Are you planning to travel to Portugal and looking to order an eSIM to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM when traveling to Portugal including a comparison of the best Portugal eSIMs for 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendation and order an eSIM for Portugal on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per October 2024, including all specifications per eSIM and info about EU data roaming.
Also find out where and when to order an eSIM, more info about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, an answer to the most FAQ about eSIMs, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards for Portugal and of course links to directly order your eSIM for traveling to Portugal on the internet.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Portugal eSIM comparison
- What is the cheapest eSIM for Portugal?
- Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Portugal
- Where to buy an eSIM for Portugal?
- When to order/activate an eSIM for Portugal?
- How to activate an eSIM
- Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Portugal
- Make sure your phone is unlocked
- Which smartphones support eSIMs?
- Can I trust these eSIM providers?
- Can I keep my phone number from home with a Portugal eSIM?
- Can I make phone calls with a Portugal eSIM?
- Does a Portugal eSIM come with a phone number?
- Can I use 5G on a Portugal eSIM?
- Are there eSIMs for Portugal with unlimited data?
- Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal?
- eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Already since 2012 I am 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 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIMs I used over 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 eSIMs to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a tourist sim card in Portugal in 2024.
On Traveltomtom you can find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Europe, Egypt, Dubai, Asia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, international eSIMs and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark Traveltomtom and let me help you save money when traveling!
Some links in this article about the best eSIMs for Portugal 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!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends the following two eSIMs for traveling to Portugal in 2024:
1. Orange Holiday Europe eSIM - $59 USD
- 100 GB data in all of Europe
- 5G ready
- Unlimited calling/texting in all of Europe
- 120 international minutes
- 1,000 international sms
- Valid for 28 days
- Only $0.59 USD per Gigabyte
The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is upgraded for Summer 2024 with NOW DOUBLE DATA up to 100 GB and therefore the best eSIM for Portugal in 2024.
This eSIM comes with a phone number from France starting with +33 and is valid in 39 countries in Europe. Unlimited calls and sms within Europe are included.
You can buy the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via SimOptions for $59.90 USD or via Sim Local for $59 USD.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 15% off on all Sim Local eSIMs when using the promo code: TRAVELTOMTOM at check out!
Since the Orange Holiday eSIM comes with free EU data roaming and is valid in all countries in Europe it is therefore also listed as the best sim card for traveling to Europe.
2. Jetpac eSIM for Portugal - $14 USD
- 15 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Portugal only
- 5G ready
- Valid for 30 days
- Less than $1 USD per Gigabyte
The Jetpac eSIMs for Portugal have amazing rates that go down to $0.7 USD. Because of these amazing eSIM deals Jetpac is also rated as one of the best eSIMs for traveling to Portugal in 2024.
Jetpac eSIMs are data-only and do not support calling and texting. They are 5G ready.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM for Portugal or in general before using an eSIM.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIMs 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 eSIM 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.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIMs only work if your smartphone supports eSIMs, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIMs. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Portugal.
However, you can still order a sim card for Portugal on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card for Portugal in 2024 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Portugal eSIM comparison
There are multiple website on the internet that sell eSIMs for Portugal and you can now also opt for an eSIM if you buy a local prepaid sim card in an official phone store of MEO, NOS or Vodafone in Portugal.
However, being online as soon as the plane lands is much more convenient and therefore Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for traveling in Portugal from one of the well-known eSIM providers: SimOptions, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Sim Local, Jetpac, Roamless, etc. which all have proven to be reliable operators.
Traveltomtom's long time favorites eSIM suppliers are SimOptions and Airalo but are the also the best and the cheapest nowadays. The competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM first read all my tips below.
SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for Portugal. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Portugal and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Portugal.
Sim Local, Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only sell eSIMs for Portugal.
Jetpac
Traveltomtom found out that Jetpac has some great eSIM plans for traveling to Portugal:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $4 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $31 USD
Click here for more info or to order a Portugal eSIM from Jetpac.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!
The rates for Jetpac Portugal eSIMs go as low as $0.7 USD per Gigabyte. Which makes Jetpac among the best value eSIMs for Portugal in 2024.
Jetpac eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs are now 5G ready.
Jetpac offers several additional services to its eSIM users. Get free lounge access if your flight is delayed. But make sure to register your flight on the Jetpac platform. Via Jetpac you can also buy discounted Airport Lounge Passes as well as fast track passes. But the best extra service of Jetpac is a free VPN subscription.
The eSIMs can be installed before traveling to Portugal, but only from the first moment it connects to a supported network the eSIM validity of 30 days starts counting. For more info check out the Jetpac website.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM 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 Portugal eSIM.
Why using SimOptions? They offer eSIMs including calling and texting. Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only offer data-only eSIMs.
SimOptions offers different data-only eSIMs as well as International eSIMs including calling and texting. Let me first show you the eSIMs for Portugal from the SimOptions brand.
- 1 GB data (5G ready) for 7 days = $4.50 USD
- 3 GB data (5G ready) for 15 days = $9.50 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $14.90 USD
- 30 GB data (5G ready) for 30 days = $39.90 USD
These data-only eSIMs are provided by SimOptions and apart from the Europe 5GB plan only valid in Portugal. Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify which mobile network operator in Portugal they use. Most of these Portugal eSIMs from SimOptions are now 5G ready.
These SimOptions eSIMs for Portugal do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIMs is 1 year and you can instal them anytime but the validity only starts when you reach Portugal and connect to a supported network.
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM for Portugal.
Much more interesting are the international eSIMs for Portugal you can order via SimOptions. These eSIMs support incoming and outgoing calls/sms as they come with a phone number.
- 10 GB data (5G ready) + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $22.90 USD
- 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $23.90 USD
- 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
- 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
- 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD
- 100 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 28 days = $59.90 USD
Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Portugal via SimOptions.
These eSIMs are valid all over Europe and they include free EU data roaming. The best thing about these eSIMs for Portugal is that they also include calling and texting.
The O2 Go Card eSIM and the Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM are the only eSIMs that are 5G ready. All other eSIMs do not support 5G, only 4G/LTE.
These international eSIMs for Portugal are also valid for 1 year, but the credit validity starts only when the eSIM connects the first time to a supported network. So you can instal the eSIM even when you are not in Europe yet and the credit validity won’t start only on arrival. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputed eSIM provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM for Portugal 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 eSIM deals.
Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper eSIM deals compared to SimOptions.
Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email and get directions from Google Maps, Airalo is a great eSIM for traveling to Portugal.
Here are Portugal eSIM plans for 2024 from Airalo:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $9.5 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD
Click here for more info or to order an eSIM for Portugal from Airalo.
The other Airalo eSIMs for Portugal are from FoFo Mobil and operate on the 4G/LTE network of NOS in Portugal. Unfortunately the Airalo FoFo Mobil eSIMs for Portugal are not 5G ready, only 4G/LTE is supported.
All the Airalo eSIMs are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM 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.
Nomad
Another eSIM provider that Traveltomtom recommends is Nomad. Traveltomtom tested and reviewed Nomad in over 10 different countries and it worked as a charm.
When looking for the cheapest eSIM deals for Portugal and compared some of the Nomad plans with SimOptions and Airalo I found out that Nomad has some amazing eSIM plans for traveling to Portugal in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $10 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 eSIM for Portugal from Nomad.
The Nomad eSIMs for Portugal are from 1GLOBAL and they use the 4G/LTE network of NOS Portugal. The Nomad eSIMs for Portugal are not 5G ready.
They do not come with a phone number and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
The Nomad Portugal eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Portugal. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other eSIM providers they only offer eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until the data speed restores.
Here are the Holafly unlimited data eSIM plans for Portugal:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIMs are significantly more expensive than Jetpac, Airalo, Nomad and SimOptions. The Holafly eSIMs for Portugal are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number.
According to the Holafly website these Holafly Portugal eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network of Orange. However, Orange is NOT a mobile internet operator in Portugal, so I am sure Holafly is making a mistake on their website.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info later.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIMs with 'unlimited' data with an FUP and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Portugal.
Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network operator in that country and while people all around me constantly had a data connection I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even when we were in big cities I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.
I understand it could be a different story in Portugal but I was put off a bit.
Nowadays, you can buy an eSIM for pretty much every country in the world. Order directly from one of the above eSIM providers and instantly receive your eSIM in your email.
Why did Traveltomtom already use more than 100s of eSIMs? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. On average I use about 40 - 50 prepaid and eSIMs per year, which make me an expert on sim cards for tourists.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Portugal?
No eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM for Portugal for just $1 USD. It is only valid in for 4 days and you get 1 GB data.
Other cheap eSIMs for Portugal are an eSIM from Airalo for $4.5 USD with 1 GB data for 7 days. These FoFo Mobil eSIMs are only valid in Portugal and do not support calling and texting. SimOptions offers the exact same eSIM plan.
Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Portugal
eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal 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 eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Portugal 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 Portugal with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Portugal, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Portugal 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.
eSIMs 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 Portugal and even 5G nowadays and also eSIMs for Portugal that are 5G ready.
Actually even 5G, but most eSIMs do not offer 5G, only 4G/LTE network is supported. Only the O2 Go Card eSIM from SimOptions supports 5G in every country in Europe.
Uncountable times (mostly American) 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 eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Portugal. 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 eSIM for Portugal?
Online
You can only buy an eSIM for Portugal on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Portugal. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers like Jetpac, Sim Local, Roamless, Airalo, Nomad, SimOptions, Holafly, etc. and concluded that the ones mentioned in this guide are the best eSIM providers for traveling to Portugal in 2024.
Some mobile internet operators sell eSIMs for Portugal through their own website. Be prepared that with these eSIMs a long and tiring registration process is needed. A copy of your passport is needed as well as an address. After ordering the eSIM is NOT ready to use. You will need to confirm your identity by uploading your documents and wait for approval.
When buying an eSIM for Portugal through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Portugal
When you arrive in Portugal and you want to buy an eSIM for tourists then you will have to go to an official retail store of an internet provider. How to locate the nearest one to your hotel? Use Google Maps.
However, as of October 2024, not all mobile internet operators in Portugal provide eSIMs for tourists. Most Vodafone and NOS stores sell eSIMs for tourists, but MEO often has no eSIMs for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Portugal in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Portugal, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Flying into Portugal and landing in Lisbon Airport then you can also buy a sim card for Portugal on arrival at the airport. However, Vodafone is the only operator that sells physical prepaid as well as eSIMs at Lisbon Airport. However, I can already tell you that ordering an eSIM for Portugal via SimOptions, Holafly, Jetpac, Nomad or Airalo is much cheaper.
Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport in 2024.
When to order/activate an eSIM for Portugal?
You can order an eSIM for Portugal pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs 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 eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Portugal. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your Portugal eSIM on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in Portugal. All international airports in Portugal have free public WiFi.
How do I know? Traveltomtom recently visited Lisbon again and updated my arrival guide for buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport in 2024.
How to activate an eSIM
Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM 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 eSIM plan for Portugal you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM 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 Portugal eSIM.
But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Portugal eSIM.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM 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.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Portugal
Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Portugal eSIMs, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM 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 Portugal. 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 portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Portugal or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Portugal and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIMs?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM providers for Portugal recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM 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 Portugal.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our article: Honest Review of SimOptions.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom's honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
On top of that there is now also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. Truly a game changer!
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Portugal eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Portugal.
All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with a Portugal eSIM?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Portugal. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.
So you can have multiple eSIMs 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 Portugal eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
If your Portugal eSIM also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in Portugal, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your Portugal eSIM.
Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.
Can I make phone calls with a Portugal eSIM?
This depends on the type of eSIM that you order. Only the international eSIMs from SimOptions offer calling and texting. All the eSIMs from Jetpac, Holafly, Nomad and Airalo are data-only and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
The SimOptions international eSIMs include unlimited calling not only in Portugal but in all of Europe.
Does a Portugal eSIM come with a phone number?
This also depends on the type of eSIM that you buy. eSIMs that support calls and sms they come with a phone number. All the eSIMs from Airalo, Nomad, Holafly and Jetpac are data-only eSIMs and they do not come with a phone number.
In the above Portugal eSIM comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM.
All the international eSIMs from SimOptions come with a phone number, which means they can also receive calls and sms as well as make phone calls and send text.
Can I use 5G on a Portugal eSIM?
Unfortunately, most of the Portugal eSIMs are NOT 5G ready yet as of October 2024. Which means the max data speed is 4G/LTE. All Jetpac eSIMs for Portugal are 5G ready, as well as some of the SimOptions eSIMs.
Traveltomtom rated the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM as the best eSIM for Europe and it is also 5G ready.
You get 100 GB data for $59 USD and it is valid in all of Europe including unlimited calls/sms. That is only $0.6 USD per Gigabyte.
You can buy the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM via SimOptions for $59.90 USD or via Sim Local for $59 USD.
Are there eSIMs for Portugal with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIMs for Portugal include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Portugal and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very dissatisfying.
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Portugal eSIMs with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After 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 was not even loading!
Especially on days that you have a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIMs for Portugal with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM give you 100 GB data and is even 5G ready and you can order via SimOptions for $59.90 USD or via Sim Local for $59 USD.
These eSIMs offer a lot of data and there is no real need for an eSIM with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIMs for traveling to Portugal in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal?
eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Portugal, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Portugal:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIMs
Let's compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are often a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than eSIMs. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in Portugal in a phone store and NOT on the internet.
More info about the best Portugal sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Portugal in 2024.
For example in the link above in my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for tourist in Portugal you will find that for €12.5 EUR ($14 USD) you can buy a local prepaid sim card with 10 GB data in Portugal and all of Europe + 1,500 minutes/sms in Europe.
If this sounds like something you want then on arrival in Portugal you will need to find a sim card shop nearby your hotel. They also sell tourist sim cards at Lisbon Airport, but they are more expensive.
But reminder there is already an eSIM for Portugal from Jetpac with 15 GB data for just $14 USD!
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.
The local prepaid sim cards for tourists you buy in Portugal are all 5G ready. All of the mobile internet operators in Portugal (Vodafone, MEO and NOS) allow prepaid users to use the 5G network.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Portugal. Some of them are great for using in Portugal 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 Portugal directly online.
The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is they all included calling and texting. Most eSIMs are data-only sim cards.
eSIMs
There are two different eSIMs:
- eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIMs that you buy in Portugal in a mobile internet provider store
The big difference is that eSIMs provided by the local internet operators in Portugal: MEO, Vodafone and NOS can only be purchased in one of their phone stores around Portugal.
Most stores of Vodafone, MEO and NOS offer eSIMs for tourists as of 2024. Traveltomtom personally shopped around to find out if eSIMs were available for tourists and called some other phone stores around Portugal. Most phone stores in Lisbon, Faro and Porto told me they sell eSIMs for tourists at no extra fee.
This also counts for buying a sim card on arrival at the airport in Portugal however, more expensive of course. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Lisbon Airport.
eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Portugal, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Portugal. 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 eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists? When we compare Portugal eSIM prices with local prepaid sim cards for Portugal, Traveltomtom comes to the simple conclusion that eSIMs for Portugal that you buy on the internet are in fact cheaper than local prepaid sim cards for tourists that they sell in mobile phone stores in Portugal.
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. On top of that there are much better deals online and as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Portugal.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Portugal. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.
Data speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs 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 eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Portugal were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Portugal right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIMs 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 the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my 650K Instagram account or 1.4 Million TikTok account both called @traveltomtom. Follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of October 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Portugal!