The 7 Best Prepaid SIM Cards & eSIMs in Spain: Buying Guide 2023

 Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

So, you've booked a trip to Spain. That's great! The beautiful country seems to have it all – awe-inspiring architecture, spectacular beaches, and incredible museums. Not to mention the delicious foods! Regardless of whether you prefer a chill vacation or a fun-filled holiday, there is no question you will have a good time. Once you have booked your adventure, all you have to do is take care of the practicalities.

To have a successful trip, finding options for staying connected is important. In this article, we have included the best prepaid SIM card and eSIMs options for Spain.

Should I purchase a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Spain?

In order to buy a prepaid Cell Phone plan for Spain, you will have two options: purchase a prepaid SIM card, or purchase a prepaid sim plan. They both have advantages and drawbacks:

Prepaid SIM card:

• Ways to purchase: getting a physical SIM card will require that you either purchase it before your trip, in which case you will probably need to order it a couple of days in advance online, or that you purchase your SIM card at your destination, in an airport, train station, or mobile operator store for example.

• Price: buying a prepaid SIM card online is often more expensive than buying it locally. The prepaid SIM cards you can buy online are usually the same plans (or repackaged plans) that you would get locally but sellers add their margin to the normal cost.

• Activation: when you purchase a SIM card, activation is usually instant when you insert the SIM card and connect to the network. However, some countries have strict legislation and will not allow you to connect to the network unless you have provided a valid proof of identification (passport, likely) before you can activate your SIM card. This process can take time, sometime 48 hours. Some operators will sometimes allow you to activate your SIM card and use it, but to provide identification within 15-30 days.

• Multi-SIM: depending on whether your device has multi-SIM or not, you might have the ability to use two SIM cards (your main plan for one, and your prepaid SIM card for the other)

Prepaid eSIM plan:

• Ways to purchase: to get an eSIM, you will have to buy it online and "download" your eSIM profile on your phone. eSIM profiles (eSIM plans) are often delivered as a unique one time use QR code that you will have to scan with your phone camera to install it. Some eSIM providers have mobile applications that allow you to add your plan without this step.

• Price: Most prepaid eSIM resellers are not local providers, so eSIM plans might be slightly more expensive in general. Some local providers (Orange, T-Mobile, etc) have prepaid eSIM plans which are very competitive and the same prices as their prepaid SIM plans for tourists.

• Activation: when you purchase an eSIM plan, activation usually start when you activate your eSIM (not when you install it). Most eSIM plans do not come with a phone number and don't require user identification, but the rules are mostly the same than physical SIM cards when you need a number.

• Multi-SIM: Devices with an eSIM usually have a physical SIM slot too. So you will be able to do multi-sim with your physical SIM and an eSIM plan. From iPhone 13, you can also have two eSIM plans simultaneously in multi-SIM too.

The best prepaid eSIM data plans in Spain

When adventuring around Spain, you can choose between a number of different eSIMs. Among our top choices is Airalo with the package 'Guay Mobile - 10 GB”. The plan by the renowned company offers an LTE Data-only eSIM, which operates on the Movistar network. If you purchase this eSIM, keep in mind it is valid for 30 days. The price of this plan is $18.

Data

10 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇪🇸 Spain

Data only

Network(s) : Movistar (LTE)

Airalo - Guay Mobile - 10 GB

$18.00

$1.80/GB

Learn more ›

Another budget-friendly eSIM option is offered by Ubigi. For $22 (with our special discount), you can purchase their package 'Spain'. Within this plan, travellers get 10 GB of data, which is available for 30 days. 

If you consume all the data allowance, you can easily top it up. However, keep in mind this plan works only in Spain. In case you spontaneously decide to visit another nearby country, you will need to purchase a different eSIM.

Data

10 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇪🇸 Spain

Data only

Ubigi - SPAIN

$13.00

$1.30/GB

Learn more ›

Visiting Spain for just a few days? Airalo and its package 'Guay Mobile - 5 GB' is perfect for adventurers who don't plan on spending much time on their phones. With this plan, you will receive 5 GB of data that is valid for 30 days. The perk of choosing this package is the fact it is easily rechargeable online. Plus – Airalo is well known for its great customer service.

Data

5 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇪🇸 Spain

Data only

Network(s) : Movistar (LTE)

Airalo - Guay Mobile - 5 GB

$11.50

$2.30/GB

Learn more ›

The best prepaid SIM cards in Spain

Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card

If you are looking for a prepaid SIM card that offers plenty of data and great speed, consider using the services of Orange. This particular plan costs €49.90 and features 20GB of data, unlimited calls, and SMS within Europe. 

If you are based outside of Europe, you can make use of 120 minutes of talk time and 1,000 SMS. In most Spanish cities, you will find Orange stores, where the SIM card can be purchased.

This SIM card can be purchased here

Movistar Prepaid Sim Card

Another option is to use Movistar. Their most popular plan includes 150 minutes of calls in Spain and 75GB of data. International calls must be paid additionally.

Lycamobile Prepaid Sim Card

As far as affordable plans go, Lycamobile offers the best. If you need access to unlimited international calls and lots of data, this will be a great choice. Moreover, you can find bundles for as low as 5 euros.

Where can you get a SIM card in Spain?

Generally, you can purchase SIM cards in Vodafone, Yoigo, Movistar, and Orange stores, which are spread all across the country. Another option is to buy them at the airport. Both Adolfo Suarez Madrid- Barajas Airport (MAD) and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) have stores that offer SIM cards. Some grocery stores offer them too.

Whether you choose a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for adventuring around Spain, you won't be disappointed by purchasing one of these plans. While each option has its advantages and disadvantages, you can expect high-quality service regardless of which you decide to pick. Check out more eSIMs options for Spain here.