Will your phone work in Spain? Everything you need to know

How do I know if my phone works in Spain?

To know if your phone works in Spain, just unlock it after you’ve landed and see if it functions, right? Well, yes and no. If you can’t use mobile internet to chat, call, or send the best moments from your journey to your friends, then your mobile phone is barely of any use, isn’t it? So, how do you know if your phone will access the internet instead of going on a Spanish siesta? Two words: frequency bands (sometimes also known as unlocked bands).

Basically, if your phone is compatible with the frequency bands used in Spain, you’ll have no problem with your mobile data coverage (except the price, of course). While most phones do not have SIM restrictions, you can always double-check by looking at your carrier service information, googling your phone model, or via your phone’s SIM settings (you should look for a “no SIM restrictions” statement or similar).

Like other European countries, Spain uses the global system for mobile communications (GSM). While the GSM network is not the same as the code division multiple access (CDMA) network previously used in the US, it still shouldn’t hinder your mobile internet connection while enjoying a Spanish vacation in Madrid, Barcelona, Alicante, or Ibiza.

Curious to know, what network frequencies Spain has to offer? Here’s the list of the most popular Spanish mobile phone operators and their frequencies:

Movistar (Telefónica), Vodafone Spain, Orange Spain, and Yoigo (MásMóvil Group) all provide the same frequency bands for their users :

• 2G: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz

• 3G: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz

• 4G LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2100 MHz (Band 1), 2600 MHz (Band 7)

• 5G: 3500 MHz (n78), 700 MHz (n28)

Keep in mind that frequencies and bands may differ as network providers evaluate, update, and introduce new frequencies. However, despite the possible differences, your smartphone will be able to connect to the Spanish GSM network if your phone is unlocked.

Will my Verizon phone work in Spain?

Based on Verizon’s international travel coverage map, you should have no problem accessing mobile networks in Spain via your Verizon phone. The service offers 3G, 4G, and 5G connections nationwide. Verizon also offers international monthly plans and travel passes specifically for mobile data usage abroad — a pricey but comfortable option. 

If you decide to wing it and travel without getting any of Verizon’s travel plans, you can use pay-as-you-go rates, which, unfortunately, will hurt your wallet even more. Depending on the roaming plans, the prices can range up to a few dollars per megabyte, meaning that sending one high-resolution picture can relieve you of about $10-15.

Will my T-Mobile phone work in Spain?

Like Verizon, T-Mobile works in Spain. Of course, the two services vary in coverage types, benefits, and prices. Unlike Verizon, T-Mobile offers three plans for travelers (Magenta, Essentials, and ONE plan).

If these plans are not to your liking, you can also get yourself international daily or monthly passes, which provide speedy, reliable, yet expensive cellular connections (from $5 for a day to $50 for a month). No matter which you choose, using a cell phone in Spain with T-Mobile lets you access 3G, 4G, and 5G internet connections (depending on your phone and data plan).

What are the ways to go online during your trip to Spain? 

International data roaming fees aren’t cheap. Luckily, you can find some affordable alternatives that provide the same quality service without hurting your wallet too much. Below, we list some cheap and not-so-cheap options for accessing mobile internet while traveling in Spain.

Get a Spanish prepaid SIM card

Even though eSIMs are starting to take over, prepaid physical SIM cards are still a popular and usually cheap option to access local mobile networks worldwide. Like local souvenirs, prepaid SIM cards are easy to find and work as a great choice for travelers who are not interested in long-term mobile data commitments. Plus, prepaid SIM cards usually also include phone calls and SMS services, adding extra convenience throughout your journey.

The downsides of prepaid SIMs are usually related to potential extra fees (such as higher roaming costs) or difficulties in setting up the SIM card (registration and activation may be in Spanish).

Set up an eSIM for traveling in Spain

Currently on the rise, eSIMs are yet another great way to use your phone overseas without roaming. An eSIM stands for “embedded SIM” and works the same as a physical SIM card. The only difference is that, unlike a traditional SIM, an eSIM is already built into your phone upon buying it. 

With a phone that supports an eSIM connection, traveling to Spain will pose no headaches when setting up your mobile internet. Because eSIM supports using several network operators and can allow the use of up to two phone numbers at the same time, it works as a perfect short-term solution for travel.

If you’re wondering how to get an eSIM, all you need to do is to check whether your phone is eSIM compatible and install any app that offers international eSIM data plans (for example, Saily). Next, browse the app for the most suitable data plan, purchase it, and activate it in just a few minutes. 

It’s important to note that some eSIM data service providers (Saily included) offer only mobile data services, so before choosing the best pick for yourself, consider your traveling needs. As for those curious whether they can install an eSIM before travel, it is highly recommended that you set up your eSIM before starting your trip.

Use pocket Wi-Fi while traveling in Spain

Carrying your own pocket Wi-Fi router is another alternative for international travelers. Comfy, easy to set up, and reliable, pocket Wi-Fi can be a useful substitute for international roaming plans. 

Along with the light and small routers, pocket Wi-Fi offers speedy connections, access for 5-15 devices simultaneously (depending on the router), and little to no data limits (though some routers may throttle the speed).

However, despite all these benefits, pocket Wi-Fi can be notoriously expensive to rent, with some costing around $350 per week. This makes it a pricey but at the same time affordable tradeoff compared to grand international mobile roaming prices.

Connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots in Spain

Finally, if you’re on a strict budget, there’s also an option to use public Wi-Fi hotspots. Spain has tons of free public Wi-Fi spots (in airports, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls) that are easy to find and cost nothing to use.

The problem with open Wi-Fi hotspots, however, is that they might be unsecure and can expose their users to cyber threats. Since public Wi-Fi hotspots are open to anyone, malicious actors can lurk in these networks, looking to intercept the data of other users, often without their knowledge. Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi can help you reduce cyber risks.

Enjoy your Spanish holiday with Saily 

Overspending on cellular data can be a holiday mood killer (especially if you receive the bill during your trip). That’s why, for a seamless and wallet-friendly browsing experience, consider using Saily, a global eSIM service for travelers. 

Think about it — the benefits of an eSIM allow you to save time on the search and installation of prepaid SIM cards, avoid using unsecure public Wi-Fi hotspots, and forget about carrying portable Wi-Fi routers every step of the way. In addition, using Saily will save you money on data roaming and provide you with at least a few well-suited data plans for your browsing needs.