Best SIM Card in Spain for Tourists
Staying connected in Spain shouldn’t be a headache. Whether you’re finding your way in Madrid, ordering food in Valencia, or booking trains between cities, a local SIM or eSIM will save you money and stress.
This guide breaks it down simply, what’s available, where to buy it, how much it usually costs, and practical tips from people who actually travel here.
What This Is
This is a practical guide for tourists on:
Local prepaid SIM cards you can buy in Spain
eSIM options you can activate online
Typical costs and where you can actually buy them
Real tips that make life easier on the ground
It’s based on current info about Spanish mobile networks and real traveler experiences.
Who This Is For
This is perfect if you’re:
Visiting Spain for a few days or weeks
Wanting reliable mobile data without expensive roaming
Using maps, messaging apps, booking services, or rideshares
This isn’t for you if you:
Already live here long-term and want a resident plan
Only use public Wi-Fi and barely use data
Physical SIM vs eSIM — Quick Look
Physical SIM
Buy it in Spain (airport/shops)
Pop it into your unlocked phone
Staff will usually register it with your passport
Good choice if your phone doesn’t have eSIM support
eSIM
Digital SIM you install on your phone
Can be bought and installed before you travel
Perfect if you want instant connectivity on arrival
Must have a phone that supports eSIM
Many Spanish carriers offer eSIMs, but for short tourist trips you’ll often find global travel eSIM providers easier and faster to set up.
Top SIM Options for Tourists in Spain
Spain’s big networks all have prepaid options that work well for tourists. They include data, local calls, and usually EU roaming (which means you can use data in many EU countries without extra charges).
Movistar
If you’re leaving big cities, this is usually the safest bet for signal.
- Good for road trips, smaller towns, rural stays.
- Prepaid packs, typically 28–30 days, top-ups are easy.
- Ask about EU roaming limits if you’re hopping countries.
Vodafone Spain
Good balance of coverage and speed, often generous data packs on prepaid.
- Great in cities, and still solid outside them.
- Useful if you want a familiar setup experience.
- Check EU roaming caps if you’re visiting multiple countries.
Orange Spain
Straightforward prepaid plans and widely available in Spanish cities.
- Good if you just want working data without overthinking.
- Usually simple to top up once activated.
- Ask about eSIM availability in-store if you prefer digital.
Yoigo
Good value for data-heavy tourists who still want a local Spanish SIM.
- Solid option for city-to-city trips.
- Prepaid, easy to top up, simple to manage.
- If you need SMS confirmations, local SIM beats many travel eSIMs.
Digi Mobil
Popular with locals for price-to-data value, good if you want a lot of data without paying premium.
- Prepaid plans, top-ups online or in shops.
- eSIM is available, but you may need to ask or do it after activation.
- Bring your passport, SIM registration is standard in Spain.
eSIM Options If You Want Instant Setup
If you want to be connected as soon as you land (or before), several travel-focused eSIM providers make it easy:
Holafly — unlimited-style data packages sent instantly to your email.
Nomad — flexible eSIM plans you can install before travel.
Airalo / Yesim / Jetpac — budget eSIMs with data only and easy setup.
These work great for tourists who don’t want to hunt for a store or deal with a physical SIM. Coverage depends on the underlying networks (usually Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange).
Where to Buy Your SIM
You can get prepaid SIMs in several places:
Airport kiosks or shops – handy right after landing, though often a bit pricier.
Carrier stores in towns – better prices and staff help you pick the right plan.
Convenience/electronics shops – smaller selection, sometimes cheaper.
Online before travel – best for eSIMs or ordering a SIM to your accommodation.
Remember: carriers usually require your passport to register the SIM, this is normal in Spain. You don’t need a Spanish address.
Typical Costs (Real Life)
€10–€30: common for 28–30 day prepaid plans with good data and calls.
eSIM data plans: can range from a few euros for small data packs to ~€65 for large or unlimited options via travel providers.
Keep in mind prices and data amounts change often, so it’s worth checking current offers before you buy.
Bottom-Line Recommendation
Best for widespread coverage: Movistar or Vodafone prepaid SIMs.
Best for budget data: Digi prepaid, local MVNOs, or budget eSIMs.
Best for pure convenience: Travel eSIMs like Holafly or Nomad.
