SIM Card Guides

How to buy a Barcelona SIM card in 2025

Stay connected in Barcelona with a local Barcelona SIM card. Learn where to buy the best SIM cards and consider a digital alternative.

Landing in a new city like Barcelona is exciting – until you realize you haven’t made any arrangements to stay connected. Whether you need Google Maps to navigate or message loved ones to let them know you’ve arrived, getting online is essential. One way to do this is by buying a Barcelona SIM card.

This guide covers the best Barcelona SIM cards, including different local providers, prices, plans, and where to buy one. We’ll also cover requirements for the SIM registration process and what you’ll need. If you’re looking for a quicker and more convenient way to get online, consider a travel eSIM instead.

In this article

Where can I buy a SIM card in Barcelona?

There are many places and ways to buy a physical SIM card for Barcelona. Each option depends on your budget, coverage preference, and how soon you’d like to get connected and access mobile internet in Spain.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of October 15, 2025, and is subject to change.

Buy a Barcelona SIM card at the airport

You can get a local Barcelona SIM card at the airport as soon as you land. The Barcelona airport SIM card counters at El Prat Airport (BCN) are the best place to get one. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have SIM card kiosks near the arrival halls. You’ll find a range of tourist SIM cards from mobile operators like Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, and Movistar.

Buy a local SIM card for Barcelona in the city

You’ll also find several locations around the city that sell local SIM cards for Barcelona. Look for Vodafone stores, Orange stores, and Movistar shops across areas like Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, and La Rambla. Most convenience stores, phone repair shops, and supermarkets, such as El Corte Inglés and Carrefour, also sell prepaid SIM cards at affordable prices.

Buy a travel SIM card for Barcelona online before you travel

If you prefer to be prepared for your flight and ensure you can use your phone in Spain on arrival, you can also buy a SIM card for Barcelona online. Some third-party retailers ship physical SIM cards for Spain to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, including:

SimOptions
Amazon
TravelSIM
OneSimCard

Choose a travel eSIM for peace of mind

If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can skip the physical SIM swapping altogether and opt for a digital eSIM. Providers like Holafly offer eSIM plans that can be activated instantly by QR code. No waiting for deliveries, complicated registration processes, or swapping SIMs – some of the biggest advantages of an eSIM over a physical SIM card.

How much does a local SIM card in Barcelona cost?

For most travelers, a prepaid SIM card in Barcelona will cost anywhere between $10 and $40 USD, depending on how much allowance and roaming flexibility you need. Prepaid SIM card packages with higher data, call, or text allowances will be more expensive compared to those with lower allowances.

Best local Barcelona SIM cards

You can choose a local Barcelona SIM card from Spain’s major mobile operators, including Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, and Yoigo. Here’s a brief overview of what each provider has to offer.

Orange Travel SIM card for Barcelona

You can get three different Orange prepaid SIM cards for Spain with 28-day validity periods:

50 GB (and 15 GB EU roaming) and unlimited calls in Spain for €15 EUR (~$16 USD)
100 GB (and 20 GB EU roaming) and unlimited calls in Spain for €20 (~$21 USD)
50 GB and 800 international minutes for €15 (~$16 USD)

Vodafone prepaid SIM card for Barcelona

Vodafone offers four prepaid SIM cards for Spain and Barcelona. Like Orange, each SIM card has a 28-day validity period.

Prepaid M: 270 GB and 2000 international minutes + roaming in the EU, UK, and EEUU for €15 (~$16 USD)
Prepaid L: 330 GB and 3000 international minutes + roaming in the EU, UK, and EEUU for €20 (~$21 USD)
Prepaid XL: 380 GB and 3000 international minutes + roaming in the EU, UK, and EEUU for €30 (~$31 USD)
Prepaid XXL: 430 GB and 3000 international minutes + roaming in the EU, UK, and EEUU for €40 (~$41 USD)

Movistar SIM card for Barcelona

Movistar offers three main prepaid SIM card plans for Spain, all valid for 28 days.

Prepaid Plus plan: 50 GB, unlimited national calls, 200 international minutes, and 7 GB EU data roaming for €10 (~$11 USD)
Premium Prepaid plan: 100 GB, 400 international minutes for €15 (~$16 USD)
Total Prepaid plan: 175 GB and 13 GB for EU roaming for €20 (~$21 USD)

Yoigo SIM card for Barcelona

Yoigo offers four monthly plans for tourist SIM cards in Spain and Barcelona.

25 GB plan: €10 (~$11 USD)
50 GB plan: €15 (~$16 USD)
100 GB plan: €20 (~$21 USD)
150 GB plan: €35 (~$36 USD)

Holafly’s eSIM for Barcelona: Unlimited data and no SIM swaps

If you’d rather avoid the queues, paperwork, and SIM swapping at Barcelona Airport, the Holafly eSIM for Barcelona is the easiest way to stay connected during your trip.

Here’s what you can get with Holafly’s eSIM plans:

Unlimited data plans
5G network speeds wherever possible
Instant connectivity and activation via the Holafly app and QR code
24/7 customer support
Flexibility to match your eSIM plan to your trip
Daily hotspot allowance
A monthly eSIM subscription option, Holafly Plans, for longer trips

With an eSIM, you can continue using your favorite apps, such as Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram, from the moment you arrive. Enjoy instant connectivity, affordable data, and complete peace of mind throughout your trip.

An app that gives back

Get 5% cashback for another trip when you buy an eSIM through the Holafly app.

How to register your Barcelona SIM card

If you decide to go for a local physical SIM card in Barcelona, you’ll have to abide by specific requirements when registering your SIM card. When purchasing the SIM card in person, a staff member will likely help you. Online SIM card purchases mean you’ll have to figure out the activation process yourself.

Here’s what you will be asked for at the counter, supermarket, or online:

Valid photo identification and/or passport (and a copy)
Local contact details
An unlocked phone (from your home carrier) that supports Spain/Barcelona’s frequency bands
Proof of stay/accommodation (in some cases)
Working payment method (local currency in cash or a credit/debit card)

While you can access local prepaid plans, providers, and rates, getting a local physical SIM card can still be a hassle, especially after a long flight.

With an eSIM, you can skip the lines, avoid lengthy registration processes and paperwork, and get instantly connected the moment you land.

What is the best SIM card for Barcelona?

There’s no single best SIM card for Barcelona. To choose the ideal one, consider your travel needs, budget, and data usage. Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, and Yoigo all offer reliable prepaid SIM cards with good network coverage and affordable data plans.

However, if you value convenience, instant activation, and peace of mind, Holafly’s eSIM for Barcelona is the easiest way to stay connected from the moment you land.

Check out our other guides on how to buy and what the best options are for:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists get a SIM card in Spain?

Yes, tourists can buy SIM cards in Spain. Bring all the required documents to a Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar store, or purchase a Barcelona airport SIM card upon arrival.

Do US cell phones work in Spain?

Most US phones work in Spain as long as they are unlocked and support European network bands. Ensure your device compatibility is checked before buying a SIM card in Barcelona.

What is the best mobile carrier in Barcelona?

All major mobile operators in Spain offer strong network coverage in Barcelona. The right one depends on your data plan, expected usage, and travel duration.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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