Best Tourist Sim Cards in Spain in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Spain across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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When traveling to Spain, having a sim card is essential for easy navigation and staying connected. Access to the internet allows you to find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share photos with your family on the go.
While roaming is an option, international fees can quickly become expensive. That’s why we recommend either an eSIM or a local sim card for access to affordable local phone rates.
Fortunately, obtaining either option is a breeze in Spain, but it’s helpful to know which one is the best fit for you. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to purchase a sim card in Spain, including updated pricing and the top recommendations.
Data in Spain is super cheap. For just 10 EUR you can get a sim card with a massive amount of data that lasts an entire month. I’m not really sure why the main operators offer higher priced plans considering very few users will require more than 25GB of data in a month!
That’s great news for travellers heading to Spain. The 10 EUR prepaid sim card from Orange, Vodafone or Movistar will be absolutely perfect for anyone. However, if I had to pick the best sim card in Spain then I’d go with Vodafone as it offers 5G in all of the main tourist centers in Spain. This means faster internet.
On top of this, they all offer fantastic roaming plans across the EU AND the UK.
If you love eSims then my preferred eSim in Spain is the Airalo Spain eSim. However, due to the huge data plans and low cost nature of the local sim cards I would still recommend picking one up when you arrive in Spain.
A Tourist Sim Card in Spain costs 10 EUR in May 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Spain will cost between $4.50 USD and $26 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Spain which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $11.50 USD.
In Spain, the main SIM card providers are Orange, Vodafone, and Movistar. Orange is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the country, offering a range of services including mobile, broadband, and TV. Vodafone, a global player, is another popular choice for mobile services, known for its reliable network coverage and competitive pricing plans. Movistar, a subsidiary of the telecommunications giant Telefónica, is a leading provider with a strong presence in the Spanish market. Offering a wide range of mobile plans and services, Movistar is recognized for its excellent customer support and reliable network infrastructure. These three providers continue to dominate the Spanish mobile industry, offering competitive packages and ensuring users have access to strong connectivity and quality services.
Orange is one of the leading telecommunication providers in Spain, catering to both locals and travelers. Their tourist sim cards offer a hassle-free way to stay connected while exploring the country. With affordable data plans and coverage across major cities and tourist destinations, Orange ensures uninterrupted communication during your trip. Whether it’s for browsing, calling, or using apps, Orange’s tourist sim cards provide convenient connectivity to make your travel experience in Spain smooth and enjoyable.
The price of a Orange tourist sim card in Spain is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by Orange stores includes 25GB data + unlimited calls + EU roaming valid for 28 days.
Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company offering reliable tourist SIM cards in Spain. Their SIM cards guarantee uninterrupted connectivity and provide extensive coverage throughout the country. With affordable data plans and prepaid options, travelers can stay connected with family and friends, navigate unfamiliar cities, and access essential travel apps. Vodafone’s excellent customer service ensures a hassle-free experience, making it the ideal choice for tourists visiting Spain.
The price of a Vodafone tourist sim card in Spain is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by Vodafone stores offers 25GB + 300 minutes + EU, UK & US roaming valid for 28 days.
Movistar, a renowned telecommunications company in Spain, offers convenient tourist SIM cards for travelers visiting the country. Their tourist SIM cards provide excellent coverage and high-speed internet access across Spain. With cost-effective plans and various data options, tourists can stay connected with their loved ones and explore the best of Spain. Additionally, Movistar’s reliable network ensures uninterrupted communication and hassle-free navigation while discovering the country’s vibrant culture and attractions.
The price of a Movistar tourist sim card in Spain is 10 EUR.
The plan offered by Movistar stores includes 40GB data + unlimited calls + EU & UK roaming valid for 28 days.
Identify mobile providers: Orange, Vodafone and Movistar are your best options in Spain.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Spain at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Spain then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Spain have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Orange, Vodafone and Movistar. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Spain are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Spain with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Spain. The Airalo Spain eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $11.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Spain without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Spain is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Spain and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Spain eSim uses the Movistar network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Movistar networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Spain.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Spain eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $6.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $8.50 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $11.50 USD
10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $18 USD
20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $26 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $11.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Spain eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Spain eSim uses the Movistar Spainnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Spain
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Spain eSim:
Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD
Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD
Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD
Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD
Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD
Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD
Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD
Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD
The eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike physical SIM cards, the eSIM doesn’t require insertion or removal.
Instead, the eSIM is seamlessly integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This allows users to easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the need for physical SIM card swapping.
eSIM technology brings convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for frequent travelers or those who switch between mobile networks frequently or travel internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing and inserting physical SIM cards, making it more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on one device.
To activate an eSIM, users can scan a provided QR code or manually enter activation details from their mobile network operator. Once activated, the device can connect to the chosen mobile network and enjoy voice, data, and messaging services just like a traditional SIM card.
Using an eSIM provides various benefits:
– Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
– Dual SIM functionality: Allows having two active mobile numbers on one device, useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
– Space-saving: Embedded eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot, freeing up space for smaller devices or other components.
– Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely, without requiring a physical SIM card or store visit.
– Future-proofing: As eSIM support expands, users can take advantage of new services and offerings as they become available.
Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing in mobile connectivity.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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