FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesAt the TobacconistVendete schede SIM prepagate?
A2

Vendete schede SIM prepagate?

Do you sell prepaid SIM cards?

Pronunciation

SIM — pronounced as in English; 'scheda' is SCHE-da with a hard 'k' sound before 'e'.

When to use it

Use this as a tourist or new resident who needs an Italian number. Some tabaccherie are authorised resellers for mobile operators and can register a SIM on the spot.

What it means

'Vendete' (do you sell) is second-person plural present. 'Prepagate' (prepaid) is plural to agree with 'schede'. In Italy, SIM registration is mandatory by law — you must present your passport or ID. The shopkeeper will scan your document.

Variations

Avete SIM per turisti?

Do you have tourist SIMs?

Some operators offer tourist-specific plans with data

Qual è il piano migliore per un mese?

What's the best plan for one month?

Asking for a recommendation — a natural follow-up

Ho bisogno di una SIM con dati internet.

I need a SIM with internet data.

Specifying data requirement — crucial for tourists

Mini Dialogue

— Vendete schede SIM prepagate? — Sì, abbiamo TIM e WindTre. — Qual è la migliore per internet? — WindTre ha l'offerta migliore: cinque giga per sette euro al mese. — La prendo. Ho il passaporto.

— Do you sell prepaid SIM cards? — Yes, we have TIM and WindTre. — Which is best for internet? — WindTre has the best deal: five gigs for seven euros per month. — I'll take it. I have my passport.

Cultural Note

Since 2017, Italian law requires identity verification for all SIM cards. Tourists must present a valid passport. The shopkeeper photographs the document and registers the SIM in the national database. This process usually takes only a few minutes.