Language 
Currency 
No results found
Best eSIM for Barcelona: Which one should I buy?
Learn about different Barcelona eSIM packages, their costs, coverage, and features to make the best choice for your upcoming trip.
Barcelona is a city best explored in the moment, not through a constant hunt for free public WiFi. By selecting the best eSIM for Barcelona, you can focus entirely on enjoying your trip, knowing you’ll stay connected at all times while avoiding data roaming charges.
In this article, you will learn about the top eSIM data plans, their prices, features, pros and cons. You’ll find out where to buy your eSIM card, how to activate it, and why you should choose it over a Barcelona SIM card.
Let’s start with a brief explanation of the eSIM technology.
eSIM for Barcelona
Unlimited data and data sharing are tools that can make your trip to Barcelona much more effortless. With a Barcelona eSIM, you can have both easily and securely. with 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5
+1M
Unlimited data
Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees
Plans that may interest you
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card. Many modern smartphones have an embedded chip that you can remotely program to act as a SIM card – all you need to do is scan the QR code sent to you by your mobile virtual network operator, and your eSIM becomes active.
You don’t have to buy another SIM card or swap physical SIM cards on your travels. In fact, some of the latest smartphones are eSIM-only and don’t even have a tray for a physical SIM.
So, what are the advantages of an eSIM instead of a SIM card in Barcelona?
Advantages of Barcelona eSIM vs Barcelona SIM card
Your two best options to avoid roaming fees on your trip are a Barcelona eSIM and a Barcelona SIM card. Here’s why an eSIM card is a better idea than a local SIM card.
- Multiple SIM profiles: Many smartphones have dual SIMs. With an eSIM card, you can switch between operators through settings without having to deal with physical SIM cards.
- Easy purchasing and quick setup: You buy your eSIM online and activate it in seconds. No need to look for an eSIM provider’s shop or airport kiosk.
- No risk of losing your main SIM card: An eSIM is a virtual card, so you won’t need to take out your physical SIM card and risk damaging it or losing it.
- Eco-friendly: Your eSIM card doesn’t use plastic, doesn’t come in packaging, and doesn’t use fuel for its delivery.
- Convenient customer support: In many cases, you will have 24/7 customer support in many languages.
All you need to do is check if your phone is eSIM compatible and pick the eSIM card that best matches your needs.
Where can I buy an eSIM for Barcelona?
There are two options for you to buy an eSIM for Barcelona:
- Online store: You can visit one of the international eSIM providers’ websites and purchase online. Simply add your preferred plan to the cart and pay with one of the supported payment methods.
- Convert a prepaid SIM card into an eSIM: Local network operators usually offer to convert your physical SIM card into an eSIM. You have to visit their store for that purpose. Also, you need to check with them if they even offer that option.
Where to get a SIM card in Barcelona?
If your phone model doesn’t support eSIM cards, you may need a traditional SIM card for Spain. Here are some places to look for one while you’re in Barcelona.
- Order online before your trip: You can get a physical card on Amazon or similar online shops.
- Airport: As soon as you arrive at the El Prat Airport in Barcelona, you’ll be able to find several mobile operators and their kiosks or even vending machines. However, it’s more likely you’ll see more affordable rates in the city.
- Mobile retailers: Stores like MediaMarkt or the Phone House also sell SIM cards.
- Convenience stores: You can find SIM cards in supermarkets like Carrefour.
- Mobile operator retail stores: If you look around Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, or La Rambla, you will surely find a Movistar or Vodafone store.
Which is the best eSIM for Barcelona?
The best eSIM depends on your unique requirements. To help you make your choice, we dive into a detailed review of the top three eSIM providers in Barcelona.
In a rush? Check out our overview in the table below!
| eSIM provider | Package | Data allowance | Calls | Price |
| Holafly | Holafly 5 Days Holafly 7 Days Holafly 10 Days Holafly 15 Days Holafly 20 Days Holafly 30 Days Holafly 60 Days Holafly 90 Days | Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data Unlimited data | No No No No No No No No | $20.90 $28.90 $36.90 $50.90 $61.90 $74.90 $97.00 $138.90 |
| Orange | Holiday Spain 100GB Orange Holiday Mini Holiday Spain 12GB Holiday Spain 1GB | 100GB 60GB (30GB in Europe) 12GB 1GB | Yes Yes Yes No | $55.84 $27.93 $22.39 $5.59 |
| Movistar | Prepago Plus Prepago Premium Prepago Total Tarifa Habla 6 | 40GB 80GB 140GB N/A | Yes Yes Yes Yes | $11.20 $16.80 $22.40 $0.07/min |
1. Holafly eSIM Barcelona
Holafly is a reputable eSIM provider that offers unlimited data plans for many destinations worldwide. The Holafly eSIM for Barcelona is one of them, but you can also choose an eSIM for Spain that covers the entire country.
Plans and pricing
Here is the list of prices for unlimited plans for Barcelona.
- 5 Days: $20.90 USD
- 7 Days: $28.90 USD
- 10 Days: $36.90 USD
- 15 Days: $50.90 USD
- 20 Days: $61.90 USD
- 30 Days: $74.90 USD
- 60 Days: $97.00 USD
- 90 Days: $138.90 USD
Key features
- Buy your eSIM online: You’ll get your eSIM instantly and you’ll be able to start using your unlimited data as soon as you get to Barcelona and stay connected at all times.
- Keep your SIM: You can still use your main number for calls, SMS, WhatsApp and more. The only thing that changes is how you connect to the internet.
- Excellent connectivity and coverage: Holafly connects to the most reliable local networks, so its connectivity is just as good as that of local SIM cards. It will automatically connect to the partner mobile network with the strongest signal
- Unlimited data on all plans: Enjoy constant connectivity without worrying about running out of data.
- 24/7 support: You can get support in different languages any time of day or night.
- Hotspot use: Every day, you can share up to 500 MB of data with other devices.
- Data-only eSIM: Your Holafly eSIM data plan doesn’t include a local phone number and doesn’t support SMS or phone calls. You can only expect a stable internet connection at all times.
2. Orange eSIM card in Barcelona
Orange used to offer tourist prepaid SIM cards to over 100 countries. It has since expanded its offer and now offers the same tourist packages and mobile data plans with eSIM cards.
Plans and pricing
Orange eSIM for Spain offers several different packages. Here’s an overview of their prices and plans.
| Plan | Price | Data | Domestic calls | International calls | Validity |
| Holiday Spain 100GB | $55.99 | 100GB in 5G | Unlimited in Spain | 120 minutes to the rest of the world | 28 days |
| Orange Holiday Mini | $28.00 | 60GB in 5G (30GB in Europe) | 100 minutes from Spain to Spain | 100 minutes from Spain to many countries | 15 days |
| Holiday Spain 12GB | $22.39 | 12GB in 4G LTE | Unlimited in Spain | 30 minutes to the rest of the world | 14 days |
| Holiday Spain 1GB | $5.59 | 1GB in 4G LTE | Calls not included | Not included | 7 days |
Key features
- French phone number: Orange is a French telecommunications company that has expanded to several European countries, as well as some countries in the Middle East and Africa. That is why their SIM cards have French numbers. The French number you’ll get assigned will act as a local SIM card. Depending on your package, you will get different cellular data allowances and minutes.
- Mandatory registration: According to French law, you must register your SIM/eSIM within 30 days of your purchase, or it will be deactivated. You must navigate the registration process with a French number that’s assigned to you, and you also need to submit your ID or passport.
- Both eSIM and SIM available: Once you pick a package you like, you can pick whether you want to use a SIM or eSIM for Barcelona. This means that even people who don’t have eSIM-compatible phones can use these packages.
- Domestic and international calls allowed: Except for the smallest package, you will be able to make calls with Orange eSIMs. You will have both domestic and international minutes included in your package.
- Polarized reviews: While Orange is popular among users, Reddit reviews are mainly negative. Users are complaining about customer service and occasional inability to connect to the internet or even activate their eSIM.
3. Movistar eSIM in Barcelona
Movistar offers a wide range of prepaid SIM cards and postpaid packages. They are one of the best-known and well-used SIM and eSIM providers in Spain.
Plans and pricing
This is the list of Movistar prepaid packages you can get with their eSIM cards.
| Package | Data | Domestic calls | International calls | Validity | Price |
| Prepago Plus | 40GB (5G+) | Unlimited | 200 min | 28 days | $11.20 |
| Prepago Premium | 80GB (5G+) | Unlimited | 400 min | 28 days | $16.80 |
| Prepago Total | 140GB (5G+) | Unlimited | N/A | 28 days | $22.40 |
| Tarifa Habla 6 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $0.07/min |
Key features
- Free eSIM installation process: Movistar allows you to request and activate your eSIM card for free by calling their service line. eSIM changes in-store cost $16.24.
- You have to convert a SIM into eSIM: You can convert your SIM into an eSIM by using the MultiSIM service at no additional cost, or you can pay 14.50 EUR to get it done for you in a Movistar store.
- eSIM compatible with different devices: You can use Movistar eSIM with iPhone models from the XS onward, many Android phones, Apple Watch, Samsung watches, iPad Pro and later models, and other IoT devices.
- Calls available with your eSIM card: Movistar eSIM plans offer unlimited national calls and international minutes, depending on the plan chosen.
- Different ways to check the balance on your eSIM plans: You can easily check your balance by calling the toll-free number 2266 or accessing your account online to check your minute and data usage.
How do I activate my eSIM card for Barcelona?
You can install and activate your eSIM card for Barcelona in just three steps:
- Go to Holafly online store and buy your eSIM for Barcelona or Spain eSIM.
- Once you get an email from Holafly scan the QR code you received with a phone that can support eSIM.
You will install the eSIM on your phone by scanning the QR code, but that doesn’t activate your data plan. eSIM cards should be activated the moment you arrive in Barcelona.
Tips for using a virtual SIM card in Barcelona
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time eSIM user, here are some tips to help you have a great experience using your eSIM card in Barcelona.
- Make sure your cell phone has unlocked bands so that it can connect to other telephone networks.
- Check if your phone is compatible with the eSIM you choose.
- Download translation apps and maps for offline use before leaving to save mobile data.
- Use the app from your eSIM provider to manage your eSIM profile, reach customer support, or even purchase eSIM cards for other countries.
- Choose an eSIM card with unlimited data if you don’t want to worry about draining your data allowance.
- When you receive your QR code in the email, remember that you won’t be able to open it on the screen of the mobile phone you intend to use with your virtual prepaid SIM card. You have to display the code on another device or print it out.
FAQs about Barcelona eSIM
eSIM providers, like Holafly, use the existing mobile network in Spain. Therefore, most connect to the same 5G signal, and the experience will be similar with all of them. So, it’s just a matter of choosing an eSIM with better data packages.
Yes. eSIMs are available in Spain and are a great way to avoid data roaming. You can convert a local SIM prepaid SIM into an eSIM for free or at a certain cost. A far more convenient option is to buy, download, and install a Holafly eSIM in minutes.
Holafly’s eSIM Barcelona is the best choice for heavy data users and travelers who want the convenience of staying connected at great data speed, unlimited packages, and 24/7 customer support.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
