Mobile internet in Spain: What is the best option?

Spain boasts one of Europe’s highest densities of free WiFi hotspots, ranking second within the EU. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are among the top 10 in the region for WiFi availability, making it easy to find free mobile internet in Spain in cafes, plazas, and other public spaces.

However, relying on a free WiFi connection on your trip to Spain has significant downsides—low speeds, unreliable connections, and questionable security. That’s why this is not a connectivity method you should rely on during your travels. In this article, we will break down the most popular ways to secure mobile internet in Spain, helping you make an informed decision.

Avoid excessive roaming fees

Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Spain. Use local networks at local rates.

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Roaming with your provider

Roaming is the simplest option for using your cell phone in Spain. It’s great that you get to use your primary SIM card, but it often comes with high costs. Here’s a look at what major providers offer for data roaming in Spain.

T-Mobile 

T-Mobile users in the USA have three roaming options for internet access while traveling in Spain: roaming, international passes, or pay-as-you-go rates. Here are the plans that include roaming:

T-Mobile also offers additional roaming service options:

• International Passes: For extra high-speed data and unlimited calling, consider:
  • 1-Day Pass: $5 for 512 MB
  • 5GB Pass: $35 for 10 days
  • 15GB Pass: $50 for 30 days
    
• Pay-As-You-Go Rates: $15 per MB if no plan applies

AT&T

AT&T offers two primary roaming service options for users traveling to Spain. 

• International Day Pass: This pass provides unlimited data, calls, and texts for a daily fee of $10. It activates only on the days you use your phone abroad, so it is suitable for short trips.You can add more lines on the same account for $5 per day, and for that price, you can use your usual plan, as if you were in the USA. However, for longer trips, this can add up quickly.
  
• Pay-As-You-Go: This is ideal for those who don’t really expect to use their mobile phones in Spain. Data costs $2.05 per MB, just enough to check emails or send an occasional message. Calling rates vary, incoming texts are free, and outgoing texts are charged at an additional cost.

Verizon

Verizon offers very similar options for using your phone when traveling to Spain as AT&T does. If you want to use your Verizon SIM card on this travel, you have two options:

TravelPass plan: This lets you use your regular domestic plan abroad for a daily fee of $10. This plan includes unlimited calls and texts, with data up to your domestic plan’s allowance. TravelPass only charges you on the days you use your phone.

Pay-As-You-Go: This option is tailored for users with minimal data plan needs. Data costs $2.99 per MB, enough for occasional browsing or emailing. As for other SIM card functions, incoming texts are free, and outgoing texts are charged. 

Local Spanish SIM card

Different operators, like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange, provide tourist prepaid plans. These plans include reliable mobile services, international calls, and different data SIM card options. 

You can buy a local SIM card in Spain at phone provider stores and small supermarkets (supermercados) that offer pay-as-you-go options. 

Movistar

Movistar is Spain’s largest provider of mobile services and is known to be the best mobile network in Spain. Travelers can purchase a prepaid SIM card with plans that typically include internet, calls, and texts. 

While it looks like you can get their prepaid SIM card online, that’s not entirely true for tourists. The registration form requires a DNI (Spanish National ID) or NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), so non-residents may need to buy prepaid SIM cards in-store, where passports are often accepted for ID verification.

Vodafone

Vodafone offers a range of prepaid SIM cards tailored specifically for tourists, with no contracts and free delivery within 24 – 48 hours. Tourists can purchase Vodafone prepaid SIM cards at official Vodafone stores, kiosks in major airports, and online through their official website. 

Passport registration is required to activate the SIM card, complying with Spain’s local regulations. Here are the available plans:

Orange

Orange offers a dedicated service for tourists under their “Holiday SIM” packages, designed to provide affordable and reliable mobile connectivity in Spain and any other EU country. 

Depending on the plan, these prepaid plans come with no contracts, offering 4G LTE or 5G speeds, national and international calls with no roaming charges, and text messages. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

International eSIM for traveling to Spain

Some local SIM cards are available in the form of eSIM, but it’s much easier, faster, and more convenient to buy an international eSIM for Spain. You won’t need to deal with registration, and it’s ready to use within minutes.

Holafly eSIM for Spain

Holafly offers a Spain-specific eSIM and eSIMs for 200+ other countries, making it an excellent option for travelers with eSIM-compatible phones. The activation process is simple—after purchase, you receive a QR code via email, scan it, and you’re ready to connect. Here are the prices:

The best part is – every Holafly digital data SIM card comes with an unlimited data plan. This means that you get to pick any number of days between 1 and 90, and you’ll have unlimited internet access for the entire duration of your trip. Here are some other features that you may find interesting:

• Fast connection to the best available mobile network in Spain.
• Customer service is available 24/7 for you.
• Unlimited data plan with customizable days from 1 to 90.
• Recharge your eSIM service through top-ups for more days of use.
• No need to sign contracts or clauses.
• You can share data through tethering up to 500 MB daily.
• Options to buy eSIM that cover the entire European Union or various countries.
• You can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Match your eSIM to your vacation

Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.

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Pocket Wifi for mobile internet in Spain

A pocket WiFi device for Spain provides reliable internet access for multiple mobile devices. It is a popular choice for group travelers as it acts as a portable router. However, renting a pocket WiFi comes with its own set of complications. 

The rental process often involves arranging for pick-up and return, which may not always be convenient. Many providers require a minimum rental period, and travelers must also be cautious about damaging the device, as penalties can be high. 

This option might be a solution if you are traveling as a group and don’t mind paying extra for multiple mobile phones to stay connected.

This review can help you pick the best pocket WiFi in Spain for you.

Spain Internet NET

Spain Internet NET offers portable mobile WiFi routers with unlimited internet at super-fast 4G LTE speeds, supporting up to 10 mobile phones simultaneously. Their devices have a battery life of up to eight hours, giving you a solid independent connection timeframe. 

Prices:

• First 5 days:  7 EUR/day (~7.50 USD /day)
• Days 6–10: 5 EUR/day (~5.50 USD/day)
• Days 11–20: 3 EUR/day (~3.30 USD/day)
• Days 21 and onward: 2 EUR/day (~2.20 USD/day)

Spain Internet NET offers flexible rental periods from 3 to 360 days, with discounts for longer rentals.

HippocketWiFi

HippocketWiFi offers two main plans: one with 1GB a day and another with unlimited allowance. You can choose coverage for France only or for all of Europe, including Spain. The service requires a minimum rental period of 3 days, and has short-term and long-term rental options. Here are the prices for this type of mobile internet service.

Travelers WiFi

Travelers WiFi offers devices that can connect five mobile phones to the internet simultaneously, and have a long battery life of 13 hours. You can pick up your mobile WiFi router at major airports or have it delivered directly to your hotel via express shipping. You can return the device by dropping it off at rental locations, post offices, or even public mailboxes across Europe. There is no minimum rental period.

Price:

• 1 day – 36.60 USD
• 7 days – 73.40 USD
• 14 days – 100.30 USD
• 30 days – 109.20 USD

Free WiFi

Free WiFi is widely available across Spain and the entire European Union, particularly in popular tourist spots such as cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and public spaces. 

While free WiFi in Spain is a budget-friendly solution, it often comes with drawbacks. This type of internet access can get slow, inconsistent connectivity, and even expose mobile phones to potential security risks. 

For those who need a more secure and reliable internet, alternatives like eSIM for Spain plans make a much better option.

How to get mobile internet in Spain?

The fastest way to connect your phone to mobile internet in Spain is by using an eSIM. This digital SIM card allows you to purchase and activate it online, without the need for registration or physical setup. Whether you’re traveling for a few days or an extended period, an eSIM gives you internet connection without interruptions.

Here’s a quick comparison of options to help you decide:

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, phone technology, and how much you need to stay connected during your trip to Spain. If you don’t want to be flexible about this choice, Holafly eSIM is the answer for you. 

You can leave the purchase to the last minute, choose precisely how many days you need it for, and never worry about the data allowance. Your connection will be guaranteed during your trip to Spain. 

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

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.

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