How to get your cell phone connected in Spain: eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networks

02.01.2025 - 15:09 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Sagrada Família, Parque del Retiro, the Alhambra – these are just a few of Spain’s top travel icons and a big reason for making it the second most-visited country in the world. But what’s the best way to navigate these places once on the ground? And how can visitors stay connected when traveling to this beloved country? 

To help you make the most informed decision about international phone service, connectivity speeds, and data use, here’s what you need to know before booking your next trip to Spain.

If you pay for service from a major US cell carrier, there’s a high chance your phone will work in Spain. But there’s an even higher chance you’ll pay for costly roaming charges – as high as $1.50 extra per minute, $0.50 extra per SMS, and $5–10 extra per MB of data, according to Network World. 

To put that in context, 1 gigabyte (GB) of data equals 20–30 minutes of web browsing and/or checking emails, or about an hour of streaming video. In other words, not only are roaming charges expensive, they add up incredibly fast with how frequently we use our phones today. 

EU citizens don’t incur roaming charges if traveling within the EU.

Spain has four primary mobile providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. Movistar has the best coverage throughout the country (and generally higher prices), followed by Vodafone and Orange, although differences between these provided are minimal.

In terms of coverage, Spain is ranks first in 5G readiness for mobile data speeds, averaging up to 50 Mbps and as high as 250 Mbps. Additionally, over 92% of households have 5G coverage (including both Balearics and the Canary Islands), according to Euro News. In other words, you’ll incur little to no slowdown while visiting. 

Like the majority of Europe, local prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased at one of many airport kiosks or convenient stores in town. Options range between $10–40 per bundle, depending on the amount of data purchased. To buy a local card, you’ll usually need a valid passport, credit card, and/or local currency if paying with cash. Before leaving the store, remember to confirm that service is working and what phone number you were given.

Non-physical eSIM cards are readily available in Spain and offered from over a dozen local carriers that operate on major carrier networks. These easy-to-use electronic or digital SIM cards work with all modern smartphones, bypass the need to acquire a local SIM card, and are increasingly becoming the most popular way to stay connected when traveling abroad. On average, prices range between $1–4 per GB and can be used for as little as 4–7 days. Better yet, most providers let you order plans in advance online – no physical store required.

We recommend