5g in Italy

I don't know that I'd bother, but a lot depends on how much you use your phone and how. Looks like you get free texting with your plan, and wifi is fairly common unless you are going off the beaten path considerably.
If you do upgrade the phone, upgrade the plan (even if temporarily) so you get the data.

My wife and I are in the process of getting new 5G phones and switching to Google Fi for cell service during our Italy trip in September-October. In theory, international service is included at not extra cost. I guess we'll see how that works out. We've relied on wifi on previous trips and just want cell as a backup.

I’m in Italy since June and I have T-Mobile Magenta max.
My suggestion is to upgrade to Magenta Max, because it gives you higher speed than regular Magenta and the additional cost is minimal.
You won’t get 5g outside of major cities. But the biggest challenge is getting a signal at all indoors. Buildings have masonry walls, in most older building even 2-4 feet thick. I often have to go on the balcony to get a signal. Even in the streets the buildings around often prevent good reception. If you plan to surf the internet you are better off with the hotel wifi, unless you go outside.

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate it.

4g LTE will be available everywhere there is service. 5g isn't necessary, and is available in fewer areas than in the US. So if you can get by without 5G at home, you'll be fine in Europe.

I just upgraded from a Tmobile 4gLTE Iphone to a new 5G model. Here in NY I'm getting a 5G signal most everywhere, but I really don't notice any tangible difference in speed when using various apps. So I don't think it's worth upgrading just to get 5G. Be aware that 4G towers/signals in the US or Europe aren't being shut down. You will still get the same exact coverage with a 4G phone as you had in the past.

From what I'm seeing, 5G so far has been mainly an exercise in marketing new gadgets and trying to get people to change carriers.

A good modern phone will do just fine everywhere. The rule of thumb used to be, always stay one stable generation behind so you're not part of the guinea pig group.

Thank you all so much! Now I feel better about not upgrading. It's so easy to be persuaded that you need something new, especially when you don't really understand it all. They make it sound like you will be left behind in the dust if you don't change.