Buy a Spain SIM card: everything you need to know

If you’re visiting European countries for work or leisure, let’s face it—you need your phone.

Specifically, you’ll need data roaming in Spain. Whether it’s for organizing transport or locating the best tavernas keeping your phone connected is a priority. 

The problem is: tracking down a local SIM card from a Spanish phone provider can be a headache—and you’ll probably need your mobile data to find one anyway.

To get the most out of your Spanish excursión, the easiest and cheapest way is actually an eSIM. Although a prepaid SIM card is also one way to get online. 

We’ll explain the lot in this article. Whether you’re looking for the best SIM card or eSIM for Barcelona, Madrid, or somewhere else in Spain, here’s all you need to know.

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Buy an eSIM for Spain

Where can I buy a SIM card for Spain?

There are different ways to buy an unlimited data SIM card for Spain once you arrive, and each has its pros and cons. Let’s consider your options. 

As a visitor, you have two traditional ways to buy a SIM card in order to use your cell phone in Spain. 

1. You can buy a prepaid SIM card for Spain online before you arrive in the country. These online phone providers will ship the SIM card directly to your local address. 
2. An alternative is to buy one in a physical store once you arrive in Spain. In Spain, SIM cards are commonly found in phone providers and small supermercados that sell pay-as-you-go SIM cards. 

The latest (and greatest) option is to buy a virtual international SIM card.

Also known as an eSIM, (short for embedded SIM), these are digital versions of the traditional, physical SIM card, but carry out the same functions—activating mobile plans, storing multiple profiles, and supporting data roaming.

eSIMs work with any compatible phone and can start from whenever suits you.

Providers like Holafly sell these eSIMs with immediate delivery (to your email inbox!) making this the most convenient alternative SIM card option in Spain for tourists and business travelers alike. 

How to buy a tourist SIM card in Spain

There are two opportunities to buy your unlimited data SIM card for Spain: before or during your trip. Let’s explore both. 

Buy your SIM card online, before you travel

If you’re looking for a Spain travel SIM card, you’ll want to preorder your SIM online, before you set off. 

Something not many people know is that international SIM cards work thanks to the local operators of the country you’ll use it in.

This means that your Spain prepaid SIM card will be connected to a local network when you arrive in the country.

Because of this, your coverage and data speed will depend on the service of that specific operator.

When buying your Spanish data SIM cards from an online provider, you’ll want to consider whether the online store delivers to your country, and how long that delivery may take.

It’s also worth making sure your payment method is all set up for when you start using your SIM card.  

If you’re in a last-minute rush and don’t have time to wait for postage, an eSIM from Holafly may be your go-to.

Holafly can offer fast, stable connection throughout your trip in Spain—plus over 200 more countries. The best part is you don’t need to worry about the delivery as it gets emailed to you!

Pros of buying a data plan for abroad before traveling

Buying a physical SIM card or an eSIM for Spain before your trip comes with the following benefits: 

• Mobile internet from touchdown. You’ll be able to activate your SIM card as soon as you arrive. With Holafly eSIMs, activation takes under a minute, meaning you have unlimited data from Hola! Transport from the airport to the city center? Sorted! 
• Options tailored for tourists. The offers you can find in online stores are more geared towards visitors, so you’ll have more to choose from. No overpaying for a service that you won’t use in its entirety. 
• Reduce costs. A Spain prepaid SIM card will always be less expensive than alternatives such as international data roaming or pocket wifi. Whether you’re staying two days or two weeks, you can expect more cost-effective plans with a prepaid Spain SIM. 

Buy your tourist SIM card in Spain

Today, Spain SIM carriers like Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone offer a variety of prepaid Spanish SIM card options.

Even if you are a visitor, you must go through a SIM card registration if you buy it inside the country, which often involves a lengthy process requiring your ID, phone number, and possibly more documentation; depending on the store.

Do you need a passport to buy a SIM card in Spain?

To purchase a physical SIM card in Spain you’ll need a form of identification. Accepted ID includes a passport or driving license. But, you may be able to use your national ID card, this is up to the store’s discretion. 

With your options of when to buy on the table, let’s run through the top options for Spanish SIM card providers. 

6 SIM card providers in Spain to consider for your trip

Whether you prioritize cost, coverage, or data speed—we’ve rounded up six providers based on user reviews, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks.

Here’s what travelers are saying about their experiences with Spain’s top SIM card providers.

1. Movistar

This phone company is a leading provider in Spain, and other European countries, offering tourist-specific SIM card services for Spain without contracts.

These plans must be used within 30-day renewal periods, with data packages like:

• €10 ($11.13 USD) for 10 GB data with 200 minutes of calls
• €15 ($17) for 50 GB data with 400 minutes of calls
• €20 ($22.27) for 95 GB data with Unlimited minutes of calls 

The platform also offers a daily rate plan with 400 MB per day for €4 ($4.42) on days you connect and an initial minimum balance of €10 ($11.05).

This plan is valid for six months after the last balance recharge.

However, some users have experienced challenges in activating data services, even after following troubleshooting steps like rebooting the device, checking roaming settings, and resetting network settings.

Some users also mention potential access point name (APN) setting issues, which affect data connectivity.

2. Orange

Orange is one of the best-known phone companies in Europe. In Spain, they offer local SIM cards for tourists with options for various periods of use—depending on the length of your stay.

Orange offers the following prepaid plans for tourists with a validity of 28 days: 

• €20 ($22.27) for 100 GB and unlimited national calls 
• €15 ($17) for 50 GB and unlimited national calls 
• €10 ($11.13) for 25 GB and unlimited national calls 

Orange also offers two Holiday plans:

• €15 ($17) for unlimited data and 50 minutes of calls (national and international)
• €25 ($28) for unlimited data and 100 minutes of calls (national and international)

There are also additional top-up plans available ranging from €11 for 1 GB to €40 ($44.19) for up to 20 GB. Orange SIM cards are activated with the first recharge you make.

There are multiple options for recharging your Spain SIM card: you can visit one of their stores, use their website, call customer services, use their mobile app, or get in touch via WhatsApp.

While users appreciate Orange’s prepaid SIM cards, some shared mixed reviews regarding their eSIMs.

Many users reported that their eSIMs took much longer to activate than expected, sometimes up to 5-10 days, which impacted their travel plans.

Some users, particularly those with US iPhones, experienced problems with Orange eSIMs not working properly on their devices.

3. Vodafone

Originally from Spain, Vodafone now has a presence all over the world. For its home country, it offers the following plans with 28-day validity and unlimited national calls:  

• €35 ($39) for 35 GB data in Spain + 12 GB in Europe
• €40 ($45) for 50 GB data in Spain + 12 GB in Europe
• €20 ($22.27) for 35 GB data in Spain + 12 GB in Europe

Vodafone’s online store for Spain SIM cards. Source: Vodafone

You can also top up your prepaid SIM cards online, via the Vodafone app, or at physical stores.

With Vodafone, you can order your physical SIM card for free with a 24 to 48-hour delivery window across the country, but you will have to activate one of the available plans to be able to use it.

Some users say that they find it difficult to change their prepaid plans while outside Spain.

They find the online process confusing and unclear about whom to contact for assistance.

Some users expressed frustration over the inability to convert their physical SIM to an eSIM remotely, as this typically requires a visit to a physical store in Spain.

4. Lycamobile

At Lycamobile, tourists can buy bundle plans that include EU roaming as a standard feature.

This means you can use allocated minutes, texts, and data from your existing bundle while exploring different EU countries. 

Here are some data plans they offer with a 28-day validity: 

• €5 ($6) for 1 GB
• €10 ($11.13) for 5 GB 
• €15 ($17) for 10 GB 
• €20 ($22.27) for 20 GB 
• €30 ($33.40) for 30 GB 

You can buy your physical Lycamobile SIM at the phone provider’s stores, or at small Spanish newsagents called locutorios. Like Vodafone, these are all valid for 28 days. 

However, some users have faced slow internet speeds, with reports of download speeds less than 1 Mbps. Many users report difficulties in reaching customer service.

Complaints include long wait times and unhelpful responses when resolving issues or obtaining account information needed to port numbers to other carriers.

5. Yoigo

Yoigo is the fourth-largest mobile network operator in Spain, offering eSIM options for prepaid plans. You can access Yoigo’s phone customer services in Spanish and English, 24/7.

While Yoigo has recently expanded its 5G coverage, it still falls short on 5G availability compared to operators like Movistar and Orange. 

Automatically renewed every 30 days, Yoigo’s SIM options suit those needing larger data allowances. Here’s a quick look at their plans with unlimited calling: 

• €9.90 ($11.02) for 100 MB
• €10 ($11.13) for 10 GB
• €15 ($17) for 20 GB 
• €20 ($22.27) for 35 GB 
• €35 ($39) for 150 GB

With Yoigo you can access eSIM options for prepaid plans, giving you access to unlimited minutes and a good amount of data. They sit at the same price as Yoigo’s physical SIM cards.

There is a significant disadvantage, however: you have to go to an actual Yoigo store to sign up for an eSIM, as visitors are not yet able to buy one online or through their app. 

6. Lebara

Lebara is also a popular option for affordable SIM cards on the go.. It’s a good option for longer trips, particularly as unused gigabytes will roll over to the next month at the end of your 30-day plan. 

Here’s a quick look at their plans: 

• €10 ($11.11) for 7 GB with unlimited national calls and 100 international minutes
• €15 ($16.67) for 25 GB (plus an additional 25 GB free), with unlimited national calls and 500 international minutes
• €20 ($22.22) for 50 GB (plus an additional 50 GB free), with unlimited national calls and 1,000 international minutes
• €30 ($33.33) for 100 GB (plus an additional 50 GB free), with unlimited national calls and 2,000 international minutes

Advantages of Lebara include free SIM delivery and free EU data roaming. However, you won’t be able to make calls outside Spain for the duration of your stay.

There are reports of roaming not working correctly in some EU countries, even when it was enabled on the phone, which can be problematic for travelers. 

How much does a prepaid SIM card in Spain cost?

You can expect to pay between $10 and $45. Of course, the longer the duration and benefits of the plan, the more expensive it will be.

So far, we’ve mentioned all the plans and options that the operators in Spain have for tourists. These all involve completing a SIM card registration process. 

It’s also worth considering whether a 28-30-day plan is convenient for you, particularly if you’re heading to Spain for a shorter duration. 

If you’re looking for a more flexible, convenient option for your upcoming trip to Spain, you might want to consider an eSIM. 

Rather than going through the hassle of buying a physical card and topping it up, an eSIM connects directly to your device’s hardware.

After it’s activated, you can easily switch service carriers or plans by using an app, scanning a QR code, or just going directly through your device settings.

Consider an eSIM as your Spanish SIM alternative

Making calls with an eSIM using your phone for work, or sending pictures to the family WhatsApp group couldn’t be easier.

This, in addition to being more practical and convenient, is converting a lot of travelers to an eSIM. 

Holafly offers an eSIM for Spain, and eSIM for 200+ other worldwide destinations, with an activation process that’s quicker than taking a good selfie—for some!

They also provide various payment methods such as debit and credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. 

Unlike some local operators, Holafly offers customer support in more than five languages, and 24/7 via chat or WhatsApp.

After purchasing your eSIM through the website, you’ll receive an email containing a QR code, which you will scan with your phone, and use to set up your eSIM, there and then! 

Advantages and disadvantages of an eSIM for Spain

There are pros and cons to an eSIM. Let’s start with the pros because there are more of them! 

Advantages of an eSIM

• Get an eSIM anywhere in the world. Whether you’re in your home country or already enjoying the Spanish sun, you can always buy an eSIM and have it delivered to your phone. There is no delivery cost and you won’t have to wait longer than the time it takes to order a vino tinto—challenge accepted? 
• Easy to use and set up. It’s as easy as receiving your QR code. You can get started and immediately use your eSIM for Spain. You don’t go through any registration process and you don’t have to wait for a shipment!
• Unlimited data throughout the entire experience. Holafly’s virtual SIM card features unlimited mobile internet in Spain with every option. You’ll then connect to Movistar, Spain’s leading mobile data provider, enabling you to choose the number of days you want for your plan. Pick between one and 90 days for your data package.
• Access to Top Up. With Holafly, you can top up your eSIM whenever and wherever you need to—you don’t need to buy a new SIM to extend your package, all it takes is a quick update. 
• Multi-country coverage. If Spain is just one stop on your European summer trip, you can select the eSIM for Europe to stay connected under one plan as you cross borders.
• Data sharing availability. Here’s the best bit. If you’re traveling in Europe and need to share data with any family or friends, travelers can share up to 500 MB daily of mobile data while elsewhere in the EU! It’s a feature that changes the rules of the game, a lot of other companies don’t offer this with unlimited data packages.

Disadvantages of an eSIM

With that on the table, let’s explore the disadvantages of an eSIM. 

• Limited compatibility with cell phones. There’s only one disadvantage, not all mobile phones can use embedded SIM cards, so it is important to check if yours is compatible. If you’re not sure, check out Holafly’s list of eSIM-compatible phones.

How much does an eSIM for Spain cost? 

An eSIM for Spain costs as low as €5 ($6.) for 1 GB  to as high as €55.00 ($60) for 100 GB. This price can vary depending on the data package size, the duration of the plan, the provider you choose, and any additional features like unlimited calls or texting.

Some providers may also offer discounts for longer-term plans or promotions.

The best eSIMs for Spain are known for their convenience and their prices! Since they are completely digital, there are no hidden delivery fees.

If you’re keen to find out more, here are the prices of Holafly’s eSIM for Spain with unlimited data.

With Holafly Connect, your internet moves with you

Holafly offers a monthly subscription service, Holafly Connect, for remote workers, digital nomads, or frequent travelers looking to extend their stay in Spain or beyond.  

Avail hassle-free connectivity, unlimited transparent pricing, and three flexible plans plus coverage in over 170 destinations:

• Unlimited data for $64.90/month (with unlimited hotspot)
• 25 GB plan for $49.90/month
• 10 GB plan for $39.90/mont

Choose a plan based on your internet needs, and activate it within minutes.

Olé! Get ahead and sort your eSIM for Spain 

Now that we’ve run through the various options for keeping your phone connected while in Spain, you may have concluded that an eSIM is the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective option. 

When it comes to finding the right eSIM provider, Holafly’s eSIMs are your go-to.

With fast, stable connection and 24/7 customer support on hand, you can rest easy in those siestas and focus on the parts of the trip that really matter—the Paella and Sangria!

Now you’ve got one thing ticked off your packing list, you can focus on the important things. Is it possible to fit a parasol into your hand luggage? We’ll let you work that one out!

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Leoneska Ruiz

SEO Specialist Jr.

Hi! Leoneska here, your guide to traveling connected. I'm a Venezuelan SEO content specialist with over four years of experience sharing tips and tricks for using mobile internet while traveling and making the most of your adventures. At Holafly, I take care of providing reliable and high-quality information to travelers like you. I hope you enjoy my content and find it useful!

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