How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Spain?

Got a trip to Spain on the horizon? You're likely wrapping up the final details of your itinerary and packing your bags. However, another thing you should consider is how you’ll be getting around and communicating while you’re away.

To make the most of your trip, think about swapping your UK SIM for a Spain SIM card. This simple change will help you avoid extra costs and give you easy access to translation apps and maps without relying on Wi-Fi.

Also, if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Spain and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Spain from the UK?

Although it might seem like an additional travel expense, getting a Spain SIM card can actually help you save money. Since UK monthly plans usually don’t cover international calls or data, buying a local SIM will be cheaper than the extra charges your provider applies for using your phone abroad.

You’ll also be able to stay in touch with loved ones back home and keep them updated on your adventures. No need to rely on Wi-Fi or switch plans to find a connection. Plus, having a local SIM card gives you access to essential travel apps, like translation services and maps.

If you're still not convinced you should get a Spain SIM card, you can always rely on international roaming. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Spain. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Spain?

The price of a prepaid SIM card starts at around €10, with options like Movistar’s or Vodafone’s smallest plans. Larger plans typically range from €20 to €40, depending on the data allowance.

If you’re considering eSIMs, Airalo offers a free one-day plan, with their weekly plan priced at just £4. For unlimited internet, Maya Mobile provides the best deal at around £2 per day.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Spain?

You can get a Spain SIM card at the airport, in official provider stores, convenience stores, at gas stations and in internet provider stores. You can also order an eSIM before departure.¹

Spain SIM cards must be registered under the user’s name, so you’ll need to provide your passport. The store will likely make a copy of your passport, which is why it’s important to stick to official, reputable carriers. The process takes only a few minutes, and you can use your phone shortly afterward.

Most stores are likely to accept all payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff if you can pay with a credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Spain in the UK?

You can buy a Spain SIM card online before you leave the UK. However, you won’t have as many choices as you would in Spain, so you might miss out on a better offer.

SimCorner offers two possible 30-day plans, one with 12 GB of data and the other with 200 GB. The smaller plan costs £19 and includes 3,000 minutes and SMS, while the larger plan costs £67. If you choose the latter, you won’t be able to call or text, but you can share your data via hotspot.²

Can you buy a Spain SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can buy a Spain SIM card at any international airport as soon as you land. They are typically available in kiosks or airport bookshops.¹

However, airport stores are often more expensive than those in the city. They might also have limited opening hours, so it’s usually better to purchase a Spain SIM card at a store downtown.¹

Best prepaid SIM cards for Spain

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your vacation in Spain.

Movistar

Movistar offers multiple prepaid SIM plans, all valid for 28 days. The Prepaid Plus plan costs €10 for 50 GB of data in total, unlimited national calls and 200 international minutes. It also includes 7 GB of data and unlimited calls within the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Their Premium Prepaid plan costs €15 and includes 100 GB of data and 400 international minutes. If that’s not enough, the €20 Total Prepaid plan is the largest option, offering 175 GB of data and 13 GB for use abroad.³

Vodafone

At Vodafone Spain, you can choose from five prepaid plans: Prepago S, M, L, XL and XXL. Like with Movistar, each package is valid for 28 days after activation.⁴

The smallest plan is the €10 Prepago S, which includes 60 GB of data, unlimited national calls and 400 international minutes. It also offers roaming in the EU and the UK. On the other hand, the Prepago XXL costs €40, providing 400 GB of data, 2,000 international calls and roaming in the UK, EU and the USA.⁴

Yoigo

Yoigo offers four monthly plans to choose from, ranging from 25 to 150 GB of data. All but the largest package include unlimited calls.⁵

The 25 GB plan costs €10, the next one is €15 for 50 GB of data, followed by the €20 plan with 100 GB. Finally, the 150 GB plan costs €35.⁵

If you run out of data before the 30-day mark, you can still get online, but at a reduced speed.⁵

Best e-SIM cards for Spain

An eSIM is the easiest way to avoid expensive roaming charges. You can buy it before departing the UK and activate it once you arrive in Spain.

Make sure you check if your phone supports eSIMs beforehand. If it does, here are some of the best eSIM options for Spain.

Maya Mobile

Similar to the physical SIMs we discussed, Maya Mobile eSIM plans also offer plenty of data. You can choose from five options: 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB or unlimited data. The eSIM is available for a minimum of five days, but you can also opt for a monthly plan.⁶

Their 10-day card with 5 GB of internet costs £6.99 and the next in line comes at £10.99. The 20 GB and 40 GB plans cost £15.99 and £27.99 each, while unlimited data is priced at £2.19 per day.⁶

Holafly

All Holafly eSIM plans offer unlimited data and their cost decreases the more days you buy.

For example, their Spain eSIM costs £6 per day, but the 10-day plan is £30. If you purchase a 30-day Holafly eSIM, you’ll pay £60, which works out to £2 per day.⁷

You’ll be able to keep your UK number, as these are data-only plans. Plus, you can share up to 500 MB of daily data via hotspot to keep your travel group connected.⁷

Airalo

The eSIMs Airalo offers for Spain are called Guay Mobile, and you can choose from eight different plans. They even provide a free 1 GB welcome eSIM that you can use for one day.⁸

The data in their plans ranges from 1 GB to unlimited internet, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Their 7-day eSIM costs £4 with 1 GB of data, while the £10 30-day plan offers 5 GB. The most expensive option is Airalo’s £30 unlimited data plan.⁸

Spend like a local in Spain with Wise

While you’re choosing which Spain SIM card to buy for your upcoming trip, you might also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Spain and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 23-Jan-2025