.

For those who prefer an alternative to direct debit, or who are on prepaid plans, the following payment channels are typically available:

• Via the provider’s app or website: All major operators offer digital platforms through which you can view invoices, pay by card, and manage account settings. Setting up automatic top-up (ricarica automatica) via an app is particularly convenient for prepaid users, helping to ensure uninterrupted service.
• At a tabaccheria (tobacconist) or newsagent: These shops are found throughout Italy and handle payments for most major operators, including prepaid top-ups and, in many cases, contract bill settlement.
• At a Poste Italiane branch: Telephone and utility bills can be paid over the counter at any post office using a payment slip (bollettino postale), which may be enclosed with a paper invoice.
• At a cash machine (sportello bancomat): Many Italian ATMs offer bill payment and top-up facilities for the main telecoms operators.
• Through internet banking or third-party platforms: Bank transfers and digital payment services — including Satispay and PayPal — are accepted by a growing number of providers.

Postpaid bills are generally issued on a monthly cycle. Paying on time is important: late payments can attract penalty charges or lead to service suspension. Italian consumer protection rules administered by AGCOM require providers to notify customers before cutting off service, so disconnection does not happen without warning — but it is always better to avoid falling into arrears in the first place. If a billing dispute arises, you can lodge a formal complaint with AGCOM.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Italy as a newcomer?

EU roaming: Thanks to the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regulations, an Italian SIM card functions across the entire European Union, the EEA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), and the UK without any additional roaming charges. Your standard calls, texts, and data allowance apply just as they would from Italian soil. For expats who travel frequently within Europe, this makes an Italian SIM a genuinely pan-European mobile solution.

Number porting: The three-digit prefix of any Italian mobile number originally identified the network that issued it. Since 2002, however, mobile number portability has been available, meaning any number can now be carried across to a different operator. Transferring your number to a new provider (portabilità del numero) is a process you initiate with the incoming operator and typically completes within three to five business days. This is slightly slower than same-day porting available in countries like Ireland, but it is a well-established and reliable process.

Bringing a foreign number to Italy: It is not possible to port a number from a foreign network directly onto an Italian SIM — number portability operates solely within Italy’s national numbering system. If you want to retain access to your home number for incoming calls, consider setting up call forwarding to your Italian number, or using a VoIP service in parallel with your local SIM.

eSIM availability: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad all support eSIM on compatible devices. eSIM is particularly useful if you want to run a foreign SIM alongside your Italian one in a dual-SIM configuration, or if you want to arrange connectivity before you touch down in Italy. Be aware that certain operators restrict eSIM activation to Italian residents who hold a codice fiscale, so always check the specific terms before proceeding.

Getting a SIM on arrival: Aim to get your Italian SIM within the first day or two of arriving. It quickly becomes essential for everything from bank account two-factor authentication and government service registration to WhatsApp — which is the dominant messaging platform in Italy and is used extensively for both personal and professional communication.

Rural and mountain coverage: Coverage is generally solid in populated areas of Tuscany, the Dolomites, Sicily, and Sardinia, but gaps can appear in more isolated locations. If you plan to settle in a rural or mountainous area, use your preferred operator’s online coverage map to check signal availability before signing up. TIM is typically the most reliable choice in remote locations, given the scale of its legacy network.

Phone unlocking: Before attempting to use an Italian SIM, confirm that your handset is unlocked. A device tied to your home country provider will not accept a foreign SIM. Contact your existing operator ahead of your move to request an unlock — most will do so readily, especially once your contract has run its course.

Airport SIM cards: Resist the temptation to buy a SIM at the airport, where the plans on offer are typically designed for short-stay tourists and priced accordingly. A short walk or taxi ride to a city-centre operator store will give you access to far better value, a wider range of plans, and staff who can take the time to explain what you are signing up for.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Italy?

It is not possible to port a number from a foreign network directly onto an Italian SIM card — number portability in Italy is restricted to numbers within the national numbering system. If you want to remain reachable on your existing number, you have two main options: set up call forwarding from your home number to your Italian one, or use a VoIP service such as Google Voice to keep the number active at minimal cost while using a local Italian SIM for everyday calls.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Italy?

To buy a SIM card in Italy, you must present a valid passport or EU identity card along with your codice fiscale. For a basic prepaid SIM, you do not strictly need a permanent Italian address at the point of purchase. However, signing up for a postpaid contract does require an Italian address and a local bank account. Most newcomers find it easiest to start on a prepaid plan and move to a contract arrangement once they are properly settled.

What is the codice fiscale and why do I need it for a SIM card?

The codice fiscale is Italy’s national tax identification number — comparable to the National Insurance number in the UK or the Tax File Number in Australia. Because Italian law mandates identity verification for all SIM card purchases, most operators require the codice fiscale as part of the registration process. You can obtain one from the Agenzia delle Entrate once you are in Italy, or apply for one at an Italian consulate abroad before you relocate.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in Italy?

Activation timelines vary by provider and by the physical circumstances of your property. TIM averages around ten working days from application to a working line, but in some cases it can take several weeks — particularly if new cabling or infrastructure is required. Moving into a home that already has an active line tends to speed things up considerably, as it may simply be a matter of transferring the existing number into your name.

Is mobile coverage reliable in rural parts of Italy?

In urban areas and along main transport corridors, 4G/LTE coverage extends to over 99% of the inhabited territory. More remote locations — including parts of the Alps, the Apennines, inland Sardinia, and certain areas of the south — can experience weaker or patchy signals. For life outside a major city, TIM is generally the most dependable choice, owing to the breadth of its historic network infrastructure.

Can I get an eSIM when I arrive in Italy?

eSIM is offered by TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad for supported handsets. However, some of these operators limit eSIM activation to Italian residents who can supply a codice fiscale. If you have not yet registered in Italy, international eSIM providers such as Airalo or Holafly can supply an Italian data eSIM without requiring a codice fiscale, making them a practical solution for the first days after arrival.

What is the best mobile operator for an expat living in Italy?

The right choice depends on your location and how much you want to spend. TIM offers the broadest network and the most reliable coverage across the country, including rural and remote areas. Iliad is the most cost-effective option for people who are primarily based in cities and want straightforward, no-frills pricing. Fastweb + Vodafone is worth considering if you want to combine home broadband and mobile in a single package. Before committing, compare the latest plans on each operator’s official website.

How do I complain if I have a problem with my Italian telecoms provider?

Italy’s telecoms regulator, AGCOM, handles consumer complaints relating to telephone and internet services. The recommended first step is to raise the matter formally with your provider in writing and keep a record of all correspondence. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate it to AGCOM or to an accredited alternative dispute resolution body. The consumer association Adiconsum can also offer guidance and advocacy support throughout the process.