settings or enter. The Combo plans are, as the name suggests, combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. I had the chance to try out Movistar (again) in March 2022. You can get a Yoigo SIM card for 0.01 EUR in Yoigo stores, but you always have to purchase it with a plan (between 9.90 EUR and 35 EUR). The first step is knowing where to go to buy SIM Cards that have prepaid mobile data. That said, a few carriers still make customers jump through hoops to unlock their phones so dont put this off to the last minute or you could be out of luck. Lycamobile Spain (Espaa), just Lycamobile, is a MsMvil (Yoigo) MVNO. SimOptions works with the best mobile operators worldwide to offer its subscribers the best travel experiences. Description Movistar SPANISH PREPAID SIM CARD - Pay As You Go-PayG > Activation: The Internet is activated on the date you need. SPANISH SIM CARD There are 26 products. Because Lobster SIM cards are available in plenty of stores in the east, south & other touristy places (like Majorca, Palma de Mallorca & Tenerife). Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase! Installing a new SIM card gives you a new phone number so your old number wont work until you reinstall your original SIM card [Keep your other SIM card in a safe place!]. LLamaya SIM cards are not sold at Adolfo Surez MadridBarajas Airport (MAD) or Josep Tarradellas BarcelonaEl Prat Airport (BCN). To learn about Digi Mobils frequencies, jump back to Movistar Spains frequencies (but you will not have 5G NR access). Spains's mobile download speeds have basically remained the same year on year (3.39% increase). Learn More at https://www.movistar.es/particulares/movil/tarifas-moviles/tarjeta-sim-contrato/. It targets British expats (not a term I like to use), and it provides support in English. It is a combo bundle with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes. The Plans, which may not be called plans but have no clear name, are combo bundles with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes. The four mobile operators have an availability of more than 98%. To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Llamaya, jump to the Yoigo Coverage section. Remember, lots of websites and apps use two-factor authentication thats connected to your phone number so that will no longer be an option with the new SIM installed. No idea what or who Holafly is? This Orange SIM includes 20GB of data, 1000 international texts, and two hours of international calls. James Feess is the creator of The Savvy Backpacker and the author of the book "The Savvy Backpacker's Guide To Europe On A Budget". Simyo SIM cards are not sold at Adolfo Surez MadridBarajas Airport (MAD) or Josep Tarradellas BarcelonaEl Prat Airport (BCN). Photo: zhrefch 1. It is also a popular travel destination for partying youngsters from all over Europe (especially countries where it is much colder than Spain, like Western Europe and Northern Europe). You can top up your Lobster SIM card on the Lobster Mobile app (Android/iOS) the same counts for checking your balance (but you can dial *100# too). I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. Spain uses the Euro with the symbol EUR (which will be used throughout this guide). Below, you have the coverage maps of Movistar in mainland Spain + the Balearic Islands (consisting of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca & Menorca) and in the Canary Islands on the west of Morocco (consisting of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote & Tenerife) produced by Speedtest: Below are the coverage maps of Movistar of Cueta (south of Gibraltar and north of Morocco (on the left (desktop)/top (mobile)) and of Melilla (north/northeast of Morocco (on the right (desktop)/bottom (mobile)) produced by Speedtest: You can get a Movistar SIM card for 10 EUR with 10 EUR credit or 25 EUR with 25 GB of data and 150 local minutes in Movistar stores. You can enjoy 5G internet in large cities. Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. Simyo Spain (Espaa), just Simyo, is an Orange Spain MVNO. However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers. Yes, Monito is a safe platform for comparing plans and recharging Movistar airtime and mobile data. The following Crea Tu Propia Tarifa options are available: Below is a table of the EU/EEA data allowances of each data option: You can use your Simyo allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees: Getting a SIM card from Movistar, Orange, or Vodafone would do you well when considering a Spanish SIM card. Text the Activation Code to 1470 to activate Plans: 1 for EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway. If you want to buy the best SIM card in Spain, I recommend going with Movistar, Orange, or Vodafone. Below, you have the coverage maps of Yoigo in mainland Spain + the Balearic Islands (consisting of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca & Menorca) and in the Canary Islands on the west of Morocco (consisting of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote & Tenerife on the right produced by Speedtest: Below are the coverage maps of Yoigo of Cueta (south of Gibraltar and north of Morocco) and of Melilla (north/northeast of Morocco) produced by Speedtest: However, click here to see Yoigo's official coverage map. Orange is another huge European mobile phone provider that has wide coverage in Spain. > SIM card expiration date: 6 months (after the last balance recharge To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lebara, jump to the Yoigo Coverage section. You get the SIM card for free but you have to order it online and have it sent to an address in Spainwhich makes this not a great option for visitors. The Mercado de la Boqueria market is a must-see too. If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card. The following four Lycamobile starter packs are available: Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lycamobile. TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. That would be Movistar, with a median mobile download speed of 52.44 Mbps. 35,00 Add to cart More Sale! You can get a Lycamobile SIM card for 5 EUR, 10 EUR, 15 EUR, or 20 EUR with the same value in credit or with a plan from Lycamobile resellers, including grocery stores, gas stations & electronic shops. It has the best 4G/LTE coverage experience together with Movistar Spain. Which Spanish mobile operator has the best coverage? Prepago can be activated on the Mi Vodafone (Espaa) app: 1 data is doubled (so if your given data is 25 GB, it becomes 50 GB instead; if 50 GB, then 100 GB, and so on)2 +40 GB3 can also be used in the United States4 to other Vodafone Spain prepaid numbers only5 +300 off-net minutes6 to Argentina (fixed), Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile (fixed), China, Colombia, Costa Rica (fixed), Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco (fixed), Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan (100 minutes for S plan, 200 minutes for M plan), Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (fixed), Romania, Russia (fixed), Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey (200 minutes), the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay (fixed) & Venezuela (fixed). Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Lebara. 1. That means when you buy product/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission it doesnt cost you anything extra and it helps support the site. These days having fast and reliable mobile data while traveling around Spain is essential because modern Spanish life relies on having mobile datatrain tickets have gone digital, restaurant menus are digital, museum/event tickets are electronic, getting around with Google Maps, calling an UBER/taxi, and many other things require data. It is easier to get to Nador, or Berkane or Oujda for that matter, than Alera or Mlaga because there is a sea (Alboran Sea) between Melilla and the aforementioned cities. But Yoigo is the winner of the Spain 5G Mobile Experience Awards of August 2022. If you are flying into Josep Tarradellas BarcelonaEl Prat Airport, click on the link above to read about the SIM card options at that airport to save some time. You can read my Vodafone Spain review here. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you. How much to budget for traveling to Europe. All SIM card providers in Spain are using one of those mobile networks. You can expect to pay the following for Spanish SIM cards: The following mobile operators also have SIM cards targetting tourists: For up-to-date EUR:your currency (let's say GBP) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool. In fact, I managed to get the fastest 5G NR speed until then with Vodafone Spain . To top up your Digi Mobil SIM card, dial *100# and follow the instructions. I analyze and test the best and cheapest phone travel options worldwide and share them with you here! It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan. Bookmark me! If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know. Note that you will not have 5G NR access with Digi Mobil. If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services. The Nacional (National) plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. Choose your tariff The Spanish mobile network New arrivals to Spain will be pleased to know that the beautiful Iberian nation has an excellent mobile network that is accessible for expats and visitors alike. The following four Lebara starter packs are available: You will also find SIM cards for the same prices with a plan instead of credit (although you can use your starter credit to purchase a plan too). Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Spain without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (ten options): The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase! This is what you will learn about Digi Mobil: * Coverage* How to Get a Digi Mobil SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check* Plans & Packages* APN/Internet Settings. Movistar has the best 4G/LTE coverage experience as Orange Spain. In the US, carriers are required to unlock phones if the customer requests it but its rarely unlocked by default. Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Spain without personal detail capturing, you can get unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly (eight options): The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase! Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience, Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling, my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review, Mobile operators in some countries may impose a roaming, the European Union (+the European Economic Area), How to Get a Movistar SIM Card & SIM Card Price, Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check, How to Get an Orange SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a Vodafone SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a Yoigo SIM Card & SIM Card Price, click here to see Yoigo's official coverage map, How to Get a Lebara SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a Llamaya SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a Lobster SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a Lycamobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price, How to Get a MsMvil SIM Card & SIM Card Price, my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world, Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (, Digi Mobil Spain (Espaa Movistar Spain MVNO), Lebara Spain (Espaa Orange Spain & Yoigo/MsMvil MVNO), Lobster Spain (Espaa Movistar Spain MVNO), Lycamobile Spain (Espaa Yoigo/MsMvil MVNO), MsMvil Spain (Espaa Yoigo/MsMvil MVNO), 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 900 MHz (Band 8), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7), 5G NR: 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz-3700 MHz (n78), Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs), 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1) & 2600 MHz (Band 7), 5G NR: 1800 MHz (n3), 2100 MHz (n1) & 3500 MHz (n78), 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78) not for prepaid customers (yet), 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3) & 2100 MHz (Band 1). Note that the Spanish mobile operators require your identification (ID for EU/EEA travelers and passport for anyone else) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later). No (else it would not be included in this guide ). Orange has three data-featured prepaid plans: Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in. My recommendation for Europe sim cards Buying a local prepaid sim card is the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling abroad in 2023! Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us. You can get a Simyo SIM card for free from Simyo resellers, but you always have to purchase it with a plan (between 1 EUR and 20 EUR). Some mobile carriers (mainly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand) lock their phones so theyll only work on that carriers networkthis typically applies if you have a plan that includes a free phone with a multi-year contract. To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Lycamobile, jump to the Yoigo Coverage section. There are a number of different mobile data plans available at SimOptions.com (Ive used them in the past) and theyll ship the SIM card to you before your trip. I will list all the prices in EUR (Euro). Dial *123# or call 2266 and select option 2 to check your Movistar balance. You can also top up and check your balance (for free) on the Mi Orange (Espaa) app (Android/iOS). Orange top-up vouchers are sold in Orange stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Spain. In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Spain. Note that Movistar offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings. Orange and Yoigo do not. If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Spain (to some extent) also on 4G/LTE and 5G NR. Orange also has two tourist SIM cards for 15 EUR (16.45 USD) and 25 EUR (27.45 USD). Spain's median mobile download speed is around 34 Mbps. Here are my top SIM cards if youre wanting a pre-purchase your SIM before arriving in Spain: The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card is probably the best all-around option for SIM cards that can be purchased abroad because it offers a lot of data for a good priceand it includes a lot of worldwide calls and text. All Spanish mobile operators offer VoLTE, but not VoWiFi (this does not apply to the MVNOs). The Prepago (Prepaid) plans are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access for now) and minutes. I recommend reading the reviews after deciding which Spanish SIM card will be the best for you, after reading more about the SIM card you are interested in, or after your personal comparison. You can use your Orange allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees: 1 has been removed on the 24th of April 2022 because the United Kingdom left the European Union. If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Nomad Europe eSIM to be used in 25 or 35 European countries, depending on the plan, with eight variants: Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase! SimOptions - Prepaid SIM Cards for Spain Although SimOptions is not a Spanish mobile network, it has the best prepaid SIM cards for travels. I will ask Yoigo about this March (2022) when I revisit Spain . Lebara has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Todo Includio/All Inclusive. This is what you will learn about MsMvil: * Coverage* How to Get a MsMvil SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check* Plans & Packages* APN/Internet Settings. Note that Yoigo offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi). The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox. The same counts if you buy your SIM card in Ceuta and head to Barcelona later. The Add-Ons can be activated by dialing *100#: You can use your Digi Mobil allowances in the following EU/EEA member states without paying roaming fees: Lebara Spain (Espaa), just Lebara, is a MsMvil (Yoigo) MVNO. While France gets the most visitors in Europe (86 million before the pandemic), Spain is a close second (81 million before the pandemic). Note that you will not have 5G NR access with Simyo. However, it does have cellular reception in most places throughout the country. You can also top up and check your balance (for free) on the Mi Movistar (Espaa) app (Android/iOS). Llamaya has only one data-featured prepaid plan: Prepago/Prepaid (combo). Afterward, it will cost 0.25 EUR/check. It may be my favorite Spanish SIM card . As Lobster targets British expats (not a term I like to use), its resellers are at the locations where the expats are supposed to be (and there are plenty). You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system. Below, you have the coverage maps of Vodafone Spain in mainland Spain + the Balearic Islands (consisting of Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca & Menorca) and in the Canary Islands on the west of Morocco (consisting of Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote & Tenerife) produced by Speedtest: Below are the coverage maps of Vodafone Spain of Cueta (south of Gibraltar and north of Morocco on the left) and of Melilla (north/northeast of Morocco on the right) produced by Speedtest: You can get an Orange SIM card, called SIM Mundo, for 10/20 EUR with 10/20 EUR credit in Orange stores. We provide contract-free eSIMs, SIM cards and WiFi hotspots with affordable prices on pay-as-you-go wireless internet bundles operating on Movistar in Spain. To learn about Lycamobiles frequencies, jump back to Yoigos frequencies (but you will not have 5G NR access). Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Spain. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for Spain with where to buy a prepaid sim card, up to date prices as per May 2023, the best e-sim cards for Spain, the best 4G/5G network in Spain, info about EU roaming, my recommendation and the latest information about international sim cards for Spain. Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi also known as WiFi calling) are available in Spain. Lobster is a Movistar Spain MVNO, meaning Lobster uses the Movistar Spain network. To top up your Movistar SIM card, call 2200 and follow the instructions. So why did I bother including Lobster in this guide? You can read my Orange Spain review here. Top-up vouchers are not sold. The cheapest companies in this category are Digi at 25 per month and Yoigo at 35. You can find SIM cards being sold in multiple smaller shops at airports, train stations, newsstands, bookshops, and randomly throughout most cities. MsMvil is a Yoigo MVNO, meaning MsMvil uses the Yoigo network. NOTE: iMessage will still work like normal even with a new SIM card installed (your iPhone will update when you install the new SIM). This is what you will learn about Orange: * Coverage* How to Get an Orange SIM Card & SIM Card Price* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check* Plans & Packages* APN/Internet Settings. You don't need to change the. Vodafone has the fastest 5G NR speeds, which prepaid customers can enjoy too. The following two Orange Holiday Passes are available: 1 +unlimited data @ 2 Mbps after exhausting your high-speed data allowance (super slow!). Photo by Jorge Fernndez Salas on Unsplash So, you've booked a trip to Spain. And if you use Uber/Lyft, youll need to update your new phone number in the app when you install your new SIM. Start Your Own Online Business Make Money While Traveling. The Plans, which may not be called plans but have no clear name, are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access) and minutes. It also has some of the broadest coverage allowing you to surf and make calls even from remote locations in Spain. Besides the beaches and thrilling nightlife, the Gaud-designed buildings, like La Sagrada Familia and Park Gell, are stunning to look at. If you do so, EU roaming rates will apply. Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need torecommendinternational SIM cards asthe best local SIM card(butsome of them CAN be useful). But it seems they are only available at Movistar stores, not airports, stations etc. This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Spain (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE). Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Digi Mobil. SIM cards are also sold at Adolfo Surez MadridBarajas Airport (MAD) and Josep Tarradellas BarcelonaEl Prat Airport (BCN). Currently, Movistar has the best 5G NR reach (3.6 on a 10-point scale), ahead of Orange and Yoigo (shared score of 2.9) & Vodafone (1.6). This is also available as a data only sim, but at the same cost oddly. This guide will help you make the most of your time & money. Here is what to do: It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out). The Americas (North-, Central & South America + the Caribbean ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones. In countries where local mobile data rates are extremely low (such as in the Baltics and Nordics), mobile operators may still charge you for roaming in the EU/EEA. I asked Vodafone eSIMs are only available to postpaid customers, unfortunately . Did you know that I havea YouTube channelcovering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone? Also, dont expect any customer service when buying from these kinds of shops so its not the place to go if youre worried about getting your service set up correctly. You could get unlimited 5G and calls for 35.95 per month. You can find it in my Holafly review! The cheapest SIM card costs 10 EUR and includes: 40 GB of data You can read my Movistar Spain review here. There is no reason to be bored in Spain. MsMvil has no eSIMs (but it plans on introducing them soon). I like how the plan has a validity period of 30 days so its good for longer trips. Orange also has their Orange Holiday Zen plan thats $30 for 8GB of data and it can be shipped to you before your trip. You surely want to check them out! At the end of each SIM card section, I will remind you and link to the review of the said SIM card so that you can flow easily to the next part of your assessment. Si ya tienes mvil o tablet y solo necesitas una SIM. Vodafone, as a company, is active in Africa (mostly as Vodacom), Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Oceania. Your guide to using SIM cards and mobile data plans in France. The Orange Holiday Europe plan is good because it gives you a lot of mobile data for a decent price but the only possible drawback is the 14-day validity periodwhich doesnt matter if your trip is less than two weeks. Movistar, by Telefnica Mvil, used to be a state-owned telecommunications operator, but it has retained its #1 position. Not only does our platform run on secure, industry-leading technology, but we work with only the . You can buylocal prepaid SIM cards,international SIM cards,mobile hotspots, orroam internationally. Let's get started, shall we? Itinerary Planning Advice for Backpacking Europe On A Budget. Vodafone SIM cards are also sold at Adolfo Surez MadridBarajas Airport (MAD) and Josep Tarradellas BarcelonaEl Prat Airport (BCN) at inflated prices if you do not pay attention. However, it is unclear if eSIMs are available for prepaid customers too. Spain has the fourth-fastest median download speeds compared to its (indirect) neighbors, with France (59.86 Mbps), Portugal (57.75 Mbps) & Italy (40.62 Mbps) being faster, and Morocco (32.52 Mbps), Tunisia (23.06 Mbps) & Algeria (13.01) being slower. Yoigo top-ups are sold in Yoigo stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Spain. It cannot be purchased as a standalone plan. Note that the Spanish mobile operators require your identification (passport) for (future) eSIMs and physical SIM cards. I had the chance to try out Orange (again) in March 2022. 25 GB cumulative at 4G speed, of which you can use up to 10 GB in roaming.