Mobile Internet in Spain: SIM Cards and Other Connectivity Options

Going on a business trip or vacation and want to know what is the best mobile internet in Spain?

We have prepared information about SIM cards in Spain, roaming, pocket and free Wi-Fi. Let's compare all the options to find out which one is the most convenient for a tourist.

Mobile Internet in Spain: comparison of the best connection options

During a stay in Spain, there are the following options for mobile phone plans for tourists:

• SIM cards. One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to access mobile internet in Spain is by purchasing a local SIM card for tourists. You can easily find SIM cards at convenience stores, kiosks, and mobile phone shops. Just make sure your phone is unlocked to use a different SIM card.
• Roaming. If your home country's mobile provider offers roaming services in Spain, you can use your existing plan to access mobile internet in Spain. However, be aware that roaming charges can be expensive, so it's essential to check with your provider beforehand.
• Pocket Wi-Fi. Another convenient option is to rent a pocket Wi-Fi device. These portable devices allow you to connect multiple devices to the internet via a secure Wi-Fi network. They are a great choice if you need internet access on the go.
• Free local wireless network. Many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces in Spain offer free Wi-Fi access. While this option may not provide continuous connectivity, it can be useful for checking emails or browsing the web while out and about.

Each of these methods of wireless connection has its own pros and cons. Let's consider all options in detail to understand which mobile internet is better in Spain.

Prepaid SIM cards in Spain

You can use a standard physical SIM card or a virtual eSIM card for mobile internet in Spain.

There are four mobile operators in the country, which cover more than 99% of the territory. Call quality in rural areas may become degraded sometimes.

SIM cards in Barcelona, Madrid and other cities in the country are sold at the below locations:

• at retail outlets sales points, they are easy to find at the airport, train station, supermarket or shopping center;
• in Internet cafes (locutorio), but there is a relatively small choice;
• in The Phone House shops.

To buy a spanish prepaid SIM card, a tourist needs to provide the seller with:

• an identity document;
• hotel accommodation address;
• contact information.

You should buy a Spanish data SIM card if you need to make local calls while in the country. If you speak at least a little Spanish, it will be easier to explain yourself to the salesperson and understand how to choose and activate prepaid SIM data plans.

It is much easier to use the innovative eSIM technology. This is a virtual card in the form of a chip embedded in the smartphone. You configure and activate it yourself. Before traveling, be sure to check whether your smartphone model supports eSIM technology on this page of the website.

The main advantages of eSIM technology are: ease of use and the ability to connect up to five numbers of different operators with different mobile phone plans for tourists (only one can be active at a time). Prepaid SIM data plans for Spain can be chosen while at home, and activated upon arrival in the country.

Read also: eSIM vs SIM: what's the difference

Let's take a look at the list of the best SIM cards in Spain.

1. Yesim

The provider allows the use of high-quality mobile Internet throughout the country. There are different data plans for tourists, a profitable referral program, as well as the opportunity to connect a virtual number. With the help of Yesim profile, it is convenient to exchange data with other gadgets and there is no extra payment for it. The application is suitable for both Apple and Android gadgets.

Actual data plans for Spain are as follows:

• 3 GB for 7 days — 9 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days — 13 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days — 18 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days — 25 EUR.

Unlimited mobile internet is also available:

• 7 days — 21 EUR;
• 15 days — 41 EUR;
• 30 days — 55 EUR.

To connect this best Spanish SIM card you don't need to look for stores, explain yourself to salesmen, or find out how to recharge your account. It is enough to download Yesim application and activate the service. Don't forget that Yesim is available in 200+ countries. Planning visit to Tenerife? No worries, Yesim offers the best option of mobile internet data plans in Tenerife for tourists.

2. Yoigo

Yoigo, the newest mobile operator in Spain, is making waves in the telecommunications industry with its competitive pricing and generous data allowances. Backed by Grupo Más Móvil, the company has been actively acquiring multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) such as Hits Mobile Spain, Lebara Spain, Lycamobile Spain, and Llamaya Móvil Spain.

Yoigo stands out among the Big Four mobile operators in Spain for its cost-effective plans and generous data offerings, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking value for money. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, Yoigo's emergence as a formidable player underscores the importance of innovation and customer-focused strategies in a competitive market.

The operator offers the minimum and maximum prepaid data SIM plans to guests in Spain:

• minimum — 9.9 EUR per month, 100 MB internet and unlimited calls;
• maximum — 20 EUR per month, 32 GB internet and unlimited calls.

3. Orange

Orange, a globally recognized brand present in four continents, is renowned for offering top-quality telecommunications services and solutions in various countries. In Spain, Orange España holds the position of the second-largest mobile operator, trailing behind Movistar Spain but surpassing Vodafone Spain and Yoigo in terms of market share.

While Spain also boasts several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Lycamobile Spain, Orange España emerges as a nice option, offering reliable mobile phone plans for tourists and enhanced user experience compared to its competitors.

Data plans for tourists are the same as the previous operator:

• minimum — 9 EUR per month, 7 GB internet and unlimited calls;
• maximum — 20 EUR per month, 95 GB internet and 5000 minutes of calls.

4. Vodafone

Vodafone Spain, officially known as Vodafone España, stands as the third-largest mobile operator in the country, following Movistar Spain and Orange Spain. While Spain boasts a variety of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), Vodafone España sets itself apart as a reliable option for consumers seeking quality telecommunications services.

Before considering purchasing a Vodafone Spain SIM card for its fast 5G NR capabilities, it is important to be aware of certain aspects. If your phone lacks support for 5G NR technology, it may be beneficial to explore alternative Spanish prepaid data SIM cards, as other mobile operators offer significantly faster 4G/LTE speeds that may better suit your needs.

Vodafone has two prepaid SIM data plans that are most suitable for tourists:

• minimum — 10 EUR for 28 days, 25 GB internet, 300 minutes of domestic and international calls;
• maximum — 40 EUR for 28 days, 150 GB internet and unlimited domestic calls.

5. Movistar

Movistar Spain, a brand under the umbrella of its parent company Telefónica, operates within the Spanish telecommunications market with a storied history. Having been a former monopolist in the telecommunications sector, Movistar Spain historically held the largest market share in the Spanish market. However, with the intensification of competition in the industry over the past decade, Movistar Spain has experienced a decline in its customer base.

Despite its historical dominance and widespread presence, Movistar Spain has faced challenges in adapting to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences. As the telecommunications landscape in Spain continues to evolve, Movistar Spain must address these issues to remain competitive and regain the trust and loyalty of customers in the country.

At this Spanish provider’s prepaid SIM data plans are formed according to the same principle:

• minimum — 5 EUR per month, 5 GB internet, 20 minutes of calls.
• Maximum — 20 EUR per month, 95 GB and unlimited calls.

Roaming in Spain

Spain is part of the European Union and the European Economic Area, which means that EU regulations on roaming apply when using mobile services in the country. For EU and EEA residents traveling to Spain, roaming regulations allow for the use of mobile services at domestic rates, without incurring additional charges for calls, text messages, or data usage within Spain. This means that travelers can use their mobile phones in Spain just as they would in their home country, without worrying about high roaming fees.

It's important to note that non-EU or non-EEA travelers may still incur roaming charges when using their mobile devices in Spain, so it's advisable to check with your mobile service provider before traveling to understand the roaming fees and options available to you. The main advantage of roaming is that you are always in touch. But this is the most expensive way of communication of all available to non-EU or non-EEA tourists in Spain.

Overall, roaming in Spain for EU and EEA residents is a seamless and cost-effective experience, allowing travelers to stay connected while exploring the country without incurring exorbitant charges for mobile usage.

Read also: What is data roaming: a guide for travelers

Pocket Wi-Fi

In Spain, it is possible to use a portable router. It is the same access point for wireless internet as you have at home, only smaller in size. You can put the device in your pocket, bag or a backpack. When the internet is needed, you can simply connect to the network.

A pocket Wi-Fi router may require a purchase of a SIM-card or can already be connected to a certain provider. In the first case, everything is the same as with a regular SIM card, only it needs to be inserted into the router. In the second — the process of finding a chip seller, choosing between data plans, setting APN will not be required.

Several users can connect to pocket Wi-Fi at the same time, and the speed is higher than that of free Internet in public places. It does not discharge your smartphone, its settings are saved. Also, the router can be reused by activating the account during the next trip.

A pocket Wi-Fi router is convenient for family travel. But you will have to buy the device, carry it with you, control its charge, and in case of renting — take care of its return.

Free Wi-Fi in Spain

Free Wi-Fi in Spain is offered by some public places: cafes, bars, airports, hotels. But it is not available everywhere, so you should find out about locations of free WI-FI hotspots in advance.

Using free Wi-Fi, you risk becoming a victim of fraudsters: through a free network they get access to bank accounts, important personal information. Another disadvantage is low connection speed due to the large number of connected users.

The safest way to use the Internet abroad is to install the Yesim application. Thanks to this provider, the signal will be with you in most countries of the world, and you will not have to expose yourself to additional cyber risks.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!