Planning your trip to Spain and wondering what is the best way to stay connected and get data on your phone when traveling to Spain? You surely don't want your Spain holiday to get ruined by outrageous roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Spain.
Find out everything you need to know about buying a prepaid sim card in Spain, up to date prices as per August 2024, a comparison of the mobile internet providers, the best 4G/5G network, the best eSIM cards for Spain, info about EU roaming, my recommendation and the latest information about international sim cards for Spain.
Being a very experienced world traveler that has continuously been traveling the world now since 2012 I became an expert in finding the best sim cards for traveling abroad. On my trip around the world I have constantly been looking for ways to get connected.
My journey to visit every country in the world brought me in 2022 for example to more than 60 countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries. Depending on the length of my trip to a country I buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival or get myself an eSIM cards on the internet.
I like to document all my travel tips and that is how writing sim card guides for destinations became a passion. You can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: USA, Asia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bali, New York, Istanbul, Paris, Rome, London, Qatar, Brazil, Turkey, Dubai and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me!
Are you flying in to Madrid Airport or Barcelona Airport? Then click on the links to get to know everything about buying a sim card on arrival at these Spain airports in 2024.
If you would like to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Spain then the airport is the most convenient place to get a sim card. However, sim card deals at airports are always slightly more expensive than in a phone store in the city center.
Some links in this article about the best sim cards for traveling to Spain are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using 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 a Movistar prepaid sim card for Spain. They have the best 4G/5G network in Spain and have a prepaid sim card deal with 40 GB data for just €10 EUR ($11 USD) and you can use the 5G network. A Vodafone sim card would be a second best.
These amazing prepaid sim card deals are only available in stores in Spain.
The cheapest way to stay connected is actually an eSIM card for Spain as they already start from just $1 USD. With an eSIM card you arrive prepared and have data on your phone as soon as the plane lands. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either Airalo, SimOptions. Or check out my list of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Spain in 2024 and find more eSIMs from for example: Jetpac, Nomad, Holafly and others.
Traveltomtom also recommends some global sim cards for travelers with worldwide coverage. These international sim cards cover all of Europe and other parts of the world. A great alternative for those traveling around the world often. They will be shipped to your home address before your trip.
Traveling to Spain and heading on a trip to Europe afterwards then buying a sim card that works in all of Europe is a great option for you. In the link I compared the best sim cards for Europe in 2024.
Best eSIM cards for Spain
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Spain in 2024 is an eSIM card. No more visiting a store or swapping physical sim cards. In just a couple clicks you can order and instal an eSIM card for Spain.
For your interest: in phone stores in Spain they do NOT provide eSIM cards, they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
You order an eSIM card for Spain on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have a Spain eSIM card installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Spain it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM card for Spain.
For much more details and answers to all the FAQ's about eSIM cards check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Spain in 2024.
Here is a selection of Traveltomtom's favorites.
Airalo
Airalo is a trusted eSIM provider that Traveltomtom has used uncountable times around the world. Check out all the Airalo eSIM card plans for Spain in 2024:
- 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 for more info or to order an eSIM card for Spain directly via Airalo.
These Spain eSIM cards from Guay Mobile are data-only sim cards and calling and texting is NOT supported. They operate on the 4G/LTE mobile network of Movistar. Data is only valid in Spain.
SimOptions
SimOptions sells international eSIM cards for Spain. These international eSIM cards include free EU data roaming which means that they are valid all over Europe. In fact SimOptions sells the best eSIM card for traveling in Europe if you ask me.
The above shown eSIMs are just a small selection.
If you are looking for eSIM cards for Spain that also support calls AND include EU data roaming then SimOptions is definitely for you.
- 10 GB data-only (5G ready) 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 directly order an international eSIM card for Spain via SimOptions.
Nomad
A third eSIM provider that often has amazing eSIM card deals is Nomad. Check out the following Spain eSIM card plans from Nomad for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 30 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 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 card for Spain from Nomad.
Before ordering an eSIM card for Spain make sure your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked! For more tips about using Spain eSIM cards check my complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM card for Spain in 2024, including a comparison of more eSIM brands that sell Spain eSIM cards like: Jetpac, Holafly, etc.
If your phone is not eSIM compatible and you don't want to waste your precious time on your Spain holiday trying to find a sim card store and standing in line for buying a prepaid sim card then I got the best solution for you: order a physical prepaid sim card for traveling in Spain online.
Easy, quick and already activated from its first use. Have a look at all the international prepaid sim cards for Spain in the link. You can already find 12 GB and unlimited calling/texting for less than $30 USD. Or click on the link or the banner above for more info.
Why buying a sim card for Spain
Traveling becomes so much more convenient with an active data connection on your phone. It can be as easy as ordering a taxi on the streets, or finding a cool roof top bar or restaurant nearby. Getting directions from navigation apps is so normal, but with a working data connection suddenly becomes a challenge.
But what about emergencies or if you need to access your banking apps? The easiest way to stay connected is an eSIM card, but the best way to stay connected is buying a local prepaid sim card for Spain. Spain sim cards for tourists are not too expensive and it is worth investing a couple dollars to stay online.
Also don't rely on public WiFi, it is not everywhere available and begging for the WiFi password is annoying. Also keep in mind that using the internet on public WiFi is through an unsecured connection. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data!
If you don't like to swap your sim card for another one you can use an eSIM card. If your phone is not compatible for an eSIM card then you should look into getting a portable WiFi device. However, I am not a fan, so outdated! See my HONEST review of a pocket WiFi in my article about how to get WiFi abroad.
Buying a prepaid sim card in Spain is simple. Make sure you phone is unlocked, walk into any mobile internet store, ask for a prepaid sim card for Spain, put it in your phone, get it activated and within a couple minutes you are online.
Mobile internet providers in Spain
Spain has 4 big mobile internet providers that all sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Orange and Vodafone are the two well known European brands and then there is also Movistar and Mas Movil. Mas Movil operates in Spain under the name Yoigo and phone stores around Spain are called Yoigo, Mas Movil is the mother company.
All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. However, you can only get physical prepaid sim cards in stores in Spain. Es-sim cards for tourists are not available, but you can order eSIM cards for Spain on the internet.
Where to buy a sim card for Spain
At any international airport you will find either mobile internet provider stores or book shops selling prepaid sim cards for Spain. If I don't have an eSIM yet looking for a sim card shop is one of the first things I do on arrival. But be aware that buying a sim card at the airport is always more expensive than in the city center.
Buying a sim card at Barcelona Airport
At Barcelona Airport you can find a couple different Spain sim card deals. An Orange sim card for €15 is the best buy and will give you 9 GB data all over Europe and €5 calling credit. For more info on sim cards at Barcelona Airport check out the link above.
Buying a sim card at Madrid Airport
When flying to Madrid Airport you can buy more or less the same Spain sim card deals as at Barcelona Airport. an Orange sim card for traveling in Spain and Europe for €20 with 10 GB data + €10 calling credit. Check the link above for more info about buying a sim card Madrid Airport.
Official phone stores city center
Once you are settled in your hotel simply search for your preferred Spain sim card provider in Google Maps. Mobile phone shops are mostly always clustered in the city center. In Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga and Madrid it is very easy to find a phone store near your hotel, even in Ibiza and Mallorca there are multiple places that sell Spain sim cards for tourists as well as on the airport of Ibiza and Mallorca.
Convenience stores
You can also buy prepaid sim card at the bigger gas stations and convenience stores. But there won't be any service and you will have to activate the sim card yourself. Not recommended for tourists unless you know what you are doing.
Online
Getting connected when traveling to Spain was never as easy as in 2024. There are multiple eSIM card websites that offer eSIM cards for Spain. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either Airalo, SimOptions or Nomad.
For more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Spain in 2024.
SimOptions also sells international physical prepaid sim cards for Spain. These will be delivered to your home address before your trip. Local prepaid sim cards can NOT be ordered online, these prepaid sim cards for tourists are only available in the stores in Spain.
Spain sim cards and free EU roaming
Spain prepaid sim cards in general include free data roaming in the EU. Sometimes it is capped, so always ask when buying a prepaid sim card in Spain. Free EU roaming means the sim card you buy in Madrid or Barcelona can also be used in Paris, Rome or even Stockholm. Free EU roaming on Spain sim cards is great for those that arrive in Spain and travel to more countries in Europe on the same trip.
Read more on free EU data roaming in my article with everything you need to know about buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe.
There are actually a couple sim cards for Europe that are great value and you can buy them directly online. Click on the link for a list of the best sim cards for Europe travel.
Prices prepaid sim cards in Spain in 2024
Prices for prepaid sim cards in Spain are pretty good. All the Spain mobile internet providers are constantly publishing offers. All the below prices are up to date as per August 2024. Prices are in Euros: $1 USD = €0.92 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.09 USD.
Movistar prepaid sim card
The Movistar prepaid sim card deals have become A LOT BETTER in 2024. The above offers are great Spain prepaid sim card deals and the Movistar prepaid sim cards are 5G ready.
There is limited EU data roaming included. On the €10 EUR plan there is 6 GB data available for roaming in Europe. On the €15 EUR plan 8 GB data and on the €20 EUR plan there is 11 GB available for EU data roaming.
Movistar does NOT provide eSIM cards for tourists, only physical sim cards are available for tourists. For more info check the Movistar website.
Vodafone prepaid sim card
Also Vodafone updated their prepaid sim prices for 2024 and we all benefit! Great news: Vodafone allows prepaid sim card costumers to use 5G network as well as EU roaming in all of Europe, UK and in the USA.
- 30 GB data + unlimited minutes = €15 EUR - $16.5 USD
- 50 GB data + unlimited minutes = €17 EUR - $19 USD
- Unlimited data (max speed 10 Mbps) + unlimited minutes = €28.10 EUR - $31 USD
- Unlimited data (high speed) + unlimited minutes = €35.10 EUR - $39 USD
For €15 EUR you get 30 GB data. All the prepaid sim card packages offer EU roaming. On the Unlimited data plans there is 30 GB and 40 GB free EU data roaming included.
Unfortunately in Vodafone stores in Spain they only sell physical prepaid sim cards, eSIM cards are NOT available for tourists. For more info and check the Vodafone Spain website.
Orange prepaid sim card
These are the latest Orange Spain prepaid sim card plans available for tourists. They have 3 different data packages available. Limited EU data roaming is included in the above data packages of Orange Spain and packages are valid for 4 weeks.
- 50 GB data (11 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €10 EUR - $11 USD
- 75 GB data (16 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €15 EUR - $16.5 USD
- 150 GB data (22 GB in EU) + unlimited minutes = €20 EUR - $22 USD
All Orange prepaid sim cards for Spain are now 5G ready. Orange does NOT provide eSIM cards for tourists, only physical prepaid sim cards are available in Orange stores. Check the Orange website for more info.
Yoigo prepaid sim card
Yoigo is a brand of Mas Movil and of course also operates on the Mas Movil mobile data network.
The Yoigo prepaid sim card plans include EU data roaming and there are no limitations. However, the €35 EUR plan with 150 GB does not include EU data roaming.
But compared to Orange, Yoigo gives you much less Gigabytes for the same price.
Yoigo does NOT provide eSIM cards for prepaid users. For more info check the Yoigo website.
Best 4G/5G mobile data network in Spain in 2024
It is not all about prices for prepaid sim card plans when determining the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Spain. Another important ranking factor is the 4G/5G network in Spain. We are already in 2024, we don't want to get stuck with slow 3G.
Is there 5G in Spain?
Yes, there is 5G in Spain and as of 2024 it is widespread around the country. Pretty much all the tourist destinations and amazing places to visit are covered with a 5G signal.
A bummer is that most of the Spain mobile internet providers still do not offer 5G data speed for prepaid sim cards. The only who allows 5G for prepaid sim cards in Spain is Vodafone. For more detailed 4G/5G coverage maps of Spain, check the link.
Yoigo/Mas Movil Spain 4G/5G network map
Vodafone Spain 4G/5G network map
Orange Spain 4G/5G network map
Movistar Spain 4G/5G network map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Spain in 2024.
When comparing the above Spain 4G/5G network coverage maps from all mobile internet providers in Spain we can see that all of them have an excellent 4G/5G network all around the country. Only small details make the difference.
Vodafone claims on their website to have won prices for the best 5G network in Spain, but Traveltomtom's conclusion after comparing the network coverage maps of Orange, Mas Movil, Movistar and Vodafone is that Movistar has a the most extensive mobile data network and the best 4G/5G network coverage in Spain in 2024.
That said, all other mobile internet providers have great 4G/5G network coverage in all tourist destinations in Spain.
Best sim card for Spain in 2024
eSIM cards for Spain are an amazingly easy way to get connected when traveling to Spain in 2024 and there are some great eSIM card deals. But when comparing eSIM cards for Spain with local prepaid sim cards in Spain then it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are cheaper.
Downside is that you need to go to a phone store on arrival in Spain. With an eSIM card you are online as soon as the plane lands. Traveltomtom recommends ordering a Spain eSIM card from either Airalo or SimOptions but there is also Holafly, Nomad Jetpac and other eSIM providers.
For more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Spain in 2024.
Local prepaid sim cards for tourists are cheap in Spain and for €10 EUR ($11 USD) you can already get 50 GB data. Spain prepaid sim cards allow only limited EU data roaming. Most sim cards limited the EU data roaming around 15 - 20 GB data. Always ask about EU roaming limitation when buying a prepaid sim card in Spain.
When comparing the mobile internet operators in Spain we can see that for 2024 there is very little difference between Mas Movil/Yoigo, Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. All providers have amazing prepaid sim card plans for tourists with a lot of data and all the providers have an excellent 4G/5G mobile data network.
It is a close call between Movistar and Vodafone but Traveltomtom rates Movistar as the best prepaid sim card for Spain in 2024.
Landing on either Barcelona Airport or Madrid Airport you might wanna buy a prepaid sim card for Spain on arrival. It is pricey, but click on the link to read everything about it.
Order a prepaid sim card for Spain online
If your phone is not eSIM compatible but you would like to order a sim card for traveling to Spain online before your trip then check out the following.
Arrive prepared in Spain with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Spain, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Spain:
1. O2 Go Card - $24.90
- 10 GB data
- $2 calling credit (no top-up)
- valid for 30 days
- valid in 34 countries
- 4G/LTE
2. Three Data Pack - $24.90
- 10 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms
- Valid 30 days
- Valid in 56 countries
- 4G/LTE
3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90
- 12 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 30 minutes worldwide
- 200 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
- Valid in 34 countries
- 4G/LTE
4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- Valid 30 days
- Valid in 47 countries
- 4G/LTE
5. Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90
- 30 GB data
- Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
- 120 minutes worldwide
- 1,000 sms worldwide
- Valid 14 days
- Valid in 34 countries
- 4G/LTE
Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for Spain via SimOptions.
Personally I recommend a Bouygues Telecom or Orange international sim card for traveling in Europe.
Also a last reminder that if you phone is eSIM compatible with an eSIM card for Spain you arrange everything online within just a couple minutes. The easiest way to get connected when traveling to Spain in 2024.
You can already get 5 GB data for $12 USD. Click here to order an international eSIM card for Spain via SimOptions or a data-only eSIM card for Spain via Airalo.
But there are also other eSIM providers like for example: Holafly, Nomad, Jetpac and others. Check out Traveltomtom's guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM card for Spain in 2024 including a comparison of all Spain eSIMs.
I also put together a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Europe with more info about EU roaming and local prepaid sim cards vs. international and eSIM cards. Which one is the best for your trip!?
If you want to buy a sim card for traveling in Europe on the internet then click here to check out my Europe travel sim card comparison.
I hope the above tips for finding the best sim card for your trip to Spain were helpful. If you have any questions please leave me a message below. Also if you have any Spain travel related questions don't hesitate to reach out to me either in the comments.
Want to get fuelled by wanderlust? Check out my road to travel to every country in the world or keep track of my journey on Instagram @traveltomtom. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go to 197.
Enjoy your trip to Spain!