How to Call in Italy with eSIM: The Traveler's Guide

Touching down at Fiumicino Airport in Rome usually brings a mix of excitement and mild panic. You have your bags, but now you need to call your Airbnb host to get the gate code or confirm your transfer. Ten years ago, this meant hunting for a physical SIM card shop or dreading a massive roaming bill. Today, you likely have an eSIM installed.

But here is the confusion: many travelers assume an eSIM works exactly like their phone line back home. The reality is nuanced. In this guide on how to make call in italy with esim, we will break down the three distinct ways to stay connected, how to dial Italian numbers correctly (it is tricky!), and how to ensure you never come home to a surprise phone bill.

The Three Main Ways to Make Calls in Italy With an eSIM

Can you make calls in Italy with an eSIM? Yes, but how you do it depends on the type of plan you bought.

From my experience traveling through Rome, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast, I have used all three methods below. Sometimes I needed a real number for restaurant reservations; other times, a simple data connection was enough to call family back home.

Here is the quick breakdown of your options:

1. eSIM with Voice & Number: These plans work just like a traditional SIM. You get an Italian (or European) phone number and a set amount of minutes. You dial using your normal "Phone" app.

2. Data-Only eSIM + VoIP Apps: This is the most common travel eSIM type. You get internet data but no phone number. You make calls using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype.

3. Home SIM + eSIM Data: You keep your primary SIM active for calls (voice roaming) but use the eSIM for cheap data. This is convenient but risky if you don’t manage settings correctly.

Comparison: Which Method Is Right for You?

Italy eSIM Pricing: BitJoy vs Competitors (December 2025)

Here's how BitJoy compares to other popular providers for Italy travel:

✓ Verified: December 23, 2025 | Prices in USD

Key Takeaway: BitJoy offers the lowest starting price at $2.50. If you need unlimited data for heavy video calling, Holafly is the only provider with true unlimited plans. If you need voice calls with a phone number, Orange Holiday is the best option (but costs significantly more).

Quick Decision Guide: Who Are You?

• The Budget Traveler: If you mostly contact friends and family who use smartphones, stick to Data-Only + Apps. It is the cheapest and easiest setup.

• The Business Traveler: If you need to answer calls from clients on your main number, use Home SIM + eSIM Data (but check your roaming rates first!).

• The "Local" Experience: If you need to call many Italian landlines (restaurants, museums) that don’t have WhatsApp, look for a Voice-Enabled eSIM.

Step 1: Check What Kind of Italy eSIM Plan You Actually Have

Before you try to dial a number, you need to know what your hardware allows. This is the most common stumbling block for first-time eSIM users.

How to Verify Your Plan Type

• Check the Purchase Email: Look for keywords like "minutes," "voice," "SMS," or "phone number."

• Check the Provider App: Go to your active plan details. Does it list a phone number (e.g., +39…)?

• The Rule of Thumb: If the plan description only mentions GB (e.g., "10GB - 30 Days") and makes no mention of minutes, assume it is a data-only eSIM.

Trust Note: Don't guess. If you try to make a standard call with a data-only eSIM, the call simply won't connect, or your phone will default to your expensive home SIM roaming.

What About BitJoy-Style Travel eSIMs?

At BitJoy, we offer data-only eSIM plans for Italy starting at just $2.50—among the most affordable options for European travelers. We focus on data-only plans because most travelers communicate through WhatsApp, FaceTime, and similar apps rather than traditional phone calls. This keeps costs low while still giving you reliable connectivity for calling, messaging, and navigation throughout Italy.

Device Requirements Checklist:

For iPhone:

• Model: iPhone XS, XR, or newer 
• iOS: Version 14.1 or newer 
• Status: Carrier-unlocked 
• Note: iPhones bought in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao (except iPhone 13 mini, 12 mini, SE 2020, XS) do NOT support eSIM

For Android:

• Model: Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, or equivalent 
• Android: Version 12+ / One UI 4+ 
• Status: Carrier-unlocked 
• Note: Samsung devices bought in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan often do NOT support eSIM

How to check if your phone is unlocked:

• iPhone: Settings → General → About → "Carrier Lock" (should say "No SIM restrictions")
• Android: Insert a SIM from a different carrier and see if it works
• Or call your carrier: "Can you confirm my [model] is carrier-unlocked?"

If Your eSIM Includes Voice Calls: How to Call in Italy

If your plan explicitly includes minutes and a phone number, congratulations—you can use your phone exactly as you would at home.

Important Note About Voice eSIM Phone Numbers:

Most voice-enabled eSIMs for Italy give you a European phone number (like +33 French, +44 UK, or +420 Czech), NOT an Italian +39 number. This is because providers use their home country's infrastructure.

What this means for you:

• You CAN call Italian landlines and mobiles (works fine)
• Italians CAN call you back (they just see a foreign number)
• Your Italian contacts will see you're calling from France/UK, not Italy
• Bank OTP SMS won't arrive (they're sent to your home number, not this eSIM)

If you specifically need an Italian +39 number, you'll need to buy a local SIM card from TIM, Vodafone, or Wind Tre at a physical store (requires ID)

Getting Ready to Call

1. Ensure your eSIM is installed and turned ON.

2. Check that the eSIM has a signal (look for the signal bars in your status bar).

3. Open your standard Phone app.

Cost Warning: Even with a voice eSIM, check your specific plan rules. Often, calls within Italy are free, but calling back to the US or UK might cost extra. Always check the "International Rates" in your provider's app.

Set Your eSIM as the Line for Calls (iPhone & Android)

To avoid accidentally using your home SIM, you must tell your phone which line to use for outgoing calls.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service).

2. Tap Default Voice Line.

3. Select your Italy eSIM.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.

2. Tap Calls preference.

3. Select your Italy eSIM (or choose "Ask every time").

Italy Dialing Cheat Sheet: How to Dial Landlines, Mobiles, and Abroad

Dialing in Italy has a quirk that trips up almost every tourist: the "leading zero." Here is how to handle the country code +39 correctly.

The Golden Rule: Country Code +39

When using an eSIM, it is safest to always use the full international format.

• Italy Country Code: +39

How to Call Italian Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Italy usually start with a 3. You can drop the +39 if you are in Italy, but I recommend keeping it saved in your contacts so it works everywhere.

• Format: +39 [10-digit number]

• Example: +39 347 123 4567

How to Call Italian Landlines (The Tricky Part)

Unlike the US or UK where you drop the first "0" when adding a country code, in Italy you must keep the zero.

• Format: +39 [Area Code with 0] [Number]

• Example (Rome Hotel): +39 06 1234 5678 (Do NOT dial +39 6…)

• Example (Milan Museum): +39 02 1234 5678

Calling Abroad From Italy

To call home (US, UK, etc.) from Italy:

• Press and hold 0 to get the + sign.

• Enter the country code (e.g., 1 for US, 44 for UK).

• Enter the number.

• Example (US): +1 555 123 4567

Common Italian Area Codes Travelers Use

• Rome: 06

• Milan: 02

• Florence: 055

• Venice: 041

• Naples: 081

Emergency & Service Numbers in Italy

If you have a real emergency, you do not need a specific plan.

• General Emergency (EU-wide): 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire)

• Trust Note: Do not "test" call 112. It is for genuine emergencies only. It will work on any mobile network, often even if your plan has expired.

If Your eSIM Is Data-Only: Calling Over WhatsApp, FaceTime & More

This is the method I use for 90% of my trips. A data-only eSIM provides the internet connection, and apps provide the "voice."

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)—which simply means 'internet calling'—works through apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime instead of using traditional phone minutes. Since BitJoy and many providers offer high-speed 4G/5G data, call quality is often better than a standard phone line.

How to Set This Up

1. Install the eSIM and ensure mobile data is working.

2. Keep your Home SIM active (optional) but Data Roaming OFF (mandatory—see below).

3. Open WhatsApp / FaceTime / Messenger.

4. Call your contact.

Practical Tip: In Italy, WhatsApp is king. Almost every B&B host, tour guide, and even many restaurants use WhatsApp for business. I have booked dinner in Florence simply by messaging a restaurant’s WhatsApp business number found on Google Maps.

Data Usage Estimate:

• Voice Call: ~0.5 MB to 1 MB per minute.

• Video Call: ~5 MB to 15 MB per minute.

• A 3GB plan is usually plenty for a week of maps and audio calls, but heavy video callers should aim for 10GB+.

Avoiding Roaming Charges While Using VoIP

This is critical. If your phone accidentally uses your home SIM for data, you could face a huge bill.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.

2. Select your Primary (Home) SIM.

3. Toggle Data Roaming to OFF.

4. Go back and tap Cellular Data.

5. Select your Italy eSIM.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

2. Select your Home SIM.

3. Toggle Roaming to OFF.

4. Set your Italy eSIM as the "Preferred SIM for Mobile Data."

Using Your Home SIM for Calls and Your Italy eSIM for Data

Sometimes you need your regular phone number active—for example, to receive a One-Time Password (OTP—the 6-digit security code your bank texts you) from your bank or an emergency call from home.

CRITICAL WARNING: This is the most risky setup for accidental roaming charges. In 2025, travelers still report $200-400 bills from forgetting to turn off data roaming on their home SIM. Only use this method if:

1. You're comfortable with phone settings
2. You've confirmed your carrier's Italy roaming rates BEFORE traveling
3. You've set up everything correctly and tested it

If you're at all unsure, stick with data-only eSIM + apps. It's safer.

The Hybrid Strategy

• Voice/SMS: Handled by your Home SIM (Roam active).

• Internet/Apps: Handled by your Italy eSIM (Local rates).

How to Configure It

1. Set Home SIM as the preferred line for Calls/SMS.

2. Set Italy eSIM as the preferred line for Data.

3. Check your carrier: Before leaving, ask your home carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) about their "Pay Per Use" roaming rates for voice calls in Italy.

Pro Tip: I leave my home SIM on to receive text messages (like bank OTPs), but I set it to NOT be the default line for calls. This way, I can see who's calling, but if I answer accidentally, it won't use expensive roaming rates. For outgoing calls, I use only the eSIM data with WhatsApp or FaceTime. I let it receive SMS texts (which are often free to receive) for banking codes, but I do all my outgoing communication via data on the eSIM.

Simple Decision Guide: Which Calling Combo Should You Use?

• Choose Data-Only eSIM + Apps if: You want the best value and primarily communicate with friends/family who also have smartphones.

• Choose Voice-Enabled eSIM if: You are uncomfortable with technology or need to call many local landlines for business.

• Choose Home SIM + eSIM Data if: You absolutely must be reachable on your regular phone number for work or banking security.

Choosing an Italy eSIM Plan That Works Well for Calling

Before you buy, ask yourself: How much talking will I actually do?

If you are a light user who just needs to check in with family, a 3GB to 5GB plan is sufficient for a week. If you plan on long FaceTime video calls to show off the Trevi Fountain, or if you are working remotely, look for 20GB or Unlimited plans.

At BitJoy, we offer Italy eSIM plans from $2.50 to $20, with options ranging from 3GB for short trips to 20GB+ for digital nomads. All plans include:

• Instant activation (typically 2-5 minutes)
• 5-day money-back guarantee (valid Aug 18 - Dec 31, 2025)
• Crypto payment accepted (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
• No ID or registration required

Choose from single-country Italy plans or Regional Europe plans covering 35+ countries if you're visiting multiple destinations.

Summary

Learning how to make call in italy with esim essentially comes down to choosing the right tool for the job.

• Voice eSIMs are great for traditionalists who need a local number.

• Data-Only eSIMs (like those from BitJoy) are the modern standard, offering cheap connectivity for WhatsApp and FaceTime calls.

• Dual-SIM setups offer the best of both worlds if you manage your settings carefully.

Remember the golden rule of Italian dialing: keep the zero for landlines (+39 0…), and always double-check that Data Roaming is OFF on your primary SIM to avoid bill shock.

If you haven't picked a plan yet, head over to BitJoy to explore competitive data packages. Our AI assistant can help you calculate exactly how much data you will need for your calls and maps, ensuring you are connected the moment you step off the plane. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make phone calls in Italy with an eSIM?

Yes, you can make calls in Italy with an eSIM, but it depends on the type of plan. You can use eSIMs with voice minutes and a phone number for traditional calls, or use a data-only eSIM with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for internet-based calls.

What's the difference between a voice eSIM and a data-only eSIM for Italy?

A voice eSIM includes call minutes and a phone number, allowing direct calls via the Phone app. A data-only eSIM provides only internet access, requiring apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

How do I check if my Italy eSIM plan includes calling minutes?

Check your eSIM purchase email or provider app for mentions of "minutes," "voice," "calls," or an assigned phone number. If your plan only lists data (GB) and validity, it's likely data-only.

How do I set my Italy eSIM as the default line for calls on my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Cellular > Default Voice Line and select your Italy eSIM. Ensure Voice & Data is enabled for this eSIM line in your cellular settings.

How do I set my Italy eSIM as the default line for calls on Android?

In Settings, navigate to SIM cards & mobile networks. Under "Preferred SIM for calls," choose your Italy eSIM. You can also set it as the preferred SIM for mobile data.

What is the country code for Italy?

The country code for Italy is +39. You should dial this before any Italian landline or mobile number, even when calling from within Italy, to ensure your call connects correctly.

How do I dial an Italian mobile number correctly with an eSIM?

Dial +39 followed by the 9-digit mobile number (which typically starts with a 3, e.g., +39 3xx xxx xxxx). Always save numbers with the full +39 prefix to avoid issues.

How do I dial an Italian landline number correctly with an eSIM?

Dial +39, then the area code (which includes a leading 0, e.g., 06 for Rome, 02 for Milan), followed by the rest of the landline number. For example: +39 06 xxx xxxx.

What is the emergency number in Italy?

The single European emergency number is 112 for police, fire, and ambulance services. You can dial this from any phone in Italy, and it's often accessible even without a plan or credit.

Can I make calls from Italy using a data-only eSIM and WhatsApp?

Yes, if you have a data-only eSIM, you can make calls using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Skype. These calls use your eSIM's internet data, so ensure you have sufficient data allowance.

How can I avoid roaming charges on my home SIM while using an Italy eSIM?

To prevent unexpected roaming bills, turn off "Data Roaming" for your home SIM in your phone's cellular settings. Ensure your Italy eSIM is selected as the primary line for mobile data.

What are the best Italy eSIM plans for travelers who make many VoIP calls?

Travelers making frequent VoIP calls should opt for plans with generous data allowances. Look for plans offering 10GB or more, or unlimited data, to comfortably cover video and audio calls throughout their trip.

Can I keep my home number active for calls while using an Italy eSIM for data?

Yes, you can use a dual-SIM setup. Set your home SIM as the preferred line for calls and SMS, and your Italy eSIM as the preferred line for mobile data, to remain reachable on your primary number while enjoying local data rates.

Read more:

Do eSIMs Expire? Understanding eSIM Validity and Activation Rules

Does Texting Use Data? SMS, MMS & iMessage Explained 2025