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Will my phone work in Portugal?
Learn how your phone can work in Portugal and explore the different options for staying connected during your trip without paying hefty roaming charges.
Yes, your phone will work in Portugal. Depending on your home carrier, it may even be free!
In this blog, we show you how to use your phone in Portugal, depending on where you’re traveling from. Plus, we highlight why an international eSIM is the best way to get data as you travel.
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Can I use my phone in Portugal?
Your phone will likely work in Portugal, as the country uses 43 frequency bands, including the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which is used by most modern smartphones worldwide.
However, if your phone is carrier-locked, you’ll have to rely on international roaming only, so it’s worth checking based on where you’re traveling from.
| Home country | Carriers | Will my phone work in Portugal? |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Vodafone UK, O2, Three, EE | Yes, all phones sold in the UK after 2021 are carrier-unlocked. |
| USA | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | Yes, but check if your phone is carrier-unlocked or you’ll be limited to roaming. |
Top tip: You can call your carrier to have them unlock your phone before you travel!
How to use your cell phone in Portugal
You can get mobile data easily with international roaming using a carrier-locked phone.
But having an unlocked phone allows you to use an eSIM, SIM card, or pocket WiFi device. Let’s see what each one offers.
eSIM
eSIMs are an easy and reliable way to get mobile data abroad. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
Your best option for the trip is the Holafly eSIM for Portugal. This eSIM includes unlimited data and works for up to 90 days, with pricing reaching as low as $1.55 per day.
Plus, you get up to 4G data speeds, 500 MB of hotspot data per day, 24/7 customer support, and the activation just takes a few minutes.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Roaming
Roaming is a default option to get data in Portugal, but it’s not the cheapest for many carriers.
UK travelers typically have to pay to use their local allowance in the EU, including Portugal. However, roaming-inclusive plans for EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone UK allow you to use your local allowance as part of your plan.
If your home plan doesn’t include international roaming, you’ll have to pay for a roaming pass or pay-as-you-go rates. Looking for more info on UK carriers roaming rates? Check out of articles below:
- EE international roaming
- O2 international roaming
- Three international roaming
- Vodafone UK international roaming
US customers also have to pay for roaming in Portugal. Prices range from $5 to $50 for data bundles with up to 15 GB of mobile data with T-Mobile international roaming. You can get a $12 daily pass for Portugal with Verizon international roaming and AT&T international roaming.
Physical SIM card for Portugal
Have a SIM-only phone or prefer local rates? You can get a tourist SIM card for Portugal from Vodafone, MEO, or NOS.
To purchase any of the available plans, you must show your passport to complete the purchase and activation process.
Depending on your chosen local carrier, you can get unlimited data plans or as much as 100 GB for 30 days. Plans also include up to unlimited local texting and calling.
Based on your preferred plan, costs can reach anywhere from €10 (~$13) to €43 (~$47).
Pocket WiFi for Portugal
Using a pocket WiFi is a great option for those traveling in groups, remote working, or simply sharing data with a tablet or another phone.
However, it’s also an expensive option, even when compared to roaming. Prices can even reach up to $49.99 for just one day of usage.
Plus, there are additional charges, such as roaming, add-ons, and penalties if your device is damaged or lost.
There is a cheaper alternative: Holafly Plans. With this monthly eSIM subscription, you get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, a European phone number, and coverage in over 170 destinations.
The best part is the pricing, as the monthly plans cost $64.90 for the Unlimited Plan, which is way cheaper than using a single week of pocket WiFi providers like Cello Mobile.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Will your phone work in Portugal? The verdict
Your phone will work in Portugal, but the costs and methods depend on who your home provider is.
UK providers offer roaming at a cheaper price than US carriers; however, it doesn’t make it the cheapest option when traveling, especially for heavy-data users.
That’s why using an eSIM for Portugal, which costs $27.30 for a week, or the Unlimited Plan from Holafly Plans for $64.90 a month, are the way to go for peace of mind as you travel
With daily hotspot sharing, 24/7 customer support, and customizable days, eSIMs are the most convenient and cost-effective way to use your phone in Portugal.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Traveling around Europe and wondering whether your phone will work or not? Learn how to use it across Europe and the best option to avoid high roaming charges.
- Will my phone work in Europe?
- Will my phone work in France?
- How to use your cell phone in the UK?
- Will my phone work in Italy?
- Will my phone work in Spain?
- Will my phone work in Switzerland?
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
