Talk:Italy/@comment-24.167.164.197-20190405235925/@comment-24682153-20190406051840

Well, it's a very American preference that users want to have their SIM already activated or set to go while they are still in the US. This is not so much in demand by Europeans. As here many people know, that in most countries you have to register your local SIM card at the time of purchase. This rather limits the scope for pre-purchase through the internet.

Furthermore, some buy their SIM at airports where there is WiFi so they have a seamless connection and others as soon as they go downtown. In Italy all cellco stores are open even on a Sunday. But you are right in the observation that while travelling within the EU/EEA area it has become unnecessary to buy a new SIM card as many Europeans are now covered by the new "roam like at home" scheme.

Tellink and Piranha are two international SIM options. They have lowered prices and now charge €15 for 1GB (Tellink) or €0.02-0.04 per MB. These prices are OK and look cheap for Americans. You can go with them and it's not a rip-off anymore.

On the other hand, there are other options as well. You can buy a local Irish or UK SIM card online (no registration required) and use it in Italy & Ireland. In the UK you will pay £1-2 per GB in larger packs which is considerably less and on location in Italy prices are rock bottom. It's your choice.