SIM card for Spain: Where to buy one and top options

Do you need to buy a Spanish SIM card for your trip?

You don’t have to, but we highly recommend it — especially if you're coming from outside the EU. Even if you're traveling from within Europe, getting a local SIM in Spain comes with great perks:

• Cheaper data. With a local SIM card, you’ll get more data for less money compared to expensive international roaming fees. This means you can browse, stream, and use Google Maps without constantly worrying about burning through your data pack.

• Better local coverage. Spanish prepaid SIM cards are optimized for Spain's networks. Stay connected wherever you go — from buzzing cities to quiet beach towns — with a stronger, more reliable signal.

• Faster internet speeds. With a Spanish pay-as-you-go SIM card, enjoy faster and more reliable connections without the congestion that can come with international roaming.

• No surprises on your bill. Avoid unexpected roaming charges, especially if you love to stream or share your travel adventures online.

• Flexibility. Many local mobile phone companies offer short-term data plans, perfect for tourists, so you're not locked into lengthy contracts.

• Access to local deals. Some prepaid SIM cards in Spain give you access to local offers, like discounts on transport apps or restaurant deliveries.

Can you use your current SIM card instead of buying a local SIM card in Spain?

Thanks to an EU-wide agreement, visitors from EU countries can use their current SIM cards in Spain without worrying about extra roaming fees for calls, texts, and mobile data.

However, if you're from outside the EU or planning a longer stay, you'll want to grab a local SIM card or look into other options like portable Wi-Fi for Spain to avoid hefty roaming charges. If you stick with your current SIM card in Spain, you might also experience slower internet speeds and spotty coverage.

Note: Make sure your mobile phone is unlocked so you can use a SIM card from another phone provider.

Best prepaid SIM card providers for traveling in Spain

Vodafone Spain, Movistar, Orange Spain, and Yoigo are some of the best prepaid Spanish SIM card providers. You can also choose from numerous mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), such as Lowi, Pepephone, Simyo, and Digi Mobil, which offer flexible and budget-friendly plans.

Vodafone Spain

Vodafone stores offer a range of prepaid options for travelers, including the S, M, L, XL, and XXL packs, starting from €10 for 28 days. The smallest and cheapest pack gives you 50GB and 300 national and international minutes. The 50GB of data is more than enough for moderate to heavy internet use over a month. It's a great option for tourists or business travelers.

You won’t pay anything until your SIM arrives and you make your first top-up. The SIM will be delivered for free to your chosen address. This can be your hotel or Airbnb address, but make sure to notify the hotel or host in advance. Once it arrives, pop it into your phone. To start using your mobile data and minutes, simply top up your Vodafone SIM card through the app or website.

Movistar

Movistar offers great prepaid SIM card plans for travelers, starting from just €10. Its cheapest plan gives you 40 GB and 200 international minutes (less than Vodafone). Like Vodafone, Movistar doesn’t offer any shorter plans — all their prepaid plans have a minimum duration of 28 days.

If you're ordering a SIM card online, keep in mind that you’ll need a local phone number for the SMS confirmation. If you don’t have one, it’s easier to grab a Movistar SIM at a local mobile phone shop. Just be aware that airport prices are often higher, so you’ll likely get a better deal in town.

Orange Spain

Orange offers four prepaid SIM card plans, starting at €5 for 7 days. This basic data plan includes 1GB of mobile data — no calls or texts. It’s ideal for short stays if you only need the internet to catch a cab or navigate the city.

For those staying longer, a €19.99 plan covers 14 days, providing 12GB of data, unlimited calls within Spain, and 30 minutes plus 200 texts to the rest of the world. It’s a solid option for a two-week trip.

If you need more mobile data, a 15-day plan costs €25 and includes 60GB in 5G in Spain and 30GB in Europe. For heavier use, the top data plan is €49.99 for 28 days and offers 100GB of data.

The best thing about this mobile operator is that you can have your prepaid Orange SIM card delivered straight to your home country for an additional fee. This option is super convenient if you don’t want the hassle of searching for a SIM card right after landing. 

Note: The most basic plan (for €5) is only available as an eSIM. The other three plans are available as both physical SIM cards and eSIMs.

Yoigo

With Yoigo, you can pick from a range of prepaid plans that are perfect for travelers. For just €10, you get a generous 25GB of mobile data and unlimited national calls for 30 days — great for navigating the city, finding top restaurants, and keeping up with travel apps. Need more data? The €15 plan offers 50GB of data, so you can share your travel adventures, stream videos, and stay connected while exploring.

For more intensive use, the €20 plan gives you 100GB of data — ideal for streaming your favorite shows or video calling friends back home. And if you’re a digital nomad or just want total freedom, the €35 plan includes 150GB of data and unlimited calls, all valid for 30 days.

Note: The packages and offers mentioned were accurate at the time of writing, but prices and deals may change. Before purchasing, check for the most up-to-date information on the official retailer’s website.

What do you need to buy a local SIM card in Spain?

First, make sure your mobile phone is unlocked. If it's locked, you won’t be able to use a local SIM card in Spain. It’s best to take care of this before your trip. To check if your phone is locked, just contact your carrier. If it’s unlocked, you’re all set! If not, ask your carrier to unlock it. Depending on their policy, they might unlock it right away or ask you to meet certain conditions first.

Once that's done, you're onto the easy part. To buy a prepaid SIM card in Spain, you'll need to show your passport or your ID if you're an EU citizen. This identity verification is required by law to register the SIM card. The shop will quickly scan your passport or ID and register the SIM card under your name. If asked for a local address, you can simply use your hotel or rental apartment’s address.

Where to get a prepaid SIM card in Spain

If you want to get a prepaid SIM card in Spain, you’ll find plenty of options. From airports to mobile phone providers and local shops that sell SIM cards, the process may take a bit of time, but it will get you connected for your stay in Spain.

Buy a Spanish SIM card online

Ordering a Spanish SIM card online is a great way to avoid the hassle of finding one when you land. Some providers, like Orange, can ship the SIM straight to your home, so you're ready to connect the moment you arrive in Spain. You can also have it sent directly to your hotel or rental in Spain, so it’s waiting for you when you get there. 

Get a prepaid Spanish SIM card at the airport

Buying a prepaid SIM card at the airport is a quick way to get connected as soon as you land. Both Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) airports have shops and kiosks that sell prepaid SIM cards, but here's the catch — they’re often pricier than what you'll find in the city.

Plus, not all of them are open 24/7, so it’s a good idea to check the store hours before your flight. If you arrive late or early, you might have to wait until they open. 

Visit an official store

Most major cities have them. Visiting an official phone store like an Orange store in Madrid city center is a good choice if you want reliable service at no extra cost. The staff will help you pick the best plan for your needs, and they’ll handle everything, from scanning your passport to setting up your SIM card, in just a few minutes. You’ll also find better prices and more options than at the airport.

Look for convenience stores and kiosks

Grabbing a prepaid SIM card from a convenience store or kiosk is super easy. Just pop into any "Locutorio" (internet shop) in Spain, and they’ll take care of everything for you — from setting up the SIM to registering it.

It’s a quick option, but they may charge a small service fee in addition to the SIM and plan costs. While it's convenient when you're in a rush, you might pay more than at other spots.

eSIM: The best alternative to a physical SIM card in Spain

Instead of hunting down a physical SIM in phone stores when you arrive in Spain (which only sell physical SIM cards anyway), you can order an eSIM online before your trip. Once you get the QR code, just scan it and follow a few simple steps. In less than two minutes, your eSIM will be up and running.

As soon as you arrive in Spain, your mobile phone will automatically connect to the local network, so you’re ready to use mobile data without searching for a shop that sells SIM cards. Just make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM technology.

Alternatively, to check if your iPhone supports eSIM, head to your phone settings and search for "eSIM" or "SIM cards." If you see the option to add an eSIM, you're good to go! If not, you might need to stick with a traditional SIM.

While Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone offer eSIMs in Spain, these are typically for long-term plans rather than short-term tourist options. For an easy travel solution, your best bet is ordering online from eSIM service providers like Saily, which focuses on travel eSIMs and data plans only. This way, you’re all set without the fuss of visiting mobile phone shops or dealing with physical SIM cards.

TL;DR

Staying connected in Spain is easy with a prepaid Spanish SIM card. You can get one at the airport, in official stores, or in "Locutorios" (internet shops). Keep in mind that airport prices are usually higher, and not all shops that sell SIM cards are open 24/7. You can also order a SIM card online before your trip and have it delivered to your home or hotel in Spain.

When choosing the best SIM card for your time in Spain, consider your data usage. Cheaper plans usually offer fewer gigabytes, while more expensive options are better suited for users with higher data demands. Also, consider whether you’ll need to make international calls because plans with more international minutes are typically more expensive.

Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, download an eSIM app before your trip. With an eSIM, you’ll receive a QR code, which you can scan and then follow simple setup instructions to get connected. Once installed, your mobile phone will automatically connect to local networks when you arrive in Spain.

Saily offers eSIMs designed for short-term travelers, making it a hassle-free way to stay connected without searching for a physical SIM card. Be sure to activate your eSIM before your trip so you're instantly connected the moment you arrive.