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There are many alternatives to connecting to the internet in Barcelona and to make sure to enjoy your trip to the fullest. You have plenty of attractions in this city that you cannot miss, like the Sagrada Familia. So, it is essential to have a stable internet connection, this way you will be able to look for directions and tourist hot spot schedules.
It is a wonderful city, and nobody wants to miss anything at all. If you have cellular data in Barcelona, you can share all your adventures and pictures with your loved ones.
In this article, we are going to tell you all you need to know about how to have cellular internet in Barcelona. We will show you all the alternatives, like international roaming, data plans available from local operators, international SIM, eSIM cards, Pocket WiFi, and public WiFi networks. Keep reading if you want to learn more!
You can connect to the internet in Barcelona with cellular data. To accomplish that, your domestic operator offers the alternative of activating international roaming. But this option is one of the most expensive ones.
International Roaming is just one of the many alternatives you have. But you can also use an eSIM card, an international SIM card with cellular data, and a Pocket WiFi for Europe. Or even connect to the public Wifi networks that you will find in the city.
One way to connect to the internet in Barcelona is with cellular providers. They may ask for some additional information from you to be able to purchase their services. Some requisites can be a passport or an address. You can check this with any of the following operators:
If you are a Verizon customer and want to connect to the internet through their international roaming service, you'll be able to choose between different options. Foremost, with the Travel Pass, you can enjoy your phone services as if you were at home, you only have to pay $10 a day.
On the other hand, you can also use the services on a pay-as-you-go basis, with which you'll have to pay for every MB you consume, at a rate of $2.05/MB. And likewise, if you want to make calls, you will have to pay $1.78 per minute of call.
O2 is a company based in the UK, so if you are a regular customer, you can use the Travel Bolt On Plan. This is a plan offered by O2 for those who wish to travel outside the European Union. It is priced at $6 per day, and you can enjoy 500 MB of data included, as well as unlimited calls and text messages. Please note that you will have to pay every 24 hours, and the MB you do not use will not roll over.
Finally, if you are an AT&T customer, you can use the international roaming services during your trip to Barcelona, through different options. The International Travel Pass, which allows you to use both your phone and internet services, is available for purchase and costs $10 per day. You can, however, use roaming services and pay for the data you use up; for example, if you consume one MB of data, you will be charged $2.05.
You can check the comparison table below to compare the three companies we have shown you, and pick the one that best suits your needs:
| Service | Price |
| Verizon Roaming | $2.05/MB |
| O2 Roaming | $6 per day |
| AT&T Roaming | $2.05/MB |
Another alternative to having cellular internet in Barcelona is buying a data SIM card for Barcelona. It is the perfect alternative for those who want to get a physical SIM, but unfortunately don’t meet the terms and conditions that local operators require. With these SIM cards for Europe, you have wide coverage, a stable speed of connection, and a local number to receive calls.
The eSIM card for Barcelona is another great option. With this device, you can have unlimited data for your plan. You can get it on the Holafly virtual store. This card works through a QR code. You receive it in your email once you complete the purchase. With the eSIM card, you can keep your telephone number, and the best part is that you have 24-hour customer service and support.
But, before buying it, you should make sure your smartphone can manage this technology. Given the fact that this eSIM is a new trend in consumer tech so, not all cellphones are compatible with it.
Another alternative is to use a portable WiFi modem. It will let you connect wherever you go, but it is not all that good of an alternative because you have to carry an extra device with you.
But if you are interested in acquiring a Pocket Wifi for Barcelona, we can tell you that you can buy it with the following providers:
There are many public WiFi spots in Barcelona. This free service is located in many places all over the city. The list is very long, so we recommend you look for a sign with the “W” and there you will get your free internet connection.
To help you make the best decision, you can read below the comparison table. You will be able to decide which services and prices are better for you:
| Service | Price (USD) |
| SIM card for Barcelona | 30 days at $20 without unlimited data |
| eSIM card for Barcelona | Unlimited data for 5 days at $19 |
| Public WiFi | Free |
| Movistar Pocket WiFi | Unlimited data for $19.98 / 3 months |
| Vodafone 4G Pocket WiFi | Unlimited data / 5G / $52.49 / month |
| Orange 4G Pocket WiFi | 110GB for $19.97 / 3 months |
From posting Gaudí-inspired snapshots to streaming live from Barceloneta Beach, fast and reliable Mobile Internet in Barcelona is a must-have for making the most of every moment in Catalonia’s vibrant capital. Today, being connected goes way beyond sharing Sagrada Família selfies — it’s your tool for booking tapas tours, navigating the Metro, or discovering local street art in El Born. Before you choose a SIM, eSIM, or pocket WiFi for your trip, take a second to consider: how much data will you actually need?
Your Mobile Internet requirements can shift a lot depending on your style of travel. Watching football highlights from Camp Nou, making video calls with family back home, or relying on Google Maps to zigzag through the Gothic Quarter can burn through your data quickly. To help you plan confidently, check out the infographic below — it breaks down estimated hourly Mobile Internet usage for all the most popular digital activities and apps, so you can choose a plan that suits your Barcelona adventure perfectly.
Wondering which apps are the fastest to chew through your data? The video below reveals the main culprits (one app alone can use almost 200 MB in just five minutes!) and gives you actionable tips for stretching your Mobile Internet in Barcelona. Give it a watch before you stroll down La Rambla.
Curious about the data needs of your favorite apps? Take a look at our Spotify data usage explainer and our comprehensive guide to using Google Maps efficiently in Barcelona.
There are many alternatives and many people want to connect to the internet in Barcelona. In the following coverage map, you will be able to check the coverage of one of the most important operators in the Spain, which is the country where Barcelona is located.
Before you leave, we want to give you, our recommendation. Now that you have compared all the alternatives we have shown you, we recommend you go to the Holafly virtual store and get an eSIM or traditional SIM card. Both alternatives guarantee an effortless and stable internet connection.
The Holafly eSIM card connects to the Movistar network. One of the best cellular operators in the country.
No. Since the eSIM card has unlimited data, you can only use it on your cellphone.
From the very first moment you activate it on your device.
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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