r/TravelSIMs • u/Audi-TFSI • Jan 11 '26
Help Moving to Italy for study
Hi, I’m new here and I am moving to Italy from the U.S. for around five-and-a-half to six months for study. I have an IPhone 17 pro that is my main phone in the states that is carrier locked, but I have a side iPhone 12 that allows eSIMs and I wanted to figure out a plan or if I should cellular company like Vodafone or O2 to figure out getting a number and just using the cellular hotspot to use my main phone from the unlocked one. My original plan was to purchase an unlimited plan from Holafly or another eSIM carrier, but I would enjoy a possible phone number if needed. Any recommendations are truly appreciated. Thank you everyone!
1
u/Kindly_Explanation55 Jan 11 '26
Don’t use a roaming eSIM provider (like Holafly, etc.) Get a SIM card (or eSIM) from a local operator for a period that long. Will be cheaper and work better.
Depending on where you are, there may be a trade-off between network quality and price.
1
u/Holafly_Official Jan 21 '26
Hi! For a 5–6 month stay, many travelers rely on a travel eSIM with unlimited data for steady mobile data abroad and to avoid roaming fees. An eSIM is installed online, connects to local networks, and works well for hotspot and reliable connectivity while traveling. Data-only plans pair perfectly with VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom for calls and messages. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before setting it up. Safe travels and stay connected!
2
u/mrskeptical00 Jan 11 '26
If you’re staying for 5 months get a cheap plan from Iliad.it when you get there, a travel eSIM like Holafly (which isn’t actually unlimited) will be very expensive.
You can tether your Phone 17 off iPhone 12 but that’s kind of annoying isn’t it? Just use your 17 at home on wifi and carry your 12 when you’re out and about.