How & Where To Buy A SIM Card For Spain

Overview of Spain’s Mobile Network

Network Coverage & Quality

• Movistar stands out for its extensive nationwide coverage, ensuring reliable service even in rural and remote regions.
• Vodafone Spain is known for its fast data speeds and advantageous international roaming options.
• Orange Spain provides competitive pricing and dependable coverage, particularly in urban centers and popular tourist destinations.
• Yoigo is a budget-friendly option with a network that continues to expand and improve.

Network Speeds

• 4G LTE is widely accessible throughout Spain, delivering consistent and adequate speeds for most online activities.
• 5G technology is rapidly being deployed, offering significantly faster speeds in major urban areas, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

Roaming Considerations

• Thanks to EU roaming policies, most Spanish SIM cards offer free roaming within the European Union, making it convenient for travelers exploring multiple countries.
• For UK travelers post-Brexit, it's essential to verify roaming charges when using UK SIM cards, as policies may vary.

Best SIM Cards & eSIMs for Tourists

Staying connected in Spain is crucial for travelers, and thankfully, there are several excellent SIM card and eSIM options available. Major Spanish mobile operators offer a variety of prepaid plans designed specifically for tourists, ensuring you have the data and calls you need to navigate, communicate and share your experiences:

Movistar

Movistar offers several prepaid plans designed for tourists, all valid for four weeks and including 5G speed data, such as:

• Prepago Plus (€10): Offers 40GB of data, unlimited national calls, and 200 minutes for international calls, providing a good balance for most travelers.
• Prepago Premium (€15): Includes a generous 80GB of data, unlimited national calls, and 400 minutes for international calls, suitable for heavier data users.
• Prepago Total (€20): Provides a substantial 140GB of data and unlimited national calls, catering to those with significant data needs.
• Additional Line Prepago 5 (€5): A smaller plan with 5GB of data and 20 national minutes, potentially useful as a secondary option or for light users.
• Tarifa Habla 6: A calls-only option charging 6 cents per minute with a 30-cent call establishment fee, for those who primarily need voice communication.

Vodafone

Vodafone offers several prepaid plans designed for tourists with varying durations and inclusions. This includes:

• Vodafone One Conecta (€15/month): Includes 5GB of data and unlimited calls and texts within Spain, valid for one month, offering a good option for longer stays with primarily domestic communication needs.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 5GB (€12/7 days): Provides 5GB of data, 100 minutes of calls, and 100 texts within Spain and Europe, ideal for shorter trips with moderate data and some international communication.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 15GB (€20/7 days): Offers 15GB of data and unlimited calls and texts within Spain, valid for one week, suitable for heavier data users focusing on domestic communication.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 30GB (€35/30 days): Includes 30GB of data and unlimited calls and texts within Spain and Europe, valid for one month, providing a balance for longer trips with international communication needs.
• Prepago Turista (€10 minimum charge): Offers €5 credit initially, allowing users to add data, calls, and texts as needed within Spain and Europe, providing flexibility based on individual usage.
• eSIM: Vodafone also offers eSIM options with the same plans as their physical SIM cards, providing convenience for compatible devices.

Orange

Orange offers several prepaid plans for tourists, all covering Spain and the EU, with varying data and call options:

• Tarjeta Regalos Orange (from €10): Provides credit for users to purchase data, calls, and texts within Spain, offering flexibility based on individual needs.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 10GB (€15/7 days): Includes 10GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, ideal for shorter trips with moderate data needs and extensive communication within the EU.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 50GB (€30/30 days): Offers 50GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, suitable for longer stays with heavier data usage and comprehensive EU communication.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 100GB (€50/30 days): Provides a substantial 100GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, catering to users with significant data consumption over a month.
• Móvil Internacional (from €3/month): Includes 500MB of data and 100 minutes for international calls from Spain, valid for one month, designed for those needing to call outside of Europe.
• eSIM: Orange also offers eSIM options for compatible devices, with the same plans available as physical SIM cards, providing a convenient digital alternative.

Yoigo

Yoigo offers several prepaid plans for travelers to Spain, all including unlimited calls and texts within both Spain and Europe. Some options are:

• Tarjeta Yoigo (minimum top up €10): Provides credit for users to buy data, calls, and texts, offering flexibility based on individual usage.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 10GB (€15/7 days): Includes 10GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, ideal for shorter trips with moderate data needs.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 30GB (€25/30 days): Offers 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, suitable for longer stays with more data usage.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 60GB (€40/30 days): Provides 60GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, catering to heavier data users over a month.
• Tarifa Flex Turista 100GB (€60/30 days): Offers a substantial 100GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Spain and Europe, designed for users with significant data consumption.
• eSIM: Yoigo also offers eSIM options for compatible devices, with the same plans available as physical SIM cards, providing added convenience for its customers.

For a quick comparison of the features and benefits of these SIM and eSIM options, take a look at the table below:

Choose Nomad’s Spain eSIMs

For the ultimate convenience and flexibility, choose the Nomad Spain eSIM. Starting from USD $4.50, Nomad offers seamless online activation and a range of data plans to suit your needs, making it the perfect travel companion for your Spanish adventure.

Here's why Nomad eSIM is the ideal choice for staying connected in Spain:

• Instant Connectivity: Activate your eSIM online before or upon arrival in Spain, ensuring you're connected from the moment you land. No more looking for where to buy a physical SIM card when traveling.
• No Physical SIM Required: Say goodbye to fumbling with SIM card trays and adapters. Nomad eSIM is entirely digital, making it hassle-free and convenient.
• Flexible Data Plans: Choose from a variety of data plans to suit your usage needs and budget.
• Easy Management: Manage your eSIM and data usage directly through the Nomad app or website.

Skip the physical SIM card hunt and activate your eSIM online in minutes. Get started with Nomad Spain eSIMs today.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Spain

Acquiring a SIM card in Spain is straightforward, with various convenient options available. You can arrange for connectivity before you even arrive, or pick one up upon landing. Here's a breakdown of where you can buy a SIM card:

• Online Purchase: If you don’t want to spend time finding out how or where you can buy a SIM card, you can opt to have it delivered to your accommodation or to the airport for pickup via an online purchase.
• At the Airport: Most major airports in Spain have vending machines and mobile carrier kiosks where you can purchase SIM cards. However, these options are typically more expensive.
• Mobile Carrier Stores: All major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona have stores for providers like Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. Remember to bring your passport for identification.
• Supermarkets & Convenience Stores: SIM cards are also readily available at supermarkets, electronics retailers, and in smaller shops and kiosks.

How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Spain?

The cost of a SIM card in Spain varies depending on the type of SIM, the duration of your stay, and the data and call allowances included. Here's a general overview of pricing:

Tourist SIM Prices (28-day validity)

• Light Usage (40-60 GB): €10–€20 (~USD $11–$16)
• Moderate Usage (60-150 GB): €15–€25 (~USD $16–$27)
• Heavy Usage (150+ GB): € 20–€35 (~USD$ 22–$38)

Note: These are approximate price ranges. Actual costs may vary depending on the specific provider and any included features like calls or texts.

eSIM Prices

Nomad eSIM:

1. Starts as low as USD $4.50 for 1GB
2. USD $12 for 3GB
3. USD $14 for 5GB
4. USD $16 for 10GB (promotional offer)
5. USD $33 for 20GB
6. USD $45 for 50GB

Local SIM Pricing (Requires Registration):

• Monthly plans range from €10–€50 (~USD $12–$55).

Mobile Network Coverage in Spain

While Spain boasts generally strong mobile network coverage, particularly in urban centers and along major transportation routes, the experience can vary, especially as you venture into more rural or remote regions.

A recent report by Opensignal indicates that Movistar and Orange share the top spot for overall availability, meaning users connect to a cellular signal a high percentage of the time across the country. However, it's wise to check individual carrier coverage maps if you’re planning to travel extensively outside of major cities to ensure reliable connectivity.

Wi-Fi Connectivity in Spain

While Wi-Fi is widely available in Spain, particularly in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, travelers should be aware of potential security risks associated with public networks. Password protection offers some level of security, but it's not a guarantee against vulnerabilities.

For sensitive activities like online banking or accessing personal accounts, it's often recommended to exercise caution. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic, adding a layer of protection. Alternatively, utilizing mobile data through a local SIM card or eSIM provides a more direct and potentially secure connection for such activities, bypassing the uncertainties of public Wi-Fi networks altogether.

How To Top Up Your SIM Card

Running out of data can be a hassle, but topping up your Spanish SIM card is a breeze. Here's how:

How to Check Data Balance

• USSD Codes: Most carriers provide USSD codes (e.g., *123#) to help you check how much roaming data has been used. Dial the code on your phone to receive a text message with your remaining data.
• Carrier Mobile Apps: Download your carrier's mobile app for easy balance checks and account management.

How to Recharge

• Online Payment: Recharge your SIM card online through the carrier's website using a credit or debit card.
• Supermarket & Convenience Store Top-ups: Purchase recharge vouchers or top-up cards at supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Spain.

Unlimited Data Plans

For those who need constant connectivity, some providers offer unlimited 4G/5G plans, ensuring you never run out of data during your travels.

Other Internet Access Options In Spain

There are two popular pathways to staying online in Spain, with each catering to different needs and travel styles. Here's a breakdown of your internet access choices:

1. International Roaming

While international roaming allows you to use your existing phone number, it's generally the most expensive option. Roaming charges can quickly accumulate, and you may encounter speed limitations or inconsistent service. For these reasons, international roaming is primarily suitable for short-term visits or emergency situations where immediate connectivity is crucial without the hassle of obtaining a new SIM.

2. Pocket Wi-Fi Rental

Pocket Wi-Fi rental provides a portable internet hotspot, ideal for groups or families traveling together. However, these devices can be bulky and require extra charging, adding to your travel gear.

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Frequently Asked Questions on How to Buy a SIM Card in Spain

Do I need a SIM card, or can I rely on free WiFi?

While free WiFi is readily available in many hotels, cafes, and public areas, relying solely on it can be limiting. A SIM card provides greater flexibility and consistent connectivity, especially when navigating with maps, accessing information on the go, or needing to make calls.

Can I use a SIM card from another country in Spain?

You can use a SIM card from another country in Spain if your phone is unlocked and your carrier has a roaming agreement with Spanish networks. However, roaming charges can be quite expensive. Alternatively you can also opt for an eSIM for Europe which may be more cost-effective.

Which carrier has the best coverage for rural areas?

Movistar has the most extensive network coverage in Spain, making it the best choice for those venturing into rural areas or traveling extensively throughout the country.

Do I need a Spanish ID to buy a SIM card?

No, you typically do not need a Spanish ID to purchase a SIM card. Your passport is usually sufficient for identification purposes.

Are there data-only SIMs available for tourists?

Yes, many mobile providers in Spain offer data-only SIM cards specifically designed for tourists. These SIMs provide a convenient and affordable way to stay connected without voice call capabilities. For travelers who value convenience, a Spain prepaid eSIM can be purchased online and activated instantly, eliminating the need to find a physical store.