eSIM laptops have an embedded SIM that allows them to connect to the local network, which means you ...
Portugal is one of the coolest destinations to travel to and if your plans include visiting this country soon, you can't miss Porto or Lisbon. So to be able to use Google Maps and remain connected to the internet, we recommend eSIMs, a new way of traveling connected. This card is completely digital and prevents you from overpaying for roaming services.
The most captivating aspect of this new technology is that you can have more than one profile with a different provider and thus you avoid changing your phone number every time you travel. In this article, we will explain everything, from how they work, to the different providers on the market and a comparison of their plans and prices so that your trip to Portugal is a complete success. Welcome!
Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe, its architecture and history will give you something to talk about on social media, but before thinking about the possibilities that you can achieve with an eSIM, the first thing is to review the minimum requirements that we have listed for you.
Before going into details with the eSIM providers that are on the market in Portugal, we recommend the traditional physical SIM with 10GB or 12GB data for 30 days at $40.51 USD and $52.42, respectively, in case your cell phone is not compatible with eSIMs.
Without further ado, the companies offering the eSIM sales service for tourism or business trips abroad are:
You must know the plans and prices of each of these companies, likewise, it must be considered that the variation in prices can be due to different reasons, from coverage, previous roaming agreements, to the plans and payment methods available. The idea is that with these tips you can plan your trip as informed as possible.
| Provider | Data | Days | Price | Language | Sales channels |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 5 | $19 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 15 | $47 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 20 | $54 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | 30 | $64 | Spanish, English, German, and French | Web |
| GigSky | 1GB | 15 | $8.99 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| GigSky | 5GB | 30 | $39.99 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 1GB | 30 | $4.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 3GB | 30 | $9.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| Truphone | 5GB | 30 | $13.00 | English | Web, App Store, Play Store |
| WifiMap | 500MB | 30 | $4.72 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 1GB | 30 | $8.27 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
| WifiMap | 3GB | 30 | $22.47 | English, Russian | Web, Play Store, App Store |
If you've already decided to go ahead with the eSIM for your trip, surely you have noticed that the features of this virtual card are very different from traditional physical SIMs. We want you to get the most out of your eSIM during your trip through Portugal and that’s why we've made a list with these features.
When you contact your provider about the specifications and plans of your eSIM, ask about the virtual card's coverage, because the coverage tends to change sometimes depending on the plan they offer you. So that you don’t have problems with connectivity, it’s way better to see the coverage maps of domestic companies.
In case you really like being in Portugal and decide to move there or you are already living in the country, we have a surprise for you: you will be able to buy an eSIM and change your traditional physical SIM. Below, we list the operators that provide this service. Just remember that these companies have certain requirements laid out. Without further ado, the companies are:
We appreciate that you reading this article, and we hope the information has been useful to you. We recommend you review the most common questions that travelers ask. If you have any other questions, leave your question in the comments and we will gladly help you.
MEO or Vodafone's local eSIM is primarily intended for people living in Portugal. The international eSIM for Portugal from Holafly or Truphone is used to connect to the internet during your trips to Portugal.
It’s not necessary to present a passport, but some providers do require your address. This applies only to the eSIM for tourists, and not to the eSIM offered by MEO or Vodafone, who will ask for your information.
This will depend on the eSIM you purchase. Some do offer data sharing, however, we recommend you check with your provider.
After installing the virtual SIM profile, you must select it as the default means of cellular data, activate data, and roaming and your virtual SIM should now work.
Yes, like physical cards, virtual SIMs also have an expiration date.
From the moment you activate your eSIM, by scanning the QR code on your phone.
Cell phones compatible with the eSIM for Portugal are increasing every day. Remember that if you live in a European or Latin American country and plan to travel to Portugal, it’s essential that you have a cell phone that is compatible with both eSIM and its bands. If you don’t, you will be left without service in this country and you will be forced to rent or buy a new cell phone.
These are the cell phones in which you can install and activate an eSIM for Portugal. Make sure the eSIM provider supports it: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4a XL.
The eSIM is the evolution of traditional SIM cards. The eSIM works thanks to a chip inserted in the cell phone, which allows the profile to be stored and configured.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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