Traveling to Portugal? The best eSIM plans for your trip (2023)

Photo by Aayush Gupta on Unsplash

In recent years, Portugal has become one of the most popular travel destinations. It's not hard to see the appeal of the sunny destination - with a variety of landscapes, a visit to Portugal is sure to be fun. The history and culture of the country combined with an exceptional gastronomy are the main reasons to plan a vacation there, not to mention the magnificent beaches!

Compared to other European getaways, Portugal is still quite affordable, which adds to its appeal. If you want to experience the beauty of the scenic country, we've put together a guide to the best eSIM plans for your trip.

What are eSIMs?

eSIMs offer the same functionality as old-school physical SIMs, except that they are embedded in the mobile phone and you can install a mobile plan on it! With an integrated SIM card, it's much easier to switch between plans because you don't have to remove your SIM card.

Nowadays, several plans can be installed on the same eSIM! That's why they're such a convenient choice for travelers - you can change your plan depending on the region you're traveling to.

The best eSIM plans for Portugal

The advantage of eSIMs is that they can be used anywhere in the world. Portugal is no exception. If you have decided to travel to the country of origin of port and pastel de nata, you can choose between different data plans.

To determine which is the best choice for you, consider the length of your trip and how often you'll need an internet connection.

The best value for money: Airalo

If you've used an eSIM before, the name Airalo is not new to you. Airalo supports eSIMs in over 100 countries around the world. With the $19 "MEO - 30 GB" plan, you get access to 30 GB of data for 15 days, making this plan also the cheapest deal at 63 cents per GB.

This eSIM works on the MEO network which is one of the oldest operators in the country and is compatible with the 5G network! It should be noted that approximately 50% of mainland Portugal currently has access to 5G, and on the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, this speed is respectively available within the cities of Ponta Delgada and Funchal.

Data

30 GB

Validity15 day(s)

🇵🇹 Portugal

Data only

Network(s) : MEO (5G)

Special Offer : 15% OFF

MEO - 30 GB

Airalo

$16.15

$19.00

$0.54/GB

Learn more ›

Another great option is to use a data plan from Simtex. Their “10GB – 30D Portugal” package is available for $17. As part of the offer, you get 10 GB of data for 30 days. Currently you can use our special promotion. By using the “ESIMSIO” voucher, you benefit from a 10% discount. This means you only have to pay $15.30.

Data

10 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇵🇹 Portugal

Data only

Special Offer : 10% OFF

Portugal - 10GB - 30D (new)

Simtex

$15.30

$17.00

$1.53/GB

Learn more ›

For long periods: Nomad

Those who need an internet connection for a longer period can opt for Nomad's "Portugal 20 GB" plan. The data package is valid for 30 days. Buying the plan for $30 gets you 20GB of data. The same voucher (ESIMSIO) also applies to this plan. Use it and enjoy a $1 discount!

Data

20 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇵🇹 Portugal

Data only

Special Offer : $1 OFF

Portugal 20 GB

Nomad

$29.00

$30.00

$1.45/GB

Learn more ›

The best for the weekend: Simtex

If you're going on a short trip, you won't need so much data. In this case, consider purchasing the "1 GB - 3D Portugal" package. Provided by Simtex, it includes 1 GB of data usable for 3 days. The standard package price is $3, but with our coupon you can get it for $2.70.

Data

1 GB

Validity3 day(s)

🇵🇹 Portugal

Data only

Special Offer : 10% OFF

Portugal - 1GB - 3D (new)

Simtex

$2.70

$3.00

$2.70/GB

Learn more ›

eSIM coverage in Portugal

Not all telecommunications providers are equal. Depending on the areas you plan to explore, some providers have better coverage than others. The 3 main companies that offer connectivity are:

MOE

LTE & 3G coverage - Source:GSMA & Harper Collins

LIT

LTE & 3G coverage - Source:GSMA & Harper Collins

Vodafone

LTE & 3G coverage - Source:GSMA & Harper Collins

MEO works best in western regions of Portugal (eg Lisbon). NOS, however, offers excellent connectivity in the northern and western regions of the country. Vodafone is usually the best choice as they cover almost all of Portugal with a few exceptions.

To conclude

Portugal is a country where tradition and modernity come together in harmony. With its year-round sunny climate, it's a destination that will surprise even the most seasoned traveler. But don't just take our word for it – experience the magic yourself!

Choose one of these eSIMs or discover other alternative options onesims.io. Forget the hassle of using traditional SIM cards - with an eSIM, staying connected is easier than ever!