vodafone spain travel

Affordable mobile data across Europe and beyond

Stay connected in 45+ countries in Europe with a single eSIM from Vodafone Travel.

Watch 60 second video

What is eSIM?

eSIM is a digital SIM that you can download. No plastic, no shop visits.It’s easier and greener. Install and get online in a matter of minutes!

Stay connected

Use the same eSIM across 45+ European countries and stay connected

Fast and easy

Get your Europe eSIM immediately via email, and connect within seconds

Wi-Fi Hotspot

Share your internet connection with friends, family, and any other devices

Keep your original SIM

Your existing SIM card will continue to operate, while the eSIM provides you data connectivity.

How it works

No more swapping SIM cards when you travel! Buy your eSIM before you go for faster, easier connectivity - wherever you roam.

Before purchasing, make sure that your device is eSIM compatible using our device compatibility tool.

Install your eSIM as soon as possible. You’ll need a stable internet connection. You can use another device to scan your QR code or install your eSIM manually.

Activate when you are ready to use the eSIM. You can do it in flight or upon arrival at your destination (you don’t need an internet connection to activate).

Join 300M+ global customers who choose Vodafone

A reliable, award-winning network. Choose eSIM from Europe’s most trusted Network provider and we’ll keep you connected to the things and people that matter.

Included Locations

Enjoy 4G/LTE and 5G coverage (where available) in the following countries and regions with our Europe eSIM Plan

United Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in touch.

Can’t find the answers you’re looking for in our FAQs? Drop us an email and we’ll get back to you promptly.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Charges Guide
• Acceptable Usage Policy
• eSIM Installation Guide

Vodafone Roaming Services S.à r.l. is registered in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. R.C.S Luxembourg No. B125883. Registered Office: 15 rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. VAT LU22869756

• SPAIN – 3 days
• SPAIN – 5 days
• SPAIN – 7 days
• SPAIN – 10 days
• SPAIN – 14 days (Data + Voice)
• SPAIN – 15 days
• SPAIN – 20 days
• SPAIN – 25 days
• SPAIN – 28 days (Data + Voice)
• SPAIN – 30 days
• SPAIN – PORTUGAL
• FRANCE – SPAIN – PORTUGAL
• eSIM Supported List
• How to Set up
• About esimspain.net

No products in the cart.

Vodafone Spain SIM Cards and eSIM – Detailed Guide for Tourists

Vodafone is one of Spain’s favorite mobile providers, popular with both locals and visitors. They provide reliable service nationwide at affordable prices. A Vodafone SIM card is a great way to stay connected while traveling in Spain.

This guide has all the information you need to choose a Vodafone Spain SIM or eSIM that’s perfect for your trip. We’ll explain their coverage areas, speeds, prepaid plans, activation process – even the difference between a physical SIM and eSIM. No matter your needs or preferences, we’ll help you find the best Vodafone option to keep you in touch during your travels in Spain.

Table of Contents

I. quick facts about vodafone spain.

Vodafone Spain has been providing mobile service in the country for over 20 years. Formed from a merger in 2000, it’s now one of the largest providers with annual revenues of around 4 billion euros. As of their last fiscal year ending in 2021, they counted approximately 13.24 million subscribers across Spain. Their network spans nationwide with 2G through 5G availability in cities, towns and beyond.

If you already use Vodafone , good news – your existing plan works seamlessly in Spain without roaming fees. Vodafone has invested heavily in Spain’s network, ensuring reliable connectivity whether you’re in Madrid, Barcelona or beyond. With one of the largest coverage footprints and ongoing upgrades, Vodafone ensures customers can easily stay in touch both at home and abroad.

II. Vodafone Coverage & Speed in Spain

The OpenSignal report in July 2023 shows Vodafone maintains one of the most consistently high performing nationwide mobile networks in Spain with top tier availability, speeds and response times, on a par with market leader Orange. This delivers excellent real-world service for activities like content streaming, web surfing, social media use.

• Availability: For connectivity, Vodafone along with Orange and Yoigo previously shared the top spot with nearly 98% uptime. This means customers on these networks almost always had a 3G or better connection. In the latest report however, Orange pulled ahead with 99.1% availability. Vodafone’s current score isn’t listed but is lower.

• 5G Availability: For time connected to 5G, Vodafone placed last with 10.6% of the time on 5G. Movistar and Orange led with around 18% of time on the fastest network.
• Video Quality: All major networks offered fair video streaming quality overall, between 50-52 points. But 5G coverage allowed for much better experiences in the very good to excellent range above 65 points.
• Gaming: Multiplayer mobile games scored in the fair to good range over 5G at 69-71 points. When on 5G, Movistar, Orange and Vodafone provided similar experiences above most regular network scores.

So while consistency and 5G usage lagged peers, Vodafone still offered generally reliable service and much improved streaming and gaming where its growing 5G network was available.

III. Top Vodafone Spain SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists

1. Vodafone Spain SIM Cards

In summary, higher plans offer more minutes/data but all plans benefit from the GB Extra promotion and have same roaming/coverage benefits. Users can choose the best option based on their expected usage and budget.

Note: Top-ups can be done every 28 days online to renew the package.

2. eSIM Vodafone Spain

Vodafone is making it easier than ever to stay connected with their eSIM option. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded right in your phone, watch or other device. It works just like a regular SIM with the same plan package but takes up less space. Best of all, you can have multiple phone numbers on one device or change networks without changing the SIM.

The only small downside is that if you’re brand new to prepaid service, you’ll need to start with a physical SIM . But the friendly store team can help you switch to eSIM later through their simple process for just 5 euros.

IV. Calls and SMS Rate of Vodafone in Spain

V. how to top up your vodafone prepaid sim card spain.

You can top up easily through the Vodafone website, app or by calling 22132 to speak with a virtual assistant. This allows you to securely top up the prepaid plan on your Vodafone mobile phone quickly and directly from your home.

• First, you need to visit Vodafone’s website here .
• Enter your Vodafone phone number and select the amount you want to add to your balance. The minimum top up is 5 euros, but you can top up between 5-95 euros securely through the website
• Enter your credit or debit card details to pay for the top up. The payment will be securely validated and you may need to enter a code received by SMS or banking app.

Once payment is confirmed, your balance will be instantly updated and you can start using the credit.

2. Vodafone physical stores

Top ups can also be done at Vodafone Stores, where you can pay by card or in cash, as you prefer.

Additionally, top ups are available at authorized partners like gas stations, tobacco shops and major supermarkets across the country.

Tip : To find your nearest store, simply check Vodafone store locator .

VI. How to Check Vodafone Prepaid SIM Card Balance – All USSD Codes You Need to Know

1. to check vodafone prepaid balance:.

• Go to the My Vodafone homepage and click “Saldo” (“Balance”). The available balance may take a few minutes to update after a top-up.
• Send a message to 607 100 100 via WhatsApp at any time for free.
• Call 22134 from your prepaid phone for free.
• Call 22123 and provide the number you want to check the balance for.

You can also check your balance from the My Vodafone app by clicking the balance section on the homepage.

2. To check out-of-bundle usage:

• Go to My Vodafone website or app, and access the consumption details differentiated by each service (mobile, fixed, TV, data line).
• See the usage done “Fuera de tarifa” (“Out of bundle”), displayed in red with date, time, cost and additional info of the usage (numbers called, messages, non-included TV contents).
• If there is no out-of-bundle usage, it will indicate it with a message.

3. Vodafone Spain USSD Codes

Vii. where to buy a vodafone spain sim card, 1. online ordering.

• Go to  https://www.vodafone.es/c/particulares/es/productos-y-servicios/movil/prepago-y-recargas/prepaid-sim-cards/  and choose a prepaid package.
• You will receive the SIM card within 24-48 hours at no additional cost.
• Once received, insert the SIM into your phone.
• Make the first top-up using the Mi Vodafone app or website to activate the package.

2. At a Physical Store

If you prefer to buy in-person, use the Vodafone store locator to find your nearest retail outlet. Visit the store where friendly staff can help you choose the right plan. Pay for your selected package and take your activated SIM with you. Making an initial top-up in store is also possible. Note : You may need to show your passport or ID when purchasing in-store for verification purposes.

VIII. Vodafone Mobile Operator Pros and Cons

• Wide network coverage across Spain: Vodafone has one of the largest mobile networks in the country which reaches most major population centers.
• Good 4G/LTE speeds: Vodafone’s network is reasonably fast, enabling quick downloads and streaming. Speed tests show its 4G speeds are competitive with other providers.
• International roaming: Customers can use their Vodafone plan in other countries where Vodafone has agreements through low-cost roaming options.
• Online account management: The My Vodafone app and website allow easy monitoring and control of accounts, plans, bills, etc.
• Cashback rewards: Vodafone sometimes offers cashback promotions for new signups or upgrading devices to encourage loyalty.
• Can be more expensive than competitors: Vodafone plans and services are generally on the higher end of pricing in Spain.
• 5G Availability: Amongst its peers, Vodafone has made notably slower progress establishing a 5G footprint.
• Service issues in remote areas: Coverage outside major cities may be patchy or inconsistent compared to dense urban networks.
• Overage charges: Going over data or minute allowances results in expensive per-unit rates versus capped speeds with some competitors.
• Complex plans and bills: Vodafone offers many interlinked plans and add-ons that can make invoices harder to understand versus simpler bundled offers.

IX. Other Vodafone Spain SIM Card/eSIM Alternatives for Tourists

1. sim cards by other local mobile operators:.

There are a few other major mobile operators in Spain that offer SIM cards for visitors alternatively to Vodafone. These include:

2. esimspain.net :

eSIM plans have become increasingly popular with international travelers in recent years as they provide a way to easily obtain mobile data without needing to swap out your physical SIM card.

With an eSIM plan from esimspain.net , you get affordable daily data bundles while in Spain without incurring any international surcharges.

Choose from a range of short-term and long-term eSIM packages starting from as low as $6. Plans include data allowances from 1GB up to 20GB per day so you can stay connected for as long as your trip.

Here are some of the key benefits of getting an eSIM plan from esimspain.net for your trip to Spain:

• Instant Activation : Once purchased, eSIM plans from esimspain.net are delivered digitally to your email address within minutes. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device and WiFi to set it up.
• No Roaming Fees : Stay connected with affordable local data packages without paying high roaming charges from your home carrier.
• No Queues : You don’t need to waste time in airport SIM card queues. Order online at your sweet home before your trip.
• Flexible Packages : A wide choice of flexible data plan durations from 3 days up to 1 month to suit your Spain trip length.
• 24/7 Support : esimspain.net provides responsive customer service if you need any help with set-up or have additional questions.

X. FAQs about Vodafone Spain SIM Card

Do i need to show id to buy a vodafone prepaid sim card spain.

Yes, you need to show your valid passport at time of purchase to register a new SIM.

Can I buy a Vodafone Spain Tourist SIM Card at Barcelona/Madrid airport?

Yes, Vodafone SIM cards are sold at duty-free shops and mobile stores in arrival areas of major airports.

How long does Vodafone prepaid SIM card Spain last?

Vodafone prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are valid for 4 weeks (30 days) from activation. You need to recharge to extend service.

Does Vodafone have good coverage outside big cities?

Vodafone provides excellent coverage across most of Spain, only limited in some remote rural areas. 4G speeds may be slower in smaller towns.

Can I use Vodafone Spain SIM Card in Europe?

Yes, Vodafone prepaid plans include free roaming in the EU so you can use your SIM across Europe.

XI. Final Words

If you’re a tourist looking for easy and reliable connectivity throughout Spain, consider using either a Vodafone SIM card or eSIM . They offer excellent coverage, high-speed internet, large data allowances, free roaming across the European Union, and various prepaid plans that are widely accessible. Getting a Vodafone Spain SIM is an excellent choice to ensure you stay connected, regardless of where you go in the country.

Get Started

Useful Guide

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to Spain in 2024

Are you planning to travel to Spain and about to order an e-sim card for Spain? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an e-sim card for traveling to Spain including a comparison of the best Spain e-sim cards for 2024. 

Don’t waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order a Spain e-sim card and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per January 2024, including all specifications per e-sim card and info about EU data roaming.

Also find out where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for traveling to Spain on the internet.

Ever since 2012 I am non-stop traveling the world and eventually turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger . That is why I constantly get to a different country and pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card to stay connected. In 2022 I visited for example 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used in the last 2 years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world. 

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Spain in 2024  if you rather buy a sim card on arrival in Spain.

you may also like...

Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying e-sim cards: USA , Canada , Turkey , Italy , France , Greece , Germany ,  Thailand , Malaysia , Hong Kong ,  Europe , Asia , Australia , Egypt , Dubai ,  international e-sim cards and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination.

Let me first give you my e-sim card recommendation for Spain. These are my favorite e-sim cards for traveling to Spain.

Then a comparison of all the e-sim card plans for Spain with up to date prices as per January 2024. After I will explain how e-sim cards work, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, some FAQ about e-sim cards, the difference between e-sim cards and local prepaid sim cards and everything else you need to know.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom rates the following two e-sim cards as the best e-sim cards for traveling to Spain in 2024: 

1. My European eSIM from Bouygues Telecom - $44.90 USD

• Valid in all of Europe
• Unlimited calling in all of Europe
• Valid for 30 days
• Comes with a +33 phone number from France
• $1.5 USD per Gigabyte

Click here for more info or to order the Bouygues Telecom e-sim card for Spain directly via SimOptions .

2. Orange Holiday Europe - $59.90 USD

• Unlimited calling + texting in all of Europe
• Valid for 28 days
• $1.2 USD per Gigabyte

Both the Bouygues Telecom and the Orange Holiday Europe e-sim card can be ordered via SimOptions. These e-sim card come with unlimited calls/sms in all of Europe and free EU data roaming.

Therefore the Orange Holiday World and the Bouygues Telecom e-sim cards are also listed as the best sim card for traveling in Europe in 2024.

If you are going on a Europe trip and visiting multiple countries then check out my list of the best prepaid and e-sim cards for traveling in Europe or simply order the above Bouygues Telecom or Orange e-sim card.

Be aware that the Orange Holiday Europe e-sim card is 5G ready and the Bouygues Telecom e-sim only provides 4G/LTE.

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for Spain or in general before using an e-sim card. 

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: e-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly. 

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to Spain.

However, you can still order a sim card for Spain on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Spain in 2024  or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024 . 

Comparison of the best Spain e-sim cards

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for Spain. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Spain from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators. 

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great e-sim card plans for Spain: 

Nowadays, you can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below. 

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Spain . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Spain and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Spain.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for Spain.

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your Spain e-sim card.

Why using SimOptions? They offer e-sim cards including calling and texting. Airalo and Nomad only offer data-only e-sim cards.

Here are the data-only SimOptions e-sim card plans for Spain:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD

These data-only e-sim cards are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Spain. Unfortunately they don’t specify which mobile network operator in Spain they use. The SimOptions e-sim cards are not 5G ready, so the max data speed on these Spain e-sim cards from SimOptions is 4G/LTE.

These data-only SimOptions e-sim cards for Spain do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms. The validity of these e-sim cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the e-sim card, even if you are not in Spain. 

Click here to order a SimOptions e-sim card for Spain . 

SimOptions also provides international e-sim cards for traveling to Spain.

The Bouygues Telecom e-sim cards for Spain, my first recommendations, are also listed here:

• 15 GB data + unlimited calls valid for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit valid for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited callsfor 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 50 GB data (5G ready) + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for Spain directly via SimOptions . 

All the above international e-sim cards are valid all over Europe and they include free EU data roaming. The best thing about these e-sim cards for Spain is that they also include calling and texting and they all come with a phone number.

The Airalo and Nomad e-sim card plans for Spain are ONLY valid in Spain.

Some of them support 5G, the other e-sims only 4G/LTE. These international e-sim cards for Spain are also valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the e-sim card connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the e-sim card even when you are not in Europe yet. For more info check the SimOptions website .

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for Spain through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper e-sim card deals compared to SimOptions. 

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 Gigabyte to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great e-sim card for traveling in Spain.

Here are Spain e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $6.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $18 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD 

Click here to order an e-sim card for Spain from Airalo .

The Airalo e-sim cards for Spain from Guay Mobile operate on the Movistar 4G/LTE network in Spain. Unfortunately the Airalo e-sim cards for Spain are not 5G ready as of January 2024.

The Guay Mobile data-only e-sim cards from airalo do not come with a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo e-sim card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Traveltomtom only recently discovered Nomad e-sim cards when looking for the best e-sim card deals and comparing e-sim cards for traveling to Spain. Traveltomtom has only used Nomad a few times now and is keen on experiencing more about Nomad e-sim cards because Nomad has some of the cheapest Spain e-sim card plans.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Spain:

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Spain from Nomad .

The Nomad e-sim cards for Spain are either from eSIM Go or from Nomad Black and are also NOT 5G ready, only 4G/LTE network is supported. Nomad Black operates on the Movistar network in Spain. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

The Nomad Spain e-sim cards have to be installed on your phone within 30 and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Spain. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website .

Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of e-sim cards? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly which means I use about 40 - 50 different sim cards every year. There is no better sim card specialist than Traveltomtom.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go, but no rush. 

What is the cheapest e-sim card for Spain?

The cheapest e-sim card for Spain is an Airalo e-sim card plan with 1 GB data for 7 days for just $4.5 USD . It is only valid in Spain and it does not support calling and texting.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in Spain

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Spain in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an e-sim card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Spain without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless. 

One of the best things about arriving in Spain with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Spain, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Spain so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 4G/LTE in every tourist destination in Spain.

Uncountable times travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Spain. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an e-sim card for Spain? 

You can only buy an e-sim card for Spain on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for Spain. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to Spain in 2024. 

On arrival in Spain

When you arrive in Spain and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to you hotel? Use Google Maps. Not all mobile internet operators in Spain offer e-sim cards for tourists. Most tourist sim card plans are only available as a physical sim card.

For the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Spain in 2024  click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Spain, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

Flying into Spain and landing in Madrid or Barcelona? There are multiple places at both airport to buy a sim card for Spain. However, there are NO e-sim cards sold at Barcelona nor at Madrid Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards.

Check out my guides for buying a sim card at Barcelona Airport or my guide for buying a sim card at Madrid Airport .

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an e-sim card plan for Spain you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed. 

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Spain e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your Spain e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation. 

When to order an e-sim card for Spain?

You can order an e-sim card for Spain pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day of departure to Spain. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Spain e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Spain. All international airports in Spain have free public WiFi.

How do I know? Traveltomtom also wrote arrival guides for Barcelona Airport and Madrid Airport .

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for Spain

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Spain e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general. 

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Spain. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Spain or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Spain and use it as a portable WiFi device. 

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support e-sim cards. 

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that! 

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for Spain recommended above ( SimOptions ,  Airalo ,  Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Spain.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Spain e-sim cards, only RECOMMENDS you to use e-sim cards for traveling to Spain.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Spain e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to Spain. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all! 

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Spain e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

If your Spain e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Spain, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Spain e-sim card.

Switching between physical and e-sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a Spain e-sim card?

This depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. Only the international e-sim cards from SimOptions offer calling and texting. All the e-sim cards from Nomad and Airalo are data-only.

If you want to make phone calls while traveling in Spain Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Spain via SimOptions .

Does a Spain e-sim card come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. E-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. All the international e-sim cards you can order via SimOptions come with a phone number. The e-sim cards from Airalo and Nomad are data-only and do not come with a phone number.

In the above Spain e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card. All the international e-sim cards from SimOptions come with a phone number, which means they can also receive calls and sms.

Can I use 5G on a Spain e-sim card?

Yes, there are now e-sim cards for Spain that support 5G. All the e-sim cards you buy via Nomad and Airalo are only 4G/LTE max data speed, but SimOptions does have 5G e-sim cards for Spain.

In fact, SimOptions offers an amazing e-sim card deal for Spain that supports 5G:

• Orange Holiday Europe with 50 GB data + unlimited calling/sms = $59.90 USD .

This e-sim card is valid in all of Europe and therefore not only one of the best e-sim cards for traveling in Spain but also rated as one of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024 .

Are there e-sim cards for Spain with unlimited data?

None of the by Traveltomtom recommended Spain e-sim cards for tourists include unlimited data.

There are e-sim card providers that offer e-sim cards for Spain with unlimited data but always make sure the unlimited data is on max data speed. I can tell you already that is pretty much never the case, the data speed is capped after you used X amount of Gigabytes in total or per day.

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). 

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Spain e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

You have to ask yourself what is the point of having an e-sim card with unlimited data. How long is your trip to Spain? Is 30 GB data not enough? Then 50 GB data may be? Unless you are not syncing your iCloud or Google Photos via 4G/5G there is no point getting an e-sim card with unlimited data.

Via SimOptions you can order the Bouygues Telecom e-sim card with 30 GB data  that is pretty much unlimited already. 

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Spain in 2024 before choosing your favorite.

Are e-sim cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Spain?

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Spain, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Spain?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Spain: 

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Spain in a phone store and NOT on the internet. 

More info about the best Spain sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for Spain in 2024 .

For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Spain shows you that a Vodafone prepaid sim card for €10 EUR will give you 50 GB data in Spain, including 19 GB free EU data roaming.

If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Spain you will need to find a Vodafone store nearby your hotel. They also sell Vodafone sim cards at Barcelona Airport and Madrid Airport , but at tourist prices that are 5x as much!

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, (unlimited) local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed and 5G ready.

Be aware that that local prepaid sim cards for tourists that you buy in Spain are also NOT all 5G ready, only Vodafone allows prepaid users to use the 5G network. Orange, Movistar and Yoigo only offer 4G/LTE max data speed on prepaid sim cards. 

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Spain. Some of them are great for using in Spain as well as in all other countries in Europe and you can easily order them online.

Traveltomtom also put together a list of the best sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024 .

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play! 

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Spain directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is they all included calling and texting. Most e-sim cards are data-only sim cards.

There are two different e-sim cards:

• E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
• E-sim cards that you buy in Spain in a mobile internet provider store 

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the local internet operators in Spain: Orange, Vodafone, Movistar and Yoigo can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around Spain. 

However, as of January 2024 e-sim cards are not available for prepaid tourist sim cards. Traveltomtom personally shopped around to find out if e-sim cards were available for tourists. Every store I called in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla I got a NO! 

This also counts for Barcelona and Madrid Airport. Read all about it in my detailed guides about buying a sim card at Madrid Airport and Barcelona Airport . 

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an e-sim card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Spain, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple click. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Spain. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Spain e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Spain Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for Spain are the cheapest as they already start from just $4.5 USD.

However, if you are a heavy data user local prepaid sim cards are much better value for money as for €10 EUR you already get 50 GB data, including calls and the use of the 5G network.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected.

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for Spain. Faster, easier and less stress and depending on your needs sometimes even cheaper.

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator. 

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best e-sim card for your trip to Spain were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card for Spain right away.

If you still have any questions about e-sim cards then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out. 

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Spain!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for Spain are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

• sim card spain

Explore the world with Alertify. Get roaming news, tips, and the tech to travel without limits.

• Travel Tech
• Telecom operators
• Telecommunications

Vodafone Spain launches ‘Traveller’ tourist pass with 25GB data

Vodafone Spain Traveller

Aimed especially at tourists, the new Vodafone Traveller prepaid rate includes, for 20 euros, 25 GB of mobile data, 150 minutes on national calls and roaming in Europe and the United States.

It is also possible to complete the rate by adding national and international minutes to talk and unlimited gigabytes in certain apps with Vodafone Pass.

SlM Card Activation: Free (On Any Date You Need). You will need to show the ID card number or passport and date of birth in order to activate it.

In addition, Vodafone has confirmed that customers with Vodafone Traveler will also be able to enjoy 5G networks (subject to availability of 5G coverage and 5G terminal.

Overall international tourism volumes in Spain have been increasing in recent years, with the total number of inbound visitors measuring around 115.7 million in 2016. Catalonia contributed to this growth with significant rises in international tourist numbers in 2015 and 2016. Growth in visitor spending in the region has also shown strong results, as international tourism expenditure in Catalonia was recorded at over 17 billion in 2016.

In terms of domestic tourism, Catalonia is also one of the most visited regions in Spain, along with Andalusia and Valencia.

If you are travelling abroad and need  sim cards choose between daily, monthly or data packages without expiration or if prefer instant connectivity, get  eSIM . Each Android Smartphone Can Be Upgraded To ESIM With ESIM.Me

Like this? "Sharing is caring!"

These are the most adventurous countries in the world

Mts launches new roaming option.

RELATED POSTS

Roaming bill shock is the worst souvenir

Roaming Demystified: Your Guide to Using Your Phone Abroad

Silknet introduces 5G roaming

Guide to Spanish Mobile SIMs and Providers in Spain (2021)

Frequencies, prices, savings, roaming on a budget, dual sims, recharging, english-language mvnos, prepaid vs contract.

Everything you need to know to get the right mobile phone provider for your new life in Spain. Offers detailed information covering technologies/frequencies, prices, plans, MVNOs and the major providers (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo and Lobster. Learn which Spanish mobile providers are the fastest and which are the most popular among expats. Read one expat's plan for the best way to get a Spanish SIM before and after arriving in Spain.

If you're without an NIE, you'll be stuck with a pay-as-you-go mobile which you'll have to recharge all the time and pay higher rates..."

Contents (click to jump to the section):

Compatibility, coverage, 4g, 5g.

Rates and Prices for Mobile Data in Spain

Staying Connected in Spain

Contract vs pay-as-you-go phone plans, how to recharge your prepaid sim in spain.

Mobile Phone Service Providers

Which is the most popular Spanish SIM or mobile network for Expats?

Mobile networks and carriers in Spain use 2 GSM bands, 2 UMTS bands, and 2 LTE bands:

• 900 (E-GSM)GSM
• 1800 (DCS)GSM
• B1 (2100)UMTS
• B8 (900 GSM)UMTS
• B3 (1800 +)LTE
• B7 (2600)LTE

4G / LTE Services in Spain

Spain is a top 20 LTE country globally with a reported average LTE/4G download speed of about 28mbps (slightly down since the start of the pandemic in 2020) and average upload speeds on 4G/LTE of about 9.3mbps between all four major networks: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and Yoigo.

4G availability has now surpassed the critical threshold of 90% for all major networks.

5G Availability in Spain

5G services are evolving quickly. In June 2019 Vodafone launched 5G in a handful of cities across the country while Movistar, Orange, and then finally Yoigo showing up with new 5G service availability in several cities by the end of the year. Look for more information about 5G access in Spain or post your experiences in the comments section below, including speedtests, geographic availability and response times.

Rates and Prices for Mobile Data in Spain (updated April 2021)

Prices change monthly, so this is really just a guide. In relation to where you're coming from, you can get a rough idea of the cost of monthly minutes and data prices according to the following ratios comparing against Spanish mobile networks' prices. For your Spanish mobile phone line you'll pay about…

• ⅓ the price you would pay in the US
• about the same as the prices in the UK
• 1/10th the rates you'll pay in Canada after currency conversion
• 3x the average minutes and data prices you'd pay in Russia (please post your own country's ratio price ratio vs Spanish mobile rates in the comments)

According to Visual Capitalist, the price per 1GB of data is about $1.83 in Spain in 2020, source: visualcapitalist.com/cost-of-mobile-data-worldwide/

So what does that translate to for your Spanish mobile monthly cost? Let's look at some examples:

Always ask about tethering (the ability to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot) to make sure it's supported by the carrier and the plan you've subscribed to. Every plan we saw included tethering, but that might not always be the case.

One of the first things to do when you arrive in Spain is get a mobile/cell phone. (In North America: cell or cell phones; in Europe and Spain: mobile phones. The same thing.) Almost everyone has at least one mobile phone in Spain and sending SMS text messages is extremely popular (as are WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger). How dextrous are your fingers? Better get good with voice to text!

Before we go any further, the question most people want to know the answer to when they arrive on this page is – what do I need to do with my mobile phone from home to stay connected in Spain without dropping a ton of $ on roaming fees or worrying about compatibility issues?

To some extent it really depends how long you're going to be in Spain. But since this is Spain Expat, let's assume you'll be here 3+ months.

Moving to Spain: transitioning to a new Spanish SIM

The following “plan" was adapted from a clever commenter on our Spain Expat Facebook Group assisting a mother whose American son was moving to Spain for university. This would apply to Canadians, Australians, etc, as well. Please post your suggestions in the comments for those from the U.K.!

• Make sure your phone is unlocked. To do so, call your provider and explain that you are going to be traveling for an extended period of time and need to swap SIM cards. It's possible they'll refuse if you're on a payment plan or leasing the phone, but I've had T-Mobile unlock my phone twice when it wasn't paid off, so it's definitely possible.
• Get a daily or monthly international plan from your US provider to get through the first few days or even weeks. On T-Mobile it's included for most all-inclusive plans, but double check what your plan offers.
• Research which Spanish mobile network you want to join up with (see our guidance below) so you know which store to go to for a Spanish SIM card (airport shops are mostly closed). Use Google maps to find a store and remember they're closed from 3pm-5pm and closed all day on Sundays.
• Download the Google voice app and have someone in the US (once you are in Spain & have a Spanish SIM) port your number to google voice using your google account. This will allow you to use the Spanish SIM, cancel your US phone plan, but keep your US number for calls/texts on the google voice app. It’s only a $20 one time fee but your calls and data will then work off of a Spanish data plan or wifi so if you do this before you leave or you won’t have service when you land.
• Lastly, worst case - the airports in Spain have free wifi

These days nearly all mobile phones support the various bands and systems used around the world with a few exceptions that aren't relevant to this discussion. If your phone is newer than 3 years old, 99% chance it'll work just fine. The most important thing to do is getting it unlocked, as mentioned in step 1 above. 

Dual SIM - Running a Spanish SIM and Foreign SIM at the same time

Imagine if you could keep your mobile phone line from home plus your new Spanish SIM phone number at the same time without porting your home number to Google Voice. Well, if you have a dual SIM mobile phone, this ultimate convenience could become your reality. 

In fact, your phone probably already has dual SIM capabilities! Ever since iPhoneXs, iPhones have joined with the high-end Android devices to offer dual SIM functionality which allows you to run your old home SIM card as an eSIM alongside your new Spanish prepaid SIM card (at least that's how I have mine setup). For you iPhone users, here is the Apple Support doc to help you understand it: support.apple.com/dual-sim

For Android users, you'll need to stick to the higher end models, but some of them even have dual SIM slots. Yep, two nano SIM cards will fit. 

For some interesting techno-cultural background on why the US is actually behind the rest of the world on dual SIM knowledge and capabilities, check out https://www.androidcentral.com/why dont-we-see-very-many-dual-sim-phones-us

My Spanish SIM + T-Mobile SIM setup

I have T-Mobile (unquestionably the best US carrier for expats) with an all-inclusive, unlimited everything plan back home, and when traveling it gives me unlimited 3G data speeds and unlimited local calling. It may even let me call back to the US for free, but I normally use Facetime anyway. If the 3G isn't enough, I buy a 4G pass, which I did for our first month in Granada in order to reduce our frustration while wander the streets (frankly, Google Maps is 

I've paired it with a Lobster Mobile SIM card (English-language mobile carrier in Spain) for local and international calling for free to most English-speaking countries. Lobster runs off Movistar's tower network, but Lobster users don't have access to Movistar's 5G network yet (reportedly – if this changes please let us know in the comments).

Speaking of 5G, in order to get it you'll have to be in one of the bigger Spanish cities with a population of 500,000 or more. Vodafone and Movistar haven't released a detailed map of their 5G network as of this writing, but I've spoken with the staff at the stores and, as of the end of 2020, it's certainly available in places like Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. No luck here in Granada where we need it the most (fewer fiber options and slow/poor 4G because of the terrain). 

I haven't gone the Google Voice route yet because I actually want to keep my US-based line for now, but perhaps in the future I'll transfer it to a Google Voice number.

Buying vs Bringing Your Cell/Mobile Phone

These days, most cell phones from abroad will work in Spain, just double check the frequencies (see above) supported. 

You’ll be able to buy a cell/mobile phone in Spain through either the providers’ specific dealer networks, independent electronics stores or department stores like El Corte Inglés. Smaller cell/mobile phone stores are everywhere in Spain, and you can find particularly good deals on phones at the sketchier mobile phone stores often operated by immigrants.  In these places you’ll probably save between €10-50 on a new phone. I’d be wary about any “used” phones offered however. Generally, the prices for new mobile phones in Spain start at €30 for the cheapest models and up to €900 for the latest models with all the bells and whistles you’d expect.

For iPhones we strongly suggest purchasing them from the official Apple Stores, which are located in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sitges, Murcia, Mar Bella, Zaragoza, and Valladolid. There are also some local Spanish chains selling Apple products in slick Apple-esque shops, such as Rosellimac, K-tuin and Goldenmac. 

If you’re buying a mobile or cell phone in Spain, consider whether you would be better off with a contract or pay-as-you-go phone. When you sign a contract, you’ll have a monthly bill to pay, but you can often get cheaper rates and a free or cheap mobile phone as part of the deal. This is similar to most countries. However, you’ll need to have a NIE or possibly a TIE to sign a contract.

Even with generally higher rates, if you don’t make many calls or send many text messages in any given month, a pay-as-you-go phone may end up being cheaper. As you would expect, you only pay for what you use.

Recharging Your Prepaid SIM

It used to be that you had to buy a phone recharge card at locutorios, grocery stores or mobile phone shops. These days it's much easier to do buy simply adding a credit or debit card to your mobile phone provider's account portal. I have mine set to auto recharge in order to take advantage of bonus data.

How to recharge your prepaid Spanish SIM from outside of Spain

Alternatively you can now recharge your phone from a couple of online services, including mobilerecharge.com  and recharge.com . It's interesting to see their sites' messaging indicating that a primary use case for these online mobile recharge spanish SIM sites is a way for your friends and family to support you by keeping your mobile topped up. 

Vodafone: if you travel around Europe then this is probably your best bet since they're from the UK and offer service throughout the continent."

Mobile Phone Service Providers in Spain

Mobile/cell phone service providers ( operadores ) in Spain can be divided into two categories: those with their own networks and virtual providers who depend on others’ networks to provide their services. In general, call quality, coverage and customer service vary little across the spectrum. 

Spanish Network Carriers

Movistar (Telefónica), Vodafone, Orange (formerly Amena) and Yoigo are the four mobile phone service providers in Spain with their own network. Of these, Movistar is the oldest and most established and Yoigo the newest. I’ve experienced and heard mixed things about each of them, generally as follows: 

Movistar (Telefónica):  

Formerly known as Telefonica until Telefonica purchased BellSouth and unified its mobile services under the brand "Movistar" in 2005, Movistar boasts the highest marketshare of all providers at around 41%. We used to have a section of the forum called "Telefonica Rage" which should tell you something about how it felt to deal with this former state-owned monopoly. These days things are better. They offer decent rates once you’ve signed onto specific plans that accommodate your calling schedules. Their coverage isn't the best anymore, but their speed for downloads, videos and gaming is now ranked #1 per OpenSignal.com's comparison (July 2020). Movistar Spain offers 5G in the largest cities.

• Movistar doesn't seem to offer customer service in English, but Lobster, the English-language MVNO for expats in Spain, runs off the Movistar network. 
• Orange : The second most popular carrier among expats, you’ll often find great, cheap offers on both phones and calling plans that can get you down to 3 cents/minute or even unlimited talk and data in some cases! I have personally found their 4G service to be faster than Vodafone's and the coverage excellent. Their service speeds continue to improve and recently tied Movistar for download speed in the national rankings according to OpenSignal . Reportedly offers customer service in English.  
• Vodafone: If you travel around Europe then this is probably your best bet since they’re from the UK and offer cell/mobile phone service throughout the continent. You’ll get cheaper roaming charges and they generally offer reasonable rates across the board. Offers 5G in 21 of the largest cities. They're the most popular network among expats as well. Notably slower download speeds than the other networks, but otherwise Vodafone's performance is good, especially if you have a 5G cellular phone. Confirmed good customer service in English!  
• Yoigo: Also popular with expats. They don't have as much coverage as the above network carriers but offer free roaming on Movistar and Orange, so theoretically you'll get more total coverage than any other option. 

If you want to contribute your experience to these rankings, check out the OpenSignal app on iOS and Android . Also, we'd love to hear about your experiences with these companies to help inform other expats' mobile provider decisions.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators MVNOs in Spain

Virtual mobile phone service providers are relatively new in Spain. These providers are able to fix their rates independently of the networks they use, and in many cases offer lower rates or other incentives, such as free call connections. These providers include: Lobster Mobile (English-language provider based in Gibraltar), Eroski Móvil, Euskaltel, PepePhone, Lebara, Carrefour Móvil and Happy Móvil. Among expats, Lobster Mobile is probably the most popular virtual mobile phone providers (English-language service and free calls to English-speaking countries being a pretty huge perk for expats), although it seems more total expats still go with Vodafone and Orange based on our informal polling.

Expect to see the next crop of virtual providers on the market any day now. Any of the mobile phone service providers in Spain may offer things such as free voicemail, credit advances for pay-as-you-go phones or other services and features, or have promotions offering free call credit, free text messages, free phones or new low rates. To get the best deal on mobile phone service in Spain, be sure to shop around with the different providers for the latest promotions and features – they change fairly often. Once you choose a provider, and depending on your calling needs, you can sign up for plans that have cheaper calling rates during certain times of the day, to certain countries, etc. Be sure to note that your provider may have different calling rates depending on which provider the person you’re calling has. Many of the mobile phone service providers in Spain offer customer service in English, including Movistar, Vodafone and Eroski Móvil. You may have to wait a few minutes before you’re put through to an English speaking agent though.

Which is the most popular Spanish SIM or mobile network for Expats?

In March 2021 Spain Expat ran a poll on our Facebook group to learn more about which mobile phone providers were most popular among our English-language-focused, frequent-traveller demographic of expats living in Spain. The poll reached over 5000 expats and generated 246 responses across three Facebook groups, including Auxiliares de conversacion en Madrid , Expat Advice - Spain , and the SpainExpat Tips and Tricks group . Unfortunately due to the quirks of Facebook polls, not all of the results were tallied as poll votes, so we had to compile the some of the results from responses in the comment sections.

The results were surprising in two ways.

The slowest network is winning, at least for the moment.

Top 10 networks by percentage of total votes among expats polled in Facebook Groups for expats living in Spain

• Vodafone – 23% ⭐️
• Orange – 20.5% ⭐️ 
• Lobster – 9.5% ⭐️
• Lowi – 9%
• Simyo – 7.5%
• Digi – 4.5%
• Movistar – 4%
• Yoigo – 3.5%
• Lycamovil – 3%
• Lebara – 2.5%

Our poll showed the most raw votes for Vodafone. Vodafone appears to be the most popular Spanish cellular network among expats living in Spain by a scant margin. That might be for several reasons, including brand recognition, in particularly for those coming from the UK.

When we most recently arrived in Spain, the easiest SIM to get was with Vodafone because their shops are located at nearly every shopping/high street. They also provide 4G mifi for home network use.

Lobster ES, the English-language mobile phone network designed for expats in Spain, run from Gibraltar, and relying on Movistar's very fast 4G network is doing  well with 9.5%. I would love to see them add 5G and eSIM support so that iPhone users can take advantage of the dual SIM capabilities and not have to wait for a SIM card to get delivered.

There are way more networks than anyone thought

There are at least 27 mobile phone companies offering Spanish SIM cards for prepaid and contract-based cellular phone service in Spain – 27! And it appears a new one is arriving on the scene every month with a quirky logo and a funky name. The reality is that nearly every single one of these cell phone providers offers a bundle with fibre internet for the home, and some of them go one step further to bundle home internet and home electrical supply along with your mobile phone service. The competition is incredibly fierce, prices are low, and consumers are clearly the big winners. 

Related to Guide to Spanish Mobile SIMs and Providers in Spain (2021), Frequencies, Prices, Savings, Roaming on a budget, Dual SIMs, Recharging, English-language MVNOs, Prepaid vs Contract…

Spain internet: adsl, cable and wireless.

Information on Internet services in Spain, for expatriates living in Spain. Free Internet via dialup, ADSL and Cable modem services through various providers like Telefonica, Auna, ONO, ya.com and Wanadoo. Further information about wireless (wifi) Internet, and wardriving in Spain.

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Spain

Contact information for emergency services with the police department, fire department, ambulance and your embassy, and in case of domestic abuse and credit card theft. A short guide to Spain's emergency services.

Comments on Guide to Spanish Mobile SIMs and Providers in Spain (2021)

Corina on 25 oct, 2008, shareacar on 02 jan, 2009, katiegovier on 30 jan, 2009, pegeen on 14 mar, 2009, mac31 on 01 apr, 2009, themartins on 24 aug, 2009, americanstudent on 31 aug, 2009, stevevls on 02 sep, 2009, robin graham on 27 aug, 2010, pegeen on 28 aug, 2010, stevevls on 28 aug, 2010, pieter vos on 28 aug, 2010, gill brown on 18 jan, 2011, panther_husky on 03 apr, 2011, emmajcody on 18 may, 2012, add a comment.

Sign-up to post a comment …

Continue reading in Technology in Spain

Spain telephones, telefonica & cheap calls from spain.

Information on both local calling and cheap calls internationally. Telefonica, Re-seller phone services, phone cards, and long distance calling from cellular/mobile phones.

Expatriator

Tv in spain, satellite and more.

Information on general TV in Spain, English language television in Spain, including foreign language, satellite/Sky TV, digital, online TV and other options for expatriates living in Spain.

Electricity in Spain

Information on your electronics, electrical appliances and setting up electicity for your flat or house.

Vodafone roaming explained for international & EU countries

You can roam in most countries around the world with Vodafone.

However, since 31 January 2022, some customers may have to pay to continue using their allowance in Europe.

If you joined Vodafone before 11 August 2021, and you haven’t upgraded or renewed since, you can continue to enjoy free EU roaming.

If you’re on a 3 Xtra benefits plan, you can continue to roam for free within 51 EU destinations, regardless of when you joined Vodafone. Some 3 Xtra benefits plans also include international roaming, for a total of 83 destinations.

If you joined or upgraded on or after 11 August 2021, and you’re not on a 3 Xtra benefits plan, you will have to pay for £2.25 per day to use your allowance within the EU.

What's the best Vodafone SIM Only plan for roaming?

Vodafone eu roaming - after brexit, vodafone basics plan, 3 xtra benefits: free eu roaming in 51 destinations, unlimited max + 3 xtra benefits: free roaming in 83 destinations, vodafone zone a, vodafone zone b, vodafone zone c, vodafone zone d, does vodafone have a fair usage policy when roaming, can i roam for free in the eu with vodafone, how can i setup my phone to roam with vodafone, will i be charged if i go over my allowance when roaming with vodafone, can i tether to another device when roaming with vodafone.

To continue free EU roaming with Vodafone, you must purchase a SIM or phone with a 3 Xtra benefits plan.

You can find the cheapest Vodafone SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. Vodafone SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

From 31 January 2022, you may have to pay to use your allowance within the EU, depending on the type of plan you have and when your contract started.

Regardless of when you joined Vodafone or the type of plan you have, roaming will continue to be free in 4 destinations: Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland and Norway.

If your pay monthly contract started before 11th August 2021, and you haven't upgraded or renewed your contract since, you can continue to roam in the EU free of charge, regardless of your plan.

However, if joined Vodafone or upgraded your plan on or after 11 August 2021, you may have to pay to use your allowance within the EU, depending on the type of plan you have.

You can continue to use your allowance for free in the EU (51 destinations) with any 3 Xtra benefits plan. Some 3 Xtra benefits plans also come with additional international destinations, for a total of 83 roaming destinations

For any other plan, you will have to pay to use your allowance within the EU:

• £2.25 per day (automatically charged)
• £10 for 8 days (text 8DAYEUROPE to 40506)
• £15 for 15 days (text 15DAYEUROPE to 40506)

For existing customers who do not upgrade or change their contract, you may still have free EU roaming included with your plan, even if the new rules state otherwise:

• Any plan started before 11 August 2021 (Zone B)
• Unlimited Max plan started between 12 July 2019 and 14 June 2021 (Zone B and C)
• Red Entertainment Plan started between 4 September 2018 and 11 July 2019 (Zone B and C)

However, the moment you upgrade your contract or change your plan, the new rules will apply, and you may no longer be eligible for free EU roaming.

Whenever you upgrade, change or renew your plan, talk to Vodafone if you're unsure if you will have to start paying for EU roaming.

You cannot use your regular allowance in any country outside the UK with a Vodafone Basic plan.

Instead, you will be charged at a premium out of tariff rate.

We don’t recommend you roam outside the UK if you have a Vodafone Basics Plan, as the rate is expensive. You should consider switching your plan or purchasing a local SIM card.

See Vodafone roaming rates for out of tariff prices in different countries.

If you have a Vodafone 3 Xtra benefits plan, you can use your regular allowance in Zone A and Zone B (51 European destinations) at no additional cost.

Some 3 Xtra benefits plans also include an additional 32 international destinations (Zone C), for a total of 83.

With a Vodafone 3 Xtra benefits plan, you can use you regular allowance for free within the following 51 European destinations:

• Aland Islands
• Balearic Islands
• Canary Islands
• Cyprus except Northern Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Faroe Islands
• France (incl. Corsica)
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Republic of Ireland
• St. Barthelemy
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

With selected Unlimited Max + 3 Xtra benefits plans, you can use your allowance within Zone A and Zone B (51 European destinations) and Zone C (32 worldwide destinations), for a total of 83 destinations.

For £6.85 per day, you can add Zone D , which includes an additional 73 worldwide destinations, for a total of 156 destinations.

You'll be able to roam and use your allowance for free within the following 83 destinations:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• New Zealand
• Sint Eustatius
• Sint Maarten
• South Africa
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey and North Cyprus
• Turks and Caicos
• United States of America

Vodafone Zones

Depending on your plan, you can use your allowance in different zones, either for free or at a set price.

• Zone A: Included with all plans
• Zone B: Included with 3 Xtra benefits plans, or else £2.25 per day
• Zone C: Included with some Unlimited Max + 3 Xtra benefits plans, or else £6.85 per day
• Zone D: Not included with any plans. Costs £6.85 per day

Zone A is included with all plans free of charge, and covers 4 destinations:

Zone B includes 47 European destinations. With selected plans, Zone B is included in your plan at no additional cost:

• 3 Xtra benefits

For all other plans, you must pay a set amount to use your allowance in Zone B:

Zone B includes the following 47 European destinations:

Zone C covers 32 worldwide destinations.

If you’re on a selected Unlimited Max + 3 Xtra benefits plan, Zone C is included at no additional cost.

For all other plans, you must pay £6.85 per day to use your allowance in Zone C. You'll also get access to Zone A and B.

Zone C includes the following 32 destinations:

Zone D includes 73 worldwide destinations outside of the EU.

Regardless of the plan you are on, you must pay £6.85 per day to use your allowance in Zone D.

Zone D covers the following 73 destinations:

• Afghanistan
• Congo, Democratic Republic of
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• US Virgin Islands
• United Arab Emirates

For plans with a data allowance greater than 25GB (including unlimited plans), you can only use 25GB data per month when roaming. If you go over this limit but stay within your regular data allowance, you'll be charged £3.13 per GB. If you also go over your regular allowance, you'll be charged the standard out of tariff UK rate for data on top of the £3.13 per GB charge.

Vodafone will send you a warning text when you reach 80% of the roaming limit.

If you're roaming with a Zone pass or you're eligible for free roaming, and go over your regular data allowance but stay below the 25GB fair usage limit, you'll be charged at the standard out of tariff UK rate for data. If you also go over the 25GB fair usage limit, you'll be charged an additional £3.13 per GB on top of the standard out of tariff UK rate for data.

In addition, if you're roaming for 62 days or more during a 4 month period, and your roaming usage exceeds your average UK usage, you may have to pay additional roaming charges. In such a case, Vodafone will send you a 2 weeks notice, followed by an additional £3.13 per 1GB, 3.3p per minute and 1p per text, as long as your roaming usage continues to be high.

Can I get Vodafone 5G when roaming internationally?

You can get 5G speeds when roaming with Vodafone in Germany, Spain, Italy and Ireland.

• Bad Hersfeld
• Bad Münder am Deister
• Bad Oeynhausen
• Bad Wünnenberg
• Bergisch Gladbach
• Bernau bei Berlin
• Birkenwerder
• Bitterfeld-Wolfen
• Boizenburg/ Elbe
• Braunschweig
• Bremerhaven
• Frankfurt am Main
• Freiburg im Breisgau
• Gdefr. Geb. (Lkr Roth)
• Gelsenkirchen
• Gronau (Westf.)
• Groß Godems
• Grünheide (Mark)
• Halle (Saale)
• Haren (Ems)
• Heroldstatt
• Hohenstein-Ernstthal
• Hoppegarten
• Hoyerswerda
• Königs Wusterhausen
• Langenhagen
• Ludwigsfelde
• Ludwigshafen am Rhein
• Neukirchen/Erzgeb.
• Nienburg (Weser)
• Offenbach am Main
• Oldenburg (Oldenburg)
• Petershagen/Eggersdorf
• Recklinghausen
• Rielasingen-Worblingen
• Rothenstein
• Saarbrücken
• Sandersdorf-Brehna
• Schmallenberg
• Schwentinental
• Seehausen a.Staffelsee
• Simmern/Hunsrück
• Stollberg/Erzgeb.
• Trierweiler
• Wanzleben-Börde
• Cassina de' Pecchi
• Cinisello Balsamo
• Cologno Monzese
• Cusano Milanino
• Garbagnate Milanese
• Novate Milanese
• Pessano con Bornago
• San Donato Milanese
• San Giorgio su Legnano
• San Giuliano Milanese
• Sesto San Giovanni
• Trezzano sul Naviglio
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastián

If you’re on a 3 Xtra benefits plan, you can continue to roam for free within 51 EU destinations, regardless of when you joined Vodafone.

If you joined or upgraded on or after 11 August 2021, and you’re not on a 3 Xtra benefits plan, you will have to pay for £2.25 per day to use your allowance within the EU:

You must enable roaming in your phone's settings in order to use your Vodafone plan internationally.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

Yes, Vodafone will charge an out of tariff rate. Prices vary depending on the country you are in. The maximum Vodafone can automatically charge you is £45 per month.

Yes, you can tether when roaming abroad with Vodafone . Any data limits that normally apply when roaming will also apply when tethering and roaming.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Spain » Buying a Sim Card In Spain – Travelers Buying Guide (2024)

Buying a Sim Card In Spain – Travelers Buying Guide (2024)

If you’re excitedly planning your trip to Spain, you’ve more than likely got a few lists going of things to get before you leave and things to pack. Of course, sun cream, money, and a passport are the most essential. But it’s very easy to overlook one very important item – a sim card.

There’s nothing that can sour the lovely memories of your trip than returning home to a phone bill inflated from roaming charges. Not to mention that you don’t want to find yourself suddenly without coverage when you’re relying on your GPS to get you to your next destination.

We’ve done the research can compiled this super handy guide to sorting out a sim card in Spain. We’ve looked into the various providers, costs, coverage, ease and a few other bits you might need to consider.

GigSky Spain

• Price > From $0.00

OneSim Universal

• Price > > From $29.99

Vodafone Spain prepaid sim card

• Price > From $27.50

Tour Tech Orange Spain

• Price > From $29.00

Three PAYG AIO20

• Price > From $39.90

Why Buy a Sim Card for Spain?

Whether you’re using your phone to call an Uber, using the GPS function to navigate new places or to translate the menu at dinner, travel these days is made immeasurably easier by our phones.  Backpacking Spain will be so much easier if you stay connected.

Sure, your current sim card  might  work in Spain, but there’s far too much that can go awry. For a start, using your day-to-day sim outside of your home territory can rack up the charges at eyewatering speed. Pesky roaming charges and enormously inflated data can leave with you a nasty bill on your return. Not to mention that every time you receive a call, you’ll get charged for that too. 

Note that any other EU or even European sim will probably work seamlessly in Spain.

There’s also the unreliability of using your native sim in a foreign country. Truth is, coverage can drop at some inopportune moments, like when you’re utterly lost in Barcelona’s bustling neighbourhood and can’t find your hotel. 

Getting a local sim in Spain will save you these headaches and ensure you stay connected for the duration of your travels. Not to mention that oftentimes, hotel Wi-Fi can be slow and unreliable, so you don’t want to be reliant on it. 

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Buying a Sim Card for Spain – Things to Consider

Where to buy a sim card for spain, best sim card providers in spain, what is the best sim card in spain for tourists.

Choosing a sim card for Spain really comes down to what works best for your needs. Things like budget, coverage and other factors deserve consideration, and what suits you may not work for someone else. 

We’ve broken these down and explain them in more detail. 

Cost is a hugely important factor when choosing a sim card in Spain. No one wants to get ripped off, so it’s essential to find out which provider offers the most bang for your buck in terms of data and call charges. 

Like most things in life, it’s easier to get a deal when you’re buying big. Accordingly the trick is to buy a big enough bundle to save some bucks, without pointlessly buying minutes and data that you can’t realistically use! Typically, Spain is NOT expensive by European standards so you shouldn’t have yo pay too much.

This is where most providers will snag you. They’ll lure you in with low prices for small bundles that they know you’ll burn through in no time. You’ll then be forced to top up at a much higher rate, thereby costing you significantly more. Always check the costs for top-ups.

The best way to stay wise here is to get familiar with your average usage and then pad that figure generously as you’ll be using more data for things like maps and translation apps. 

Don’t take coverage for granted. Not all providers offer coverage in all areas, some specialize in a particular region in Spain only. Once you know precisely where you will be staying in Spain , Make sure to check this or risk being caught out without coverage. Research the area you’ll be visiting and ask about the best coverage for that area. 

Also, remember to ask about coverage issues or blind spots. This is usually common in very mountainous areas and islands. 

If you’re travelling to other EU countries on the same trip, purchasing a sim card in Spain often includes free data roaming in the EU. Be sure to check if it is capped or not as this isn’t always clear.  

5G coverage in Spain is pretty poor compared with other European countries. Some providers are a bit behind the curve and aren’t offering a robust coverage network for even 4G. Research where you’ll be travelling and ensure you won’t be left frustrated by snail’s-pace 3G.

Also bear in mind that whilst the Balearic and Canary Islands are Spanish territories, they are nowhere near the mainland. As such, a Sim Card that works very well in Madrid may not be much cop out on the distant dunes of Lanzarote!

Bureaucracy

In most places, getting a sim card is a fairly quick and easy process. You should be able to secure a sim without too much paperwork or having to provide too much information. 

Red tape is unfortunately unavoidable in some countries, but thankfully Spain isn’t one of them. If you were heading to Russia or Pakistan, it would be way more complex to get a sim. 

Don’t get caught out by an expiring sim card . Some sims come with a set lifespan or expiration date and after such time become totally useless. There’s no way to extend or update these which can be annoying if you’re caught out. 

While some sim cards can expire after 30 days or even 60 days, some will last indefinitely as long as you keep topping them up. 

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Buying a sim card in Spain should be a relatively painless process. Sims are available at international airports, book shops, and mobile internet provider stores, as well as gas stations and convenience stores. 

In the Airport

It’s tempting to purchase a sim card at the airport. Usually, the shop staff at airports speak good English and can help get you set up right away. Unfortunately, this comes at a higher price than other stores. 

At Barcelona Airport you can find a great Orange sim card for €20 in Terminal 1 and 2. It gives you 9 GB of data all over Europe and €5 calling credit.

In Madrid Airport (Terminal 4 only) you can buy an Orange sim card that will work in Spain and Europe for €25 with 10 GB data + €10 calling credit. 

Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga and Madrid offer a wide variety of sim card vendors, as do Ibiza and Mallorca. 

Some of the bigger gas stations and convenience stores will also sell sim cards, however, there won’t be much in the way of service and you’ll need to activate the sim yourself. 

If you’re hitting the stores, be aware that you may encounter some language barriers – try to learn some Spanish if you have time.. 

If you’d prefer to hit the ground running when you arrive in Spain and get straight to the business of enjoying your trip, you can always order a sim card for Spain online. Aside from being the easiest way to source a sim card for Spain, this way also allows you plenty of time to research and choose the best sim card for a trip to Spain. And it doesn’t waste precious vacation time.

Remember, this will require you to order far enough in advance that it arrives before your departure date.

Have you considered an eSim? Check out the Spanish based HolaFly which offers great deals not only in their home country but in over 100 other nations too.

Founded in 2010, GigSky is a Palo Alto, California-based mobile technology company that provides e-SIM and SIM card data services to international travellers. Unlike many (maybe even most) other eSIM companies, GigSky are actually a Network Operator themselves in their own right, and partner with over 400 other carriers worldwide. This means they have access to a lot more transistors than most other competitors ensuring stronger service and letter outage.

While they don’t offer local phone numbers, you can still make and receive calls via WhatsApp, Signal, Skype or whatever using the general data allowances that come as part of their eSim packages.

GigSky offers a range of packages for Japan including a tasty ‘try before you buy’ deal that gives you 100MB of data for 7 days.

• 1GB – $3.99 – 7 Days
• 3 GB – $10.99 – 15 Days
• 5 GB – $16.99 – 30 Days
• 10 GB – $31.99 – 30 Days

OneSim are a Boston-based sim provider who have been specialising in traveler-friendly international sim packages for some time now. Whilst they don’t offer a specialised Greece sim card, they do have a different array of International Sim Cards that will work in many different countries including Spain.

This is a great option for regular travelers who visit a number of different countries or simply make repeat visits to the same country.

If your phone is e-Sim compatible, then check out the OneSimCard eSim World package. That way, you can find out more about e-sims and how they work .

OneSimCard eSIM World

• Offers coverage in 150+ countries with free incoming calls received on an EU number in most of them.
• Sim + Data Packages from $13.00.
• No expiration date.

If your phone is NOT e-Sim card ready, then stick with plastic and check out their Europe & More Package which will work all across Europe.

• Offers coverage in Greece + European countries.
• Sim + Data Packages from $29.99.

Yoigo are a relatively young Spanish telecoms company so if you want to “buy local”, Yoigo is your boy. Their network is not as extensive as others and whilst it works perfectly well in cities, we did encounter a few black outs when on Road Trips and heading trekking in the Sierra Nevada’s .

• No Expiry date

Vodafone is always a safe bet with a vast array of packages available and a solid network of coverage in Spain. Packages include free EU roaming. 

• 24GB and 300 minutes national and international prepaid calls 
• Expires after 28 days

Another strong international contender. Orange also offers a variety of packages at different price points. Some packages include free EU roaming. 

• 60GB in Spain, 14GB in the rest of Europe, and 100 minutes for international prepaid calls 
• Expires after 15 days

Final Thoughts on Getting a Sim Card for Spain

Spain is a year round destination that offers so much to do. A visit to Spain will offer you diverse experiences ranging from art, architecture, history, food, and music. Using our Spain sim card guide will ensure you spend as much time as possible enjoying your trip and making memories. There’ll be no suffering with poor coverage, extortionate roaming charges, or finding yourself adrift without GPS access. 

Want another kind of sim card? Check out the revolutionary new Nomad e-sim , an app-based sim card covering over 100 countries that can be organised before you leave home!

Whichever option you settle on, we’d love to hear your experience with it. You can share your experience with us in the comments below. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Spain SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Europe , SIM Cards , Spain , Travel Tips

Visiting Spain soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Spain SIM card . 

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Spain in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

That said, if you’re traveling to other countries in Europe, you should be able to use the same SIM card because most SIM card providers also offer coverage in other European countries.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you need a SIM card in Spain. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call an Uber, or translate Spanish – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Spain.

Note that your mobile phone provider may already offer Spain coverage if you’re European. If that’s the case, you won’t need a SIM card for your adventures in Spain.

Best SIM Cards In Spain

If you’re traveling in Spain, w e recommend using a SIM card from Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Europe , you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other European countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Spain

You can buy a Europe prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a European prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone.

Movistar SIM Cards

Movistar offers three different types of prepaid plans, all for 4 weeks:

• Prepaid plus: 40GB for EUR 10
• Prepaid Premium: 80GB for EUR 15 
• Total Prepaid: 140GB for EUR 20

As a visitor, the best option is probably the first plan, depending on the length of your trip.

You can buy the first SIM card online for EUR 10 for 4 weeks, and you’ll get the following:

• Unlimited minutes for Spain
• 200 international minutes

Orange SIM Cards

Orange has five different prepaid plans available:

• Holiday Pass 5: Unlimited data for EUR 15 for 5 days
• Holiday Pass 15: Unlimited data for EUR 25 for 15 days
• Go Walk: 10GB data for EUR 10 for 28 days
• Go Run: 20GB data for EUR 15 for 28 days
• Go Fly: 35GB data for EUR 20 for 28 days

If your trip is under 15 days, either of the first two options would definitely work best as you receive unlimited data.

Vodafone Spain SIM Cards

Vodafone offers five prepaid SIM card plans, all for 28 days:

• Prepago S: 12GB data for EUR 10
• Prepago M: 20GB data for EUR 15
• Prepago L: 35GB data for EUR 20
• Prepago XL: 45GB for EUR 30
• Prepago XXL: 55GB for EUR 40

Depending on the length of your trip, any of the first three options would work best.

Please note that the purchase process on Vodafone Spain’s website is currently only available in Spanish. Once this process is available in English, we will let you know.

How To Buy A Spain Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card works in over 30 countries and gives you 20 GB of data for 14 days. Spain is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you’re planning on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid European SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer various data plans in Spain.

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Europe.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Spain

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Spain.

Curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs in Spain .

Airalo Spain

If you want to buy an eSIM for Spain, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Europe and Spain.

I’ve been using Airalo in Europe for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available for Spain only :

• Guay Mobile: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• Guay Mobile: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $6.50
• Guay Mobile: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $8.50
• Guay Mobile: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $11.50
• Guay Mobile: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• Guay Mobile: 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Eurolink and offer coverage in 39 countries, including Spain.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 87 countries, including Spain.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Spain

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store. I’ve also tried this eSIM provider in Europe, and it worked fine.

Their Europe eSIM work in 32 countries (including Spain), and they offer the following plans:

• Unlimited data for 5 days for $19
• Unlimited data for 7 days for $27
• Unlimited data for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data for 30 days for $64
• Unlimited data for 60 days for $84
• Unlimited data for 90 days for $99

Go to Holafly

Nomad Spain

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for Spain:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $12
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $26

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Spain

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Spain or even an eSIM for your travels in Spain is pretty easy.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Europe without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a European SIM card .

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Spain if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Spain soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Spanish bucket list experiences
• 2 days in Malaga itinerary
• Best beach towns in Spain

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Your cookie preferences

We use cookies and similar technologies. You can use the settings below to accept all cookies (which we recommend to give you the best experience) or to enable specific categories of cookies as explained below. Find out more by reading our Cookie Policy .

Select cookie preferences

• Performance
• Functionality
• Account Overview

Popular Search Terms

• Samsung Galaxy deals
• iPhone deals
• SIM Only deals
• Credit Cards
• Pay as you Go
• Uswitch.com >
• Mobiles >
• Guides >

Vodafone international roaming FAQ

Vodafone's roaming policy depends on which plan you sign up for, as each has varying levels of roaming included, if any.

If your Vodafone Pay monthly plan started before 11 August 2021, then you'll likely still have EU roaming included in your monthly price without having to add any extras. However, if you joined Vodafone, upgraded, or changed your plan on or after 11 August 2021, there will likely be a daily charge for using your phone in Vodafone's European roaming zones.

However, if you have an Xtra 3 plan or one of the selected Unlimited Max Xtra 3 plans, you'll have either EU roaming or worldwide roaming included.

Vodafone daily roaming charges

Vodafone roaming charges for pay-monthly customers.

Zone A (Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway) – Included at no extra cost

Zone B (49 European destinations) - £2 per day

Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day

Zone D (73 worldwide destinations) - £6 per day

Limited data Xtra 3 plan

Zone B (49 European destinations) - Included at no extra cost

Unlimited Max Xtra 3 plan

Zone C (32 worldwide destinations) - Included at no extra cost

What locations are included in Vodafone’s roaming zones?

The roaming destinations for the different zones are as follows:

Which locations are included in Zone A?

Isle of Man

Republic of Ireland

Which locations are included in Zone B?

Aland Islands

Balearic Islands

Canary Islands

Cyprus except Northern Cyprus

Czech Republic

Faroe Islands

France (incl. Corsica)

French Guiana

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

St. Barthelemy

Switzerland

Vatican City

Which locations are included in Zone C?

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Islands

New Zealand

Sint Eustatius

Sint Maarten

South Africa

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Vincent

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkey and North Cyprus

Turks and Caicos

United States of America

Compare Vodafone SIM only deals

Browse our latest SIM only prices, contracts and extras from Vodafone.

Which locations are included in Zone D?

Afghanistan

Congo, Democratic Republic of

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Puerto Rico

Saudi Arabia

South Korea

South Sudan

United Arab Emirates

US Virgin Islands

Vodafone 5G roaming

Vodafone offers 5G roaming in 193 locations across Europe, which it claims is more than any other UK network.

What's Vodafone's fair usage policy?

Handily, Vodafone doesn't impose any data caps on roaming. So, you'll be able to use your full monthly allowance while you're in any of the countries listed above for no extra cost.

However, roaming with Vodafone is only free for the first 30 consecutive days of use. Once you exceed that, your roaming privileges will be suspended and you'll have to pay extra to use your monthly allowances.

Can I use tethering while roaming with Vodafone?

Yes, you can tether your mobile phone to other devices while roaming. You can turn on your phone's personal hotspot and connect devices to your phone just like you would any Wi-Fi router.

Read more about roaming...

Tesco Mobile international roaming FAQ - Uswitch

Learn about Tesco Mobile's prices and monthly allowances of data, calls and texts while abroad in various destinations around the world.

Best network for roaming 2024 - Uswitch

All networks have their own packages for those going away either on holiday or business. Here's we break them down & find the best.

BT Mobile international roaming charges FAQ

BT's Roam Like Home scheme allows customers to use their UK allowances of calls, texts and data in 47 locations for no extra charge.

EE international roaming FAQ

If you're with EE and you're travelling abroad, find out what your options are and what charges you might be faced with.

Are you looking for information about offers, devices or your account?

Please choose your local Vodafone website

• Tanzania (EN)
• Republiek van Suid-Afrika

Asia Pacific

• Česká Republika
• United Kingdom
• Deutschland
• Go to About
• Go to Who we are
• Go to Our purpose
• Inclusion for all
• Digital Society
• Together we can
• Go to People and culture
• Workplace equality
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Fair Pay at Vodafone
• UK Gender Pay Gap
• Workplace safety
• Code of Conduct
• Go to Leadership
• Board of Directors
• Executive committee
• Board committees
• Go to What we do
• Go to Innovation
• Digital Transformation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Augmented Virtual Reality
• Go to Technology
• Open RAN – all you need to know
• Network as a Platform (NaaP)
• 5G – all you need to know
• Internet of things (IoT)
• Next Generation Network (NGN)
• Connected drones
• Go to Consumer products and services
• Broadband and Super WiFi
• V by Vodafone
• Devices – technical documentation
• Business products and services
• Go to Where we operate
• Vodafone in the Americas
• Go to Partner markets
• Partner Markets Stories
• Go to Vodafone Voice and Roaming Services
• Roaming Hub
• Travel Mobility
• Maritime Mobility
• Sponsored Roaming
• Managed Services
• IPX Services
• International Voice
• Privacy Policy
• Go to How we operate
• Go to Our strategy
• Europe consumer
• African technology leader
• Vodafone Business
• Go to Public Policy
• Shaping the future of connectivity
• Go to Suppliers
• Suppliers purpose overview
• Supplier ethics
• Policies and requirements
• Vodafone Procurement Company
• Vodafone Pass partner portal
• Supplier management help
• Vodafone Autonomous Procurement Platform
• Vodafone Business Product & Services IoT E2E Solutions
• Go to Consumer privacy and cyber security
• Data principles
• Privacy centre
• Cyber security
• Cost of living
• Go to Reporting centre
• Government assistance demands reporting
• Go to Tax and Economic Contribution
• Vodafone's tax principles and strategy
• Vodafone corporation tax
• Corporate responsibilities and obligations
• Vodafone, Luxembourg and tax havens
• Multinationals, governments and tax
• Tax and emerging markets
• Political and tax policy advocacy
• Sustainability reports
• Go to Sustainable Business
• Go to Our purpose pillars
• Go to Inclusion for all
• Inclusion for all - Rural connectivity
• Enhancing digital skills for the future
• Financial inclusion
• Supporting jobseekers
• Bringing mobile to more women
• Workplace Equality
• Go to Planet
• Net zero by 2040
• Helping society to decarbonise
• Building a circular economy
• Reducing emissions in our operations
• Reducing scope 3 emissions
• Go to Digital Society
• Supporting small businesses
• Revolutionising healthcare
• Digitalising agriculture
• Creating smart cities
• Our contribution to UN SDGs
• Go to Operating responsibly
• Go to Human rights
• Managing human rights
• Our impacts
• Go to Handling government demands
• Challenges for operators
• Managing government demands
• Our principles and policies
• Go to Responsible supply chain
• How we manage our Supply Chain
• Engaging with our suppliers
• Go to Child rights and online safety
• Useful resources for child online safety
• Anti-bribery & corruption
• Go to Mobiles, masts and health
• Is 5G safe to use?
• Our commitments and goals
• Independent research
• How the technology works
• Health: the science and evidence
• Sustainability Reporting
• Switch To Green
• Go to Categories
• Corporate and Financial
• Public Policy
• Vodafone Foundation
• For Journalists
• Visual Assets
• Go to Campaigns & Events
• Vodafone’s Digital Enabler Showcase
• Mobile World Congress (MWC)
• Global Citizen: Our 2020 heroes
• Go to Investors
• Annual report 2023
• Go to Vodafone Business
• Large Enterprise
• Small and Medium Business
• Public Sector
• Carrier Services
• Go to Careers
• Go to Vodafone Foundation
• About Vodafone Foundation
• Go to Focus Areas
• Go to Apps against abuse
• SkillsUpload Europe
• Go to DreamLab
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Netherlands
• South Africa
• Employee Fundraising
• Girls and Mobile
• Instant Network Schools
• Instant Schools
• Vodafone Volunteers

Sale of Vodafone Spain

Vodafone Group Plc (“Vodafone”) announces that it has entered into binding agreements with Zegona Communications plc (“Zegona”) 1 in relation to the sale of 100% of Vodafone Holdings Europe, S.L.U. (“Vodafone Spain”) (the “Transaction”).

• On completion, Vodafone’s consideration will comprise at least €4.1 billion in cash and up to €0.9 billion in the form of Redeemable Preference Shares (“RPS”) which redeem, for an amount comprising the subscription price and accrued preferential dividend, no later than 6 years after closing
• Vodafone and Zegona have entered into an agreement whereby Vodafone will provide certain services to Vodafone Spain for a total annual service charge of c.€110 million 2
• The enterprise value of €5.0 billion is equivalent to a multiple of 5.3x Adjusted EBITDAaL 3 and 12.7x OpFCF 4 for the 12-month period ended 31 March 2023

Margherita Della Valle, Chief Executive of Vodafone, said:

“The sale of Vodafone Spain is a key step in right-sizing our portfolio for growth and will enable us to focus our resources in markets with sustainable structures and sufficient local scale. I would like to thank our entire team in Spain for their dedication to our customers and relentless determination to improve our organic performance. However, the market has been challenging with structurally low returns.

My priority is to create value through growth and improved returns. Following the recently announced transaction in the UK, Spain is the second of our larger markets in Europe where we are taking action to improve the Group’s competitiveness and growth prospects.”

Summary of Transaction terms

On completion, Vodafone’s consideration will comprise at least €4.1 billion in cash (subject to customary completion adjustments) and up to €0.9 billion in the form of RPS. Zegona has fully committed debt facilities of up to €4.2 billion available to satisfy the cash consideration and intends to raise equity via an institutional placing of new Zegona shares to investors prior to completion of the Transaction, subject to market conditions.

To the extent Zegona’s equity raise prior to completion exceeds €400 million, 50% of that excess will be paid to Vodafone in cash at completion and the number of RPS received will be reduced accordingly.

The RPS will be issued to Vodafone by a newly created entity, EJLSHM Funding Limited (“FinCo”). FinCo will subscribe for new ordinary shares in Zegona for an amount, based on the issue price for Zegona’s intended equity raise, that is equivalent to the amount of RPS being subscribed for by Vodafone. The shares held by FinCo will rank pari passu with Zegona’s existing ordinary shares and the ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the equity raise. At FinCo’s option, the RPS may pay cash or accrue a compounding dividend, at a fixed rate of 5% for each of the first 3 years, a step up to 10% in year 4, a step up to 12.5% in year 5 and 15% thereafter. FinCo will irrevocably undertake not to exercise its voting rights in Zegona (other than in relation to a takeover of Zegona). FinCo’s sole purpose will be to redeem the RPS and it is intended that the RPS will be redeemed 6 years after completion, or earlier following a material liquidity event or exit for Zegona that releases funds to its shareholders.

Completion of the Transaction is conditional on certain approvals being obtained from current Zegona shareholders as well as regulatory clearances and is expected to take place in the first half of 2024. The Transaction is not subject to any minimum equity raise by Zegona.

At completion, we will review the optimal use of proceeds in the context of a broader capital allocation review.

Vodafone and Zegona will enter into a brand licence agreement, which permits the use of the Vodafone brand in Spain for up to 10 years post-completion. Vodafone and Zegona will enter into other transitional and long-term arrangements for services including access to procurement, IoT, roaming and carrier services.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations Investors.vodafone.com [email protected]

Media Relations Vodafone.com/news/contact-us [email protected]

Registered Office: Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN, England. Registered in England No. 1833679

Person responsible

The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Vodafone is Maaike de Bie Group General Counsel and Company Secretary (Tel: +44 (0)1635 33251).

In connection with the Transaction, Morgan Stanley, Robey Warshaw and Evercore are acting as financial advisers to Vodafone and Slaughter and May is acting as legal adviser to Vodafone.

Impact on Vodafone

Vodafone will deconsolidate Vodafone Spain from completion of the Transaction. It is expected that the Transaction will have a slightly accretive effect on Vodafone’s adjusted earnings per share and a dilutive effect on free cash flow.

Valuation multiple

About vodafone spain.

Vodafone Spain is a mobile network operator providing mobile and fixed line services to both consumer and business customers across Spain. As at 31 March 2023, Vodafone Spain had gross assets of €7.6 billion. For the 12-months period 31 March 2023, Vodafone Spain generated a loss before tax of €383 million.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is the largest pan-European and African telecoms company. Our purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives, digitalise critical sectors and enable inclusive and sustainable digital societies.

Vodafone will continue to retain a significant presence in Spain through the brand license agreement with Zegona and our European R&D Centre in Málaga.

We provide mobile and fixed services to over 300 million customers in 17 countries, partner with mobile networks in 46 more and are also a world leader in the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting over 160 million devices and platforms. With Vodacom Financial Services and M-Pesa, we have the largest financial technology platform in Africa, serving more than 56 million people across six countries.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact to reach net zero emissions by 2040, while helping our customers reduce their own carbon emissions by 350 million tonnes by 2030. We are driving action to reduce device waste and achieve our target to reuse, resell or recycle 100% of our network waste.

For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com , follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone .

About Zegona

Zegona was established in 2015 with the objective of investing in businesses in the European TMT sector and improving their performance to deliver attractive shareholder returns. Zegona is led by former Virgin Media executives Eamonn O’Hare and Robert Samuelson and is admitted to the standard listing segment of the Official List and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Notes to announcement

• The selling entity is Vodafone Europe B.V. which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc. The buying entity is Zegona Bidco, S.L.U. which is a 100% owned subsidiary of Zegona Communications plc
• The total annual service charge for each of the first two years of c.€110 million primarily relates to charges already included within the Adjusted EBITDAaL of Vodafone Spain
• Adjusted EBITDAaL as defined in Non-GAAP measures on page 220 of the Vodafone Annual Report 2023
• OpFCF defined as Adjusted EBITDAaL less capital expenditure

Important notice

Certain information contained in this document constitutes “forward-looking statements”, which can be identified by the use of terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “estimate”, “intend”, “continue”, “target” or “believe” (or the negatives thereof) or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Such statements express the intentions, opinions, or current expectations of the parties with respect to possible future events and are based on current plans, estimates and forecasts, which the parties have made to the best of their respective knowledge, concerning, among other things, the respective business, results of operations, financial position, prospects, growth and strategies, statements regarding the transaction and the anticipated consequences and benefits of the transaction, and the targeted closing date of the transaction. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.

Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, regulatory approvals that may require acceptance of conditions with potential adverse impacts; risks involving the parties’ respective ability to realise expected benefits associated with the transaction; the impact of legal or other proceedings; and continued growth in the market for telecommunications services and general economic conditions in the relevant market(s).

Furthermore, a review of the reasons why actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations disclosed or implied within forward-looking statements can be found under “Forward-looking statements” and “Principal risk factors and uncertainties” in the Vodafone Group Plc’s annual report for the year ended 31 March 2023.

No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements in this announcement will be realised. As a result, recipients should not rely on such forward-looking statements. Subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, the parties undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. No representation or warranty is made as to the reasonableness of such forward-looking statements. No statement in this document is intended to be nor may be construed as a profit forecast or estimate for any period. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied.

This press release is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, any invitation or offer to sell, dispose, acquire, purchase or subscribe for any securities of any companies mentioned herein in any jurisdiction, whether pursuant to the transaction or otherwise. This document shall not be distributed or used by any person or entity in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use.

• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Press Release

More stories

No results found

• Travel eSIM
• Install eSIM
• Delivery Options

Loading Cart

The Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Spain in 2023

Spain is considered to be one of the three most visited countries in the whole world. Last year, this country received 82.8 million international visitors, which represented a small decrease of -0.8% compared to 2017 that was an amazing year for Spanish tourism. From the ’60s and ’70s, Spain became one of the main tourist destinations for British, Germans, Italians and many other travelers from the continent. This helped the country in a great way with its economy; right now tourism is the 3 rd major contributor to the economic life of Spain.

Spanish tourism is very varied and includes beautiful natural and rural touristic places, interesting cultural and traditional festivals and its attractive nightlife is one of the most recognized around the world. However, you will need to stay connected and have Internet access to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Finding the proper SIM card in Spain may seem like an impossible mission at the beginning. Reading about EU roaming can be very stressful because roaming charges work in a very different way in the EU countries. But do not worry; we have prepared a great article for you! We will be talking about this and the best prepaid SIM cards for Spain.

Looking for an alternative solution? We have eSIMs for Spain available!

EU Roaming in Spain

Since 2017, new roaming regulations were applied in the EU countries. These regulations were all included in the Roam Like At Home , which allows customers to travel from one country to another inside the EU without paying roaming charges. These regulations include making and receiving calls, SMS and mobile data to browse the Internet while you travel. However, clients have a reasonable time to roam like at home . If they exceed that period, they will need to pay roaming charges depending on the country, time and the use of different mobile services.

What Are The Best SIM Cards for Spain?

What is The Best Spain SIM Card?

Simoptions – prepaid sim cards for spain.

Although SimOptions is not a Spanish mobile network, it has the best prepaid SIM cards for travels. SimOptions works with the best mobile operators worldwide to offer its subscribers the best travel experiences. Buying a SIM card in another country can be very expensive, but SimOptions has the best alternatives to stay connected at the best prices during the whole trip.

SimOptions SIM cards come pre-registered and activated, but you need to make sure you have an unlocked to insert your prepaid SIM card for Spain and start using it immediately! Apart from this, your SIM card can be sent to more than 120 destinations, you just need to order your chip and receive it at your home, hotel or wherever you want.

Here you have all the SIM cards for Spain provided by SimOptions. Make sure to read their details and choose the best SIM for you and your trip:

Holiday Zen | $ 29.90 - 12GB

• Calls/SMS: Yes
• Credit Validity: 14 days

PAYG AIO15 | $ 29.90 - 10GB

• Credit Validity: 30 days

PAYG AIO20 | $ 39.90 - 12GB

Holiday europe | $ 49.90 - 30gb, payg mbb 12gb | $ 59.90 - 12gb.

• Calls/SMS: No
• Credit Validity: 1 Year

PAYG MBB 24GB | $ 79.90 - 24GB

• Credit Validity: 2 Year

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram!

Mobile Network Providers in Spain

Spain has four main mobile network providers that offer good services to locals and other people visiting this country. Right now there is a great competition among the first three providers: Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. These three carriers have excellent plans and prices for their customers, but let’s see in detail what they offer:

Movistar – The Largest Mobile Network Provider in Spain

At this moment, Movistar is the biggest telecommunication company in the country. With 16.12 million subscribers, this mobile network provider was founded more than 20 years and it is owned by Telefonica, which is a multinational telecommunication company. Movistar not only offers mobile services but also landline, broadband and pay television (known as Movistar TV), so it is definitely one of the largest companies in the whole country.

This company operates under that name not only in Spain but also in several Latin American countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and many other nations. However, Telefonica owns other brands like O2, which operates in other countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Movistar offers different prepaid SIM cards for locals and tourist so they can make calls or send texts while they enjoy their journey. Of course, travelers also need to update their social media with videos and beautiful pictures of their trip; that is why Movistar also has data packages for you! Let’s analyze the different prepaid SIM cards for Spain that Movistar has:

Prepaid Rate 5 – 5 GB (10€ ≈ US$11.19)

• Data: 5 GB of high-speed Internet
• Calls: 20 minutes to make local calls (fixed and mobile phone numbers)
• Credit: 10€
• Validity: 4 weeks

Prepaid Rate 7 – 7 GB (15€ ≈ US$ 16.78)

• Data: 7 GB of high-speed Internet
• Calls: 40 minutes to make local calls (fixed and mobile phone numbers)

Prepaid Rate 15 – 15 GB (20€ ≈ US$ 22.38)

• Data: 15 GB of high-speed Internet
• Calls: 80 minutes to make local calls (fixed and mobile phone numbers)

International Calls are available for all these Prepaid Rates from 1, 21 cents/min. Calls establishment is from 18 cents depending on the destination country.

Did you run out of data? Do not worry, Movistar offers Navega+ (5€ ≈ US$5.59). You will get 1 GB of high-speed Internet when activating this bonus.

Orange – One of the Best Spanish Carriers

Its official name is Orange Espagne S.A.U but is commonly known as Orange Spain or just Orange. Although it is not the largest mobile operator in Spain, Orange is definitely one of the best Spanish carriers. It has 13.65 million customers and it operates in other EU countries such as Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain.

This Spanish company was previously known as Amena until Orange (formerly France Telecom) bought it in 2005. Orange was officially founded in August 2006 and it has become the second carrier preferred by Spanish people and travelers from around the world. Apart from mobile services, Orange also provides other services like broadband, pay television (called Orange TV) and landline.

But, just talking about mobile services, it offers some of the best plans and prices compared with other carriers, and it is always improving its packages to attract more clients to the company. We chose some of the best and most popular Spanish SIM cards and plans so you can select the one you prefer:

Find more information here: Orange Holiday SIM Card 3GB  

Find more information here: Orange Holiday SIM Card 20GB  

Apart from these SIM cards, Orange has several Go Plans to stay connected with your beloved ones while you visit Spain:

Go Top – 40 GB (47,95€ ≈ US$53.65)

• Data: 40 GB
• Calls: Unlimited
• Validity: 1 Month

Go Up – 20 GB (35,95€ ≈ US$40.23)

• Data: 20 GB

Go On – 10 GB (29,95€ ≈ US$33.51)

• Data: 10 GB

Go On – 7 GB (23,95€ ≈ US$26.80)

• Calls: 100 minutes

Esencial – 2 GB (14,95€ ≈ US$16.73)

Orange also offers Pay As You Go plans, which are more directed to travelers. Check them out below:

Go Fly – 9 GB (19,95€ ≈ US$ 22.32)

• Calls: 80 minutes

Go Fly – 7 GB (14,95€ ≈ US$16.73)

• Calls: 40 minutes

Go Fly – 5 GB (9,95€ ≈ US$11.13)

• Calls: 20 minutes

Vodafone – Spanish SIM Cards and Plans for Travelers

Vodafone Spain (officially Vodafone España, S.A.U) is the result of the union between Vodafone Group and British Telecommunications. It was founded almost 20 years ago and it has 12.50 million clients nowadays. Apart from mobile phone services, it also offers Internet access. It provides 2G, 3G, 3.5G and 4G/LTE services.

This company offers greats plans and rates, and it also has a pocket WiFi that can be very useful for you when traveling with more people. But now, let’s focus on the Vodafone prepaid SIM:

Vodafone Spain for Tourists – 10GB (25€ ≈   US$27.97)

• Data: 10 GB + Unlimited data on Google Maps and other Maps Apps
• Calls: National calls from 0c/min. International Calls from 1 cent/min
• Balance included: 5€
• Validity: 15 days

As we mentioned before, Vodafone also offers mobile WiFi, which is very useful for group travel or business travels with co-workers. Vodafone Mobile WiFi R216 will allow you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time! You can find it for 51€ ≈ US$57.07) in Vodafone stores around the country.

Vodafone Yu

Vodafone has another commercial brand which is more directed to teenagers and young travelers. Although it is part of Vodafone España, Vodafone Yu sells its products and offers its services in an independent way from the main company. Actually, Vodafone Yu has different plans and rates compared to the ones offered by Vodafone Spain.

This brand was founded in November 2012 after Movistar launched Tuenti Movil and Orange released Amena. Both brands are also commercial brands of these companies especially aimed at teens and young clients.

Now let’s see the two main prepaid plans provided by Vodafone Yu:

Yuser – 5 GB (10€ ≈ US$11.19)

• Data: 5 GB + Social Pass (free data for social media apps)
• Calls: 15 minutes
• Validity: 1 month

Mega Yuser – 5 GB (20€ ≈ US$ 22.38)

• Data: 15 GB + Social Pass (free data for social media apps) + Chat Pass
• Calls: 60 minutes

Vodafone Yu also has different accessories like power banks, headphones, Bluetooth speakers and some other items.

As you could see, Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone have many options that can perfectly adapt to your need during the time you decide to stay in Spain. We hope those SIM cards and plans we chose for you can make your trip the best experience! Please, share this article with your beloved ones so they can also enjoy their visit to Spain.

Recommended Articles

The 5 best esims for europe in 2024.

Published on 14th March 2022

Tech & Gear

The Ultimate Guide to SIM Cards

Published on 11th January 2020

20 Common Mobile Phone Problems & Their Solutions

Published on 18th January 2020

Taking the train in Spain - all you need to know

Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read

The vintage train from Sóller to Palma de Mallorca is one of the most scenic rail routes in Spain © Shutterstock

Spain boasts Europe’s longest high-speed rail network, second only to China globally, and its trains are exceptional and far-reaching. In one day, you could gawp at Gaudí’s architectural genius in Barcelona , be whisked by rail to Madrid ’s museums, and still arrive in Seville for a sunset flamenco show.

Not that it’s all A to B whirlwind rail routes. There are some outstanding scenic train journeys to slow down and enjoy the Spanish pace of life, whether trundling along the northern coast’s narrow-gauge tracks or meandering into the mountains. And with some new low-cost operators now on the scene, exploring Spain by train has never been more affordable.

With over a thousand stations and thousands more daily departures, getting around Spain by train is a straightforward joy rather than a stressful necessity. Seat reservations on most services guarantee uncrowded carriages, Rioja-serving cafe cars provide perfectly wine-paired panoramic views, and electric-powered trains make journeys even more sustainable. What’s not to love? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a train trip in Spain like a pro.

Train services are generally excellent in mainland Spain

You can traverse all four corners of Spain by train, usually on swift, reliable, well-maintained carriages. Few areas aren’t covered by at least a regional service. And where there are coverage gaps, buses will usually take you the final stretch to that pretty medieval village. While strikes can occur, they are rare, and minimum service levels are generally guaranteed. Compensation payments are offered for delays over one hour, which helps keep timetables on track. 

Renfe is Spain’s national railway company, operating everything from non-stop regional capital connections to short-hop commuter services. Iryo and Ouigo provide low-cost competition on the main high-speed intercity lines, with the latter’s double-decker trains being a welcome addition.

While the numerous names for differing service and train types can be confusing, the trains in Spain can generally be divided into three categories:

• High-speed, mainly long-distance (larga distancia) services link many major cities, mainly via Madrid. These full-service trains can reach 310km/h (193mph) and include Renfe’s AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), its new no-frills Avlo counterpart, and Iryo and Ouigo. There’s an ever-growing network of high-speed routes , including the popular Barcelona–Madrid, Madrid–Seville, and Madrid–Valencia lines.
• Mid-distance services – although they can sometimes cover long distances and reach speeds of 250km/h (155mph) – make up the majority of other major routes. Renfe services these under names including Media Distancia, Avant and Alvia. Intercity and Regional Exprés services are somewhat slower but only call at major stations. Popular routes include Madrid– Toledo , Granada–Seville, and the Euromed coastal service between Barcelona and Alicante . Nearly all long and mid-distance services use sleek, modern carriages.
• Slower trains , including Regional, Proximidad, and Cercanías commuter services (Rodalies in Catalonia), complete the network. The older Cercanías AM trains, previously FEVE, mainly operate on the northern coast’s picturesque narrow-gauge tracks.

Nearly all large and medium-sized train stations are staffed and contain shops or cafes. High-speed train stations operate similarly to airports, with luggage security scanners and boarding gates. It’s advisable to arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially as boarding can close five minutes before departure. The bonus is you’ll have time to admire the stations. Some, like Toledo’s Mudejar-style ticket hall and art nouveau Bilbao Concordia , are attractions in their own right.

There are tourist trains and unique rail services too

In addition to standard train services, Spain has an exceptional selection of specialist rail routes known as “ tourist trains .” These range from seasonal, short routes, such as the scenic Tren dels Llacs in the Pre-Pyrenees, to indulgent, multiday sojourns like the luxury Transcantábrico train hotel. There are currently no standard domestic night trains.

International and island rail routes are limited

Away from the mainland, the rail situation is starkly different. The Canary Islands have no train services, and only Mallorca in the Balearic Islands has limited rail connections . These consist of three short, modern lines and the vintage Sóller train. 

Traveling to and from France by train is possible on France’s TGVs (from Paris) and Renfe’s International AVE services to Marseille and Lyon . Fares start from €29. You can also cross via Hendaye in the Basque Country or take the slower, scenic sleeper service via the Pyrenees . The Trenhotel (night service) between Madrid and Lisbon has been discontinued, leaving the Tren Celta between Vigo and Porto and the slow route to Lisbon via Badajoz as the only connections with Portugal . Work continues on improving the tracks to accommodate a direct, high-speed link between the two Iberian capitals.

Book ahead to save money and guarantee your seat

Spain’s rail operators all use dynamic pricing for high-speed and long-distance services. Therefore, early booking is advised, especially as seat reservations are mandatory. Advanced Avlo tickets between Madrid and Barcelona start from €7, with Ouigo and Iryo also offering competitive pricing on primary routes. A same-day ticket can sometimes cost more than 10 times more than booking in advance. Prices are less competitive on routes solely operated by Renfe. 

When booking tickets online to or from major cities, use the dropdown city name followed by todos (all) to check for direct and affordable tickets from all stations. Provide the Passport or ID number of the photo document you’ll be traveling with, as tickets are personal. The second surname can be left blank – Spanish people take both their father's and mother’s surnames. Tickets can be printed, collected at self-service machines, or displayed as QR codes on mobile devices. Overall, Ouigo and Iryo's websites are easier to navigate than Renfe's, which can be glitchy. While most people would recommend using a third-party booking service – handy for comparing prices between all operators – direct reservations avoid booking fees.

Even short-distance, popular services with fixed fares (some mid-distance and regional trains) can fill up. I’ve previously struggled to get last-minute weekend tickets on the Madrid to Toledo route. Secure all tickets ahead if your vacation coincides with a major holiday such as Easter (Semana Santa) or Christmas, including around Three Kings Day on January 6.

Iryo and Ouigo release tickets many months ahead. Renfe’s tickets should be available at least 60 days ahead, but this isn’t always true. Check regularly in the months leading up to your departure and sign up for newsletters on the three websites to receive ticket availability and discount updates.

Occasionally, two single fares (ida) can be cheaper than a return (vuelta) . Reservations can also be made at station ticket machines (in English) or staffed desks. Larger stations may have separate sales points for particular types of tickets. 

You’ll always be assigned a mandatory seat reservation. However, if you’d prefer to select your own to guarantee a window, you can change it for a nominal fee. Confusingly, Renfe’s website has this step after choosing a payment method. 

Cercanías and Cercanías AM tickets can’t be purchased in advance and should be purchased at the ticket office, self-service machine, or onboard from the conductor when traveling from the tiniest unstaffed stations. This is the only time you’re allowed to board a train without a ticket. 

If you wish to upgrade from basic class (básico) on high-speed routes, you can choose from Elige, Elige Confort and Prêmium on Renfe, or similar options on Iryo. Upgrades can include access to premium station lounges, at-seat food service, and more spacious seats. Solo travelers may want to upgrade to enjoy an individual seat in the 2+1 configured carriages. Ouigo allows these seats as a paid add-on without upgrading.

Discounts and offers: know your benefits and bring ID

Much noise was made about the launch of Spain’s fixed-price travel pass . Yet this system, established to offer discounted fares on repeat return trips, is primarily aimed at locals and commuters.

Renfe does offer a Spain Rail Pass for travelers , covering between four and ten journeys. However, depending on the routes you plan to take, pre-booking discounted, advanced fares can be cheaper. Some region-specific options exist, such as the better value three-day Galica Rail Pass .

Other discounts available on Renfe include:

• Small group discount when booking four or more travelers together.
• Seniors discount, up to 40%, for over 60s. However, this requires purchasing a card ( La Tarjeta Dorada ) in person before making the reservation. Advanced, discounted fares can be better value.
• Youth Discounts for under 25s with a European Youth Card or suitable International Student Card. A digital card can be purchased online by citizens of most countries.  
• Babies travel for free, as do children, although the age cap varies between operators.

Considering an Interrail or Eurail pass? Check on any savings first. All high-speed trains in Spain require seat reservations, an additional cost not included in these passes. Avlo, Iryo, and Ouigo are likewise excluded, and these cheaper advanced tickets may be better value than using the pass, though there is less flexibility.

Money-saving tip: high-speed trains include a free local ticket

If you’re traveling on a high-speed AVE or long-distance service operated by Renfe or Iryo, Combinado Cercanías is included. This allows for free use of local Cercanías trains to reach your departure station and again on arrival. Scan the QR code at barriers, or use the PDF code to get a zero-priced ticket at Cercanías’ self-service machines.

Seat reservations ensure most train journeys don’t feel crowded

Traveling by train in Spain is so enjoyable because all long and mid-distance services require a seat reservation. With no congested corridors or jostling vestibules, these trains never feel crowded, even when full. However, some regional and Cercanías services can be packed, particularly around commuter hours and Friday and Sunday evenings. You might want to avoid peak times or, when available, pay for a regional service seat reservation.

Plan around major events and regional holidays during your trip, such as Semana Santa, when ticket demand and crammed suburban trains are common. Trains in Spain operate every day of the year, though some services may finish earlier on public holidays. If you’re traveling on weekends or during holidays, check onward public transport in advance as small, rural stations may have a reduced weekend bus service.

Train can be the fastest, most affordable transport method

Using the train in Spain can be quicker and cheaper than flying. For example, a flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes 1¼ hours compared with 2½ hours by high-speed rail. But once you factor in security checks, out-of-city airport transfers, and runway taxi times, the overall journey length by plane becomes longer.

Driving distances are considerable. The same journey by car will take closer to seven hours. It’s unquestionably worth renting a car if you’re planning a road trip , but generally, long-distance jaunts are best by rail. 

Most train terminuses are connected to city buses and, in larger metropolises, commuter rail or metro systems. Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Madrid–Barajas Airport are on the train network. If you wish to visit smaller towns or villages that are not on the train network, consider other ways to get around Spain .

Onboard facilities differ between service types

All of Spain’s high-speed train services are spacious, comfortable, clean and well cared for. Carry-on luggage can be placed in overhead racks, while storage areas at either end of the carriage accommodate bulkier luggage. Popular services (especially on Friday and Sunday evenings) can quickly fill, and train staff will usually assist in rearranging suitcases to fit. Cercanías services can be more dated and crowded and often lack enough dedicated luggage space.

If you’re traveling by bicycle, check the luggage policies of Renfe and Iryo . In some instances, bikes must be disassembled or an additional fee paid.

The dining carts on Spain’s trains are typically stand-up, cafe-style rather than seated dining carriages. They’re good for stretching your legs or getting an alternative window view, but dining at your seat table is often more comfortable. A selection of hot meals, snacks and drinks – usually all of decent quality – are available, and certain ticket types offer pre-ordered meals served at your seat. Iryo has particularly impressive dining options .

On some routes, a trolley service may be provided in addition or as an alternative. Mid-distance and Avlo services have vending machines rather than dining carts. Bringing your own food and even alcohol onboard Renfe’s services isn’t a problem.

Complimentary (sometimes patchy) wi-fi is provided on Iryo and Renfe’s high-speed services, alongside entertainment portals accessible on your device. Ouigo charges per connection. Plug sockets (F-type) are available at seats on high-speed and mid-distance trains. Nearly all trains, except commuter services, have toilets.

Plan the perfect train trip with these scenic routes and tips

The most popular train routes for travelers in Spain are the high-speed connections that rocket between Seville, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. But riding the rails in Spain isn’t only about barrelling between urban sprawl. These are some of our favorite scenic rail routes worth planning into your trip. 

• Santander to Oviedo :  Cross the lush landscapes of Northern Spain on this slow, scenic rail route using Cercanías AM’s narrow-gauge tracks. This six-hour journey provides some of the expensive Transcantábrico Train’s panoramas for a bargain €16.55. There are no seat reservations, which is handy, as you can switch sides to marvel at both the sparkling Bay of Biscay and the mighty Cantabrian Mountains , Spain’s answer to the Dolomites. 
• Barcelona to A Coruña :  Once served by the discontinued sleeper Trenhotel, this is one of Spain’s longest rail routes, taking nearly 14 hours. The 9:05am Alvia departure can be affordable to cross seven of Spain’s autonomous communities. Pack snacks and pay for a window seat (ideally on the right) to see the full scope of Spain’s landscapes, from arid pastures and fertile farmlands to the verdant Galician Massif . Consider hopping off a few stops early in Ourense to use the town’s free-to-access thermal pools the following morning.
• Granada to Almería : Leaving the magnificent Moorish Alhambra behind, set off across western Andalucía towards the coastal city of Almería. It’s a showstopping three-hour journey traversing the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, snow-capped peaks looming beyond, before cutting through carpets of cork trees. Book a late afternoon departure for ethereal golden light, or take two single tickets to plan a lunch pause at Guadix, best known for its cave houses. 
• Palma de Mallorca to Sóller:  Step onboard the rickety, wooden carriage of Ferrocarril de Sóller , constructed in 1912, for a one-hour-long trundle from Mallorca's capital to the pretty port town of Sóller. En route, you’ll wend through the Tramuntana Mountains, unlit tunnels, and citrus groves close enough to touch. All seats are excellent, but you might want to stand in the open-air platforms between carriages. 
• Zaragoza to Canfranc :  A one-way ticket on this twice-a-day, 2½-hour regional train costs just €16.90, and you’ll get plenty of panoramas for your money, especially after Huesca when the tracks slowly climb up into the ​​Pyrenees. Our resident rail expert, Tom Hall, calls it one of Europe’s best train routes , partly because the landmark Canfranc Station has recently been reborn as a grandiose hotel .

Station tips when traveling Spain by train

Most large cities have multiple train stations, so always confirm departure points. When traveling to dedicated AVE stations outside major cities, check the station’s distance from the city center and pre-plan your connecting travel. Some stations, such as Antequera ’s Santa Ana, can be as far as 15km (9 miles) from the Old Town. 

Spain’s largest stations, such as Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants, can be confusing due to split-level and separated boarding areas for different services. Don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating the station. A quick flash of your ticket will soon have you pointed in the right direction.

All major stations have cafes and kiosks where you can pick up food, although preparing a train picnic from a delicatessen might be preferable. Still, a quick tapas in Atocha's Tropical Garden, even if the pond-residing turtles have now been rehomed, is a solid start to any journey. If you’re on a connecting service with time to explore beyond the station, most larger terminals have lockers or left luggage desks (​​consigna) .

Many stations are accessible, but there’s room for improvement on older services

Adif, the agency in charge of Spain’s rail infrastructure, provides in-station and boarding assistance for travelers with accessibility needs via the Acerca service, offered at 145 stations.

When booking tickets online, H seats – accessible spaces that can anchor a wheelchair – can be requested on the opening screen, and Acerca assistance can be requested later in the booking process. A minimum of 12–48 hours' notice is stipulated, depending on the operator. However, in larger stations, staffed service centers can usually provide support without pre-booking if you arrive and register at the desk ahead of travel. Check which facilities are available at each station on Adif’s website .

In addition to offering boarding support (many train types require a stair-climber lift, not just a ramp, while others like Avlo have level boarding), Acerca can provide technical aids for hearing and a guided sight service. Contact Adif Acerca for information on induction loop systems or to discuss alternative routes should your planned journey include a non-accessible station without in-person assistance. Tactile paving, step-free access, and elevators are installed at most major stations, and nearly every train has a conductor or staff member onboard who can assist. 

On high-speed, long-distance, and most other services, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are located in carriages with H seats. Ouigo trains have a call button on adapted seats to provide food and drink service, as the cafe is located on the top deck. Cercanías AM carriages have no H seats but offer a dedicated space for wheelchair users with tie-downs. However, many older, narrow-gauge trains lack accessible bathrooms.

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Rolling forests, saw-toothed mountains, bridges spanning river gorges - these European train rides put on quite a show.

Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 1, 2023 • 4 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 6, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Jun 18, 2023 • 6 min read

May 19, 2023 • 12 min read

May 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Vodafone Travel eSIM

The ultimate travel plan.

Valid 30 Days

Ultimate Travel Plan

Genuine Vodafone Service

Works in 75 Countries *

Unlimited Data and Local Calls * *

Unlimited Inbound Texts * * *

UK Phone Number Included

Vodafone Travel eSIM - The Ultimate Travel Plan

We genuinely believe that our unique Vodafone eSIM service is your ultimate Travel companion. Not only does it work in 75 countries with super-fast data, but it also offers you unlimited local calls in whichever country you are in, as well as free inbound calls and inbound texts. It will come already fully activated and ready to use immediately after installation. No stress, no worries, and from start to finish, we've got your back.

Coverage in:

* Vodafone Travel works in the UK and all the below countries:

Albania, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Austria, Australia, Azores, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France (incl.Corsica), French Guiana, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Reunion, Saint Martin, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain (incl. Balearic Islands), St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom and United States.

How it Works:

• Buy your eSIM
• Check your email for the QR code
• Scan the QR code onto your device
• Follow your phone instructions to install the eSIM
• Enjoy your travels

* *    Unlimited Data

Our plans are subject to Vodafone's Fair Usage Policy - view here

* * *    Unlimited Inbound Texts

Outbound texts are not supported

What exactly is included in my Vodafone bundle?

Details of everything that is included in our Vodafone bundles can be - found here

Top grade quality for all plans .

High end business features that an eSIM demands and deserves.

Not any old data-only plan

Finally, a travel eSIM that supports voice, SMS, and data mobile services with a UK Tier1 Operator

Unrivalled Coverage

Not unique to one destination, but a massive 75 countries worldwide

Long 30-day plan

Make the most of your travels and benefit from unlimited services for a full 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us try to help answer some of the most common questions you may have.

Will my plan include a phone number?

When will my 30 days start, can i port my uk number in.

• Need some help or have a question?
•   [email protected]
• How to Setup and Use Dual SIM
• Industry News
• Partner with Us
• Terms & Conditions
• eSIM Europe
• Accessibility
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• WebSite Terms of Use

Join our Newsletter

Looking to keep track of your plans on the go?

Download our user-friendly app and keep us with you wherever in the world you go.

• Insider Reviews
• Tech Buying Guides
• Personal Finance
• Insider Explainers
• Sustainability
• United States
• International
• Deutschland & Österreich
• South Africa

• Home ›
• travel ›
• india ›
• article »

10 Best cold places to visit in India during summer 2024

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Gulmarg, jammu and kashmir, shimla, himachal pradesh, darjeeling, west bengal, auli, uttarakhand, kodaikanal, tamil nadu, munnar, kerala, coorg, karnataka, tawang, arunachal pradesh.

• RIL cash flows
• Charlie Munger
• Feedbank IPO allotment
• Tata IPO allotment
• Most generous retirement plans
• Broadcom lays off
• Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
• Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
• Nestle Sept 2023 report
• India Equity Market
• Best printers for Home
• Best Mixer Grinder
• Best wired Earphones
• Best 43 Inch TV in India
• Best Wi Fi Routers
• Best Vacuum Cleaner
• Best Home Theatre in India
• Smart Watch under 5000
• Best Laptops for Education
• Best Laptop for Students

• Advertising
• Write for Us
• Privacy Policy
• Policy News
• Personal Finance News
• Mobile News
• Business News
• Ecommerce News
• Startups News
• Stock Market News
• Finance News
• Entertainment News
• Economy News
• Careers News
• International News
• Politics News
• Education News
• Advertising News
• Health News
• Science News
• Retail News
• Sports News
• Personalities News
• Corporates News
• Environment News
• Top 10 Richest people
• Top 10 Largest Economies
• Lucky Color for 2023
• How to check pan and Aadhaar
• Deleted Whatsapp Messages
• How to restore deleted messages
• 10 types of Drinks
• Instagram Sad Face Filter
• Unlimited Wifi Plans
• Recover Whatsapp Messages
• Google Meet
• Check Balance in SBI
• How to check Vodafone Balance
• Transfer Whatsapp Message
• NSE Bank Holidays
• Dual Whatsapp on Single phone
• Phone is hacked or Not
• How to Port Airtel to Jio
• Window 10 Screenshot

Copyright © 2024 . Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.

Money latest: American Express announces two big changes to credit card

Two changes to British Airways credit cards - which help customers collect Avios points towards flights - are coming. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and tell us your thoughts on any of the stories we cover in the form below.

Friday 12 April 2024 20:30, UK

• UK economy grows slightly for second month in a row
• American Express announces two big changes to British Airways credit cards
• How your neighbour's garden could wipe up to £57,000 from your house price
• At what age do you reach peak earnings?
• Prescription costs are rising - here's how to beat the hike
• Authentic or Greek-style? Your guide to getting healthier yoghurt for less
• 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
• Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
• Basically...  Tax codes
• Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe

Ask a question or make a comment

UK lenders have seen a rise in defaults on mortgages and credit cards - with the trend expected to continue in the coming months, according to a survey.

A poll of banks and building societies by the Bank of England reveals lenders reported higher default rates on secured loans and unsecured lending in the three months to the end of February.

The rates for mortgages, credit cards and other loans, as well as loans to small to medium businesses, are all expected to rise in the next quarter.

The BoE carries out the survey every quarter as part of its role to maintain financial stability.

It also revealed increased demand for borrowing, with this also expected to climb during the three months to the end of May.

Karim Haji, global and UK head of financial services at KPMG, said the latest BoE data suggests "a more positive economic outlook hasn't fed through to household finances yet".

"Defaults across all unsecured lending increasing over the same three-month period indicates many people are still struggling to meet their day-to-day costs. Lenders will need to be vigilant and continue to offer support for borrowers in the interim," he said.

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Poor software and bias toward making only small, sequential changes is one of the reasons economic forecasters at the Bank of England failed to predict and prepare for the cost of living crisis, brought about by high inflation, according to a "once in a generation" review.

The review announced last year was undertaken by the former head of the US central bank, known as the Fed, and said the quality of the Bank's economic expectations "deteriorated significantly in the past few years" due to out of date software and "excessive incrementalism".

Though the "unusually large forecasting errors" were said to be "probably inevitable", according to the review, conducted by Dr Ben Bernanke.

The problem was not unique to the Bank, rather something all central banks and private forecasters suffered from, it said.

Read the full story here...

After the UK airports with the worst delays were revealed earlier today (see post at 1.15pm), we've been looking at your rights.

If you're unlucky enough to get stuck at an airport due to a flight delay, you may wonder if you're entitled to any compensation.

The good news is you may be - in certain circumstances.

First, it's important to know what flights are covered by consumer law. These are: 

• Any flight leaving a UK airport
• Flights operated by a UK/EU airline arriving at a UK airport
• Flights operated by a UK airline only arriving at an EU airport

When will I be entitled to help? 

You'll qualify for support if a short-haul flight under 932 miles (1,500km) is pushed back by two hours. 

This rises to three hours for journeys up to 2,175 miles (3,500km).

For long-haul flights going any further than this, four hours or longer counts as a significant delay.

What support will I get?

Under UK law, airlines must give passengers who are affected by a delay of at least two hours:

• A reasonable amount of food and drink (usually provided in the form of vouchers)
• Refunds for the cost of two free phone calls, faxes or emails
• Accommodation for passengers stranded overnight (usually in a nearby hotel)
• Transport to a hotel - or their home

Will I get compensation?

Usually, airlines have to provide compensation if a person's flight arrives more than three hours late.

The exception to this is when there are air traffic control problems or extreme weather, as these issues aren't their fault.

If you agree to travel on a later flight, the airline is no longer obliged to offer food, drink or accommodation while you wait.

Thankfully, you are entitled to a full refund if you decide to abandon your journey after five hours of delays.

The length of your flight affects how much you are entitled to:

• Short-haul flight - £220
• Medium-haul flight - £350
• Long-haul flight - £520 if the flight arrived more than four hours late, £260 for a delay of between three to four hours

What if I'm about to travel?

Transfer passengers who end up missing a connecting flight because their first plane was delayed are entitled to a service back to their original departure point.

But things get a little more complicated for passengers on package holidays - especially if they decide not to travel on a delayed outbound flight.

The CAA's guidance says: "You may lose your holiday too, so we recommend you contact your package organiser or the airline for further information.

"If you still want to travel then your airline must get you to your destination. You might have to be patient while they rearrange transport and rebook passengers, but the law says they must get you there."

What if my flight is cancelled? 

You're entitled to a refund or replacement flight if yours is cancelled. Your rights to assistance are the same as if your flight is delayed.

If the reason for the cancellation was within the airline's control, and it was made with no more than 14 days' notice, then depending on the timings of the new flight offered you could also be entitled to compensation.

You'll be able to claim £110 and £520 depending on the length of the route and timings of the new flight.

Drivers are still feeling the strain of rising insurance premiums - but there are signs of a slowdown, according to one index.

New figures from insights firm Consumer Intelligence suggest the average quoted price of car insurance rose by 56.4% in the year to February.

This was the third-highest annual increase since its records began in 2012 - but in slightly better news for motorists, it marked a lower annual rise than the 67.2% recorded in November.

And there was only a slight rise of 0.5% when looking at the three months to February - the lowest quarterly increased since November 2021.

Drivers most commonly received a quote between £500 and £749 in February, Consumer Intelligence said. It analysed the average of the five cheapest offers from price comparison websites.

Max Thompson, the firm's insurance insight manager, said big insurance brands made "competitive movements" to reduce premiums at the start of the year.

"However, some of this was unwound in February indicating it may have been more of a tactical move than a long-term trend," he added.

Jonathan Fong, manager of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers, said insurers were "aware of the financial challenges customers are facing" and were working to keep prices affordable.

"Our motor premium tracker is the only collection based on the price customers pay for their policy, rather than quotes, and shows that the average motor premium increased by 25% last year to £543.

"This was largely driven by above inflation increases in the cost of repairs, thefts and replacement cars."

The Abu Dhabi-backed vehicle that had been on the brink of buying The Daily Telegraph is in detailed talks with Whitehall officials about the structure of an onward sale of the newspaper. 

Sky News has learnt that RedBird IMI is negotiating with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about whether it can convert a call option which constitutes the right to take ownership of the Telegraph and Spectator into shares in the assets prior to their purchase by a new owner.

Read the exclusive story by our City editor Mark Kleinman ...

The telecoms entrepreneur who turned Daisy Group into one of the industry's most successful private companies is closing in on the latest in a string of significant takeover deals.

Matthew Riley, Daisy's chairman, has orchestrated a £215m deal to acquire 4Com , a provider of cloud communications services to more than 17,000 corporate customers, Sky News understands.

City sources said the deal was expected to be signed within days and was likely to hand 4Com founder Daron Hutt a windfall worth more than £100m.

Read the full story here ...

The Financial Conduct Authority has told motor finance firms they need to put funds aside as it continues a probe into the sector.

The City regulator also said many firms are "struggling to promptly provide the data we need" for the investigation.

A review was launched by the FCA earlier this year into whether people could be owed compensation for being charged too much for car loans, following a high number of complaints on historic agreements.

American Express has announced two major changes to its British Airways credit cards which help customers collect Avios points towards flights.

From November, the amount that BA Amex and BA Amex Premium Plus card holders will need to spend every year to get "two-for-one" companion vouchers will rise to £15,000.

That's a £3,000 rise in the minimum annual spend for Amex customers and £5,000 for Amex Premium Plus.

The companion vouchers mean customers can grab a second seat for someone travelling on the same flight, or a 50% discount on the Avios price of a solo flight.

That's not the only change, however, as American Express is also hiking the annual fee for its Amex Premium Plus card from £250 to £300 - an inflation-busting 20% increase.

The fee increase applies from today for new applicants. Existing cardholders will be hit with the rise for renewals from 1 August onwards.

Meanwhile, the US bank said the qualifying spend for companion vouchers will start from 1 November regardless of when membership is renewed.

That means some current customers may need to race to hit the lower minimum spend by 31 October.

American Express told consumer champion Which? that it occasionally makes changes to cardholders' account terms. A spokesperson said the companion voucher "remains an industry-leading credit card benefit", while both cards "continue to provide great value for customers".

Greece has announced a scheme to give "free" holidays to tourists affected by the wildfires that ravaged Rhodes last summer.

More than 20,000 tourists and locals were forced to flee homes and seaside hotels after blazes fanned by strong winds broke out on the island and burned for days in July 2023.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowed  last year to offer a one-week free holiday in Rhodes to those whose holidays were cut short.

The country's government has now officially launched the "Rodos Week" scheme, which offers an e-voucher of between €300 and €500 compensation for a week's stay.

The general secretary of Greece's tourism ministry  told  The Guardian that it has been a "very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this".

The amount holidaymakers can claim depends on the rank of the hotel they were originally staying in.

E-vouchers can be claimed during two phases: between now and May 31, and from 10 October to 11 November.

Only those who stayed in hotels are eligible for the scheme, the government said, with Airbnb accommodation excluded.

Yannis Papavasiliou, head of the island's union of hoteliers, said there has been good take up already with over 5,000 holidaymakers enrolling, according to The Guardian.

The airport where you're likely to face the longest delays has been revealed as one of the UK's biggest.

London Gatwick replaced Birmingham to top the list for 2023, with its departures nearly 27 minutes behind schedule, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

The West Sussex airport, the second-busiest in the UK behind Heathrow, was hit by air traffic control shortages across Europe last year and also had similar problems in its control tower.

In a statement, Gatwick said it was "working closely with our airline partners to improve on-time performance".

"The majority of cancellations are caused by poor weather, airspace constraints across Europe and inefficient third party ground operations," it said.

Luton airport followed with an average delay of almost 23 minutes, while Manchester took third place at nearly 22 minutes.

In contrast, holidaymakers flying from Belfast City (George Best) had the best experience, with the typical delay there just 12-and-a-half minutes in 2023.

Across all airports, the average delay was almost 20 minutes and 42 seconds - though this fell from 23 minutes and 12 seconds the previous year amid a boom in travel after the pandemic.

CAA director Tim Johnson said the aviation sector needed to "focus on resilience" before summer comes to "keep passenger disruption to a minimum".

All scheduled and chartered departures from UK airports with at least 1,000 outbound flights were included in the analysis, with cancellations excluded.

Naomi Leach, deputy editor of Which? Travel, said the latest figures point to "millions of passengers" experiencing "unacceptably long hold-ups last year".

"This cannot be allowed to become the new normal."

But the Airport Operators Association argued that data doesn't show "any of the context around operating in a global environment".

"Airports work extremely hard to minimise delays while providing a positive, safe and secure experience for passengers," it said.

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team will get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'You can't get a mortgage with a bad credit rating'

Just how important is keeping on top of your credit score when it comes to buying a home?

For this one, we've got the help of  Emma Steeley , chief executive at borrowing platform Aro. 

"The honest answer is that a bad credit rating can stop you from getting a mortgage, and a poor rating can throw some serious hurdles in your path," Emma says. 

"Despite this, it's not the end of the road if your credit rating isn't as rosy as you'd like it to be."

What counts as a bad credit score?

"In the worst-case scenario, this will likely mean you've defaulted on or missed payments, and debt has been escalated to the stage where legal action has been initiated," Emma says. 

An applicant left with a credit score below 325 is considered "poor" or even "very poor" by Equifax. 

A game of risk for lenders

Before we talk about what your credit score will do to an offer rate, it's important to understand the impact that the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio can have on this too, as it heavily influences the interest rate offered by lenders.

Your LTV ratio is used by lenders to decide how risky it is to lend you the money to buy your home. It compares how much of the property you will own - ie, how much deposit you can put down in relation to the property’s value - to how much they will need to lend to you to make up the difference.

"The lower your LTV ratio, the better the mortgage rate you're likely to be offered - the higher the LTV, the higher the risk for the lender," Emma says. 

"A higher credit score can help mitigate the impact of a high LTV, potentially resulting in a more favourable interest rate."

What to do if you have a poor credit score

The obvious answer here is to try to improve your credit score, by building your file with credit builder loans and/or secured cards.

"While the options may be limited and less favourable for those with 'poor' credit scores, they do exist," Emma says. 

Those are usually longer or more expensive deals, however. 

The good news is most lenders don't solely use credit scores as a measure of creditworthiness. 

"Best practice will see lenders using a blended scorecard, that overlays behavioural data and back book financial performance with credit data to get a much more accurate assessment of an individual's payback ability," Emma says. 

However, for people with a "very poor" rating (below 226, according to Equifax), the number of offers you are likely to receive shrinks to almost zero.

Myth or must?

It's undeniable that a good credit score gives you more flexibility when it comes to getting a mortgage. 

"Importantly, credit scores can be improved," Emma says. 

"Those who take a proactive approach to managing their finances and understand how to rebuild their credit score will find themselves presented with a wider array of loan options."

A good credit score is a money must. 

Messy neighbours can slash tens of thousands of pounds off the value of your home, according to new research.

A survey of estate agents by Churchill Home Insurance found that more than four in five (82%) believe it's important for homeowners to chat to their neighbours about their poorly maintained property before putting the house on the market.

Some 22% said an overgrown garden is likely to have the biggest impact, while 20% said rubbish or junk in the driveway or front garden could affect the cost.

Overflowing gutters (20%), several cars parked on or around the property (19%) and garden ornaments and statues (18%) also cut the value of neighbouring homes, estate agents said.

The research also revealed that some sellers deliberately time viewings to make their houses seem more attractive, avoiding issues next door such as loud music or pets - or even avoiding the neighbours altogether.

Sarah Khan, head of Churchill home insurance, said: "First impressions count when it comes to selling homes, with the sale price often negatively impacted when the neighbouring property looks scruffy.

"Investing a few hundred pounds in a gardener to tidy up next door's front garden could pay huge dividends when it comes to selling your home, a win-win for both you and your neighbour." 

What do estate agents say? 

We spoke to people in the industry about the risk of having messy neighbours when it comes to moving - and what their advice is for those seeking to avoid any effect on their sale.

James Stevenson, south and south west area director at Foxtons,  agrees it can make the process more difficult.

"Gardens that are unkept or full of clutter, pavements and frontages that have fallen into disrepair or where your neighbours are showing little care for their property are all a negative flag for buyers," he said.

"Additionally, any disruption that has become a neighbourly dispute must be declared to prospective buyers, so it's always better to have a great relationship with your neighbours and try to resolve any existing issues amicably."

Messy neighbours are "frustrating" at any time, but become a "more pressing issue" when it comes to putting a home up for sale, says  Sarah Cull, senior associate director Strutt & Parker Salisbury.

"Before you get your own gardening shears out, the first step should always be to try to have a frank conversation with your neighbour - you can even explain that you're looking to sell and you want to give prospective buyers the best first impression possible."

If a friendly chat doesn't do the job, Sarah suggests heading to a local garden centre to pick up some screening.

"Where the neighbour's garden is considered a nuisance - for example there's lots of rubbish which could attract pests, or weeds are damaging groundwork - then you can report it to your local council," she added.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free