Internet Options in Spain: Travel Pass vs local SIM vs eSIM (2025)

Planning your itinerary for Spain? Staying connected is one of the first things you’ll want to sort out. The good news is, you have several options, each with its own pros and cons depending on your travel style, budget, and length of stay.

Here’s a quick look at your three main choices:

1. Travel Pass / roaming: Activate directly with your home carrier with no SIM swap or extra setup required.
2. Local SIM card: Pick one up in Spain for data at local rates, but you’ll need to replace your home SIM.
3. eSIM: Install digitally before or after you arrive for instant access without having to go to stores or get a physical card.

Each option has its trade-offs, and below we’ll compare costs, convenience, and best use cases to help you choose the right one for your trip to Spain.

Connectivity in Spain: How much data do you need?

Your mobile data usage depends on how you spend your time online. Apps like maps and messaging require very little, while streaming videos or joining video calls can eat through gigabytes quickly.

Travelers generally fall into two categories: those who only need a small daily amount to stay connected, and those who rely heavily on data for work or entertainment. Knowing where you fit makes it much easier to pick the right plan.

For this guide, we’ll consider:

• Light users: Around 1 GB per day for essentials like navigation, chat, music, and light social media.
• Heavy users: 2 GB or more per day for activities such as streaming, video meetings, cloud backups, and frequent posting.

Here’s a table that shows the average data usage of popular apps per hour, so you can better estimate your needs.

After looking at how much data common apps use, it’s easier to see whether you’re closer to a light user or a heavy user. Let’s make things easier to understand by comparing two travelers with very different data needs, named Nina and Leo.

Nina: The light data user

Nina is a nurse from Toronto taking a well-deserved break during the best time to visit Spain. She’s here to unwind, wander through museums, and enjoy tapas without being glued to her phone. She mainly uses data for music, maps, and the occasional post to update friends back home.

Nina’s typical day:

• Streams Spotify while walking around (1 hour): ~144 MB
• Watches Netflix in the evening (30 minutes): ~500 MB
• Shares a few Instagram posts (30 minutes): ~300 MB
• Uses Google Maps to navigate: ~5 MB

Nina’s daily total: ≈ 950 MB

Leo: The heavy data user

Leo is a university student from Alaska spending the summer in Spain while finishing an online course. Between lectures on Zoom, uploading assignments, and documenting his trip for his growing TikTok channel, he needs a strong and steady connection every day.

Leo’s power-user day:

• Attends a Zoom class (1 hour): ~500 MB
• Scrolls through Instagram and TikTok (1 hour): ~650 MB
• Creates and uploads a YouTube video (1 hour): ~1.5 GB
• Plays Spotify while studying (1 hour): ~144 MB
• WhatsApp video chat with family (30 minutes): ~150 MB
• Uses Google Maps throughout the day: ~5 MB

Leo’s daily total: ≈ 3 GB

Now imagine both are on a 10-day trip, traveling from Barcelona to Madrid with stops in Seville and Valencia. Their data needs couldn’t be more different:

This contrast shows why it’s so important to match your plan to your habits. Nina could save money with a smaller package, while Leo would need a high-capacity or unlimited plan to avoid running into limits.

With Nina’s and Leo’s profiles in mind, let’s compare the three main ways to stay connected in Italy: a Travel Pass (roaming), a local SIM card, and an eSIM. For each, we’ll cover pricing, data limits, pros and cons, and who it’s best for. We’ll start with the Travel Pass.

Travel Pass: How much does it cost and does it justify the price?

A Travel Pass is a prepaid bundle from carriers like AT&T and Verizon that lets you use your phone abroad for a fixed daily rate. It usually includes data, calls, and texts, working much like your regular plan but with international coverage.

Pros of a Travel Pass:

• Convenient as there’s no need to change SIMs or settings
• Works immediately upon arrival
• Keeps your existing phone number

Cons of a Travel Pass:

• Daily fees add up quickly, especially on longer trips
• Data limits can be restrictive compared to local or eSIM plans
• Not all carriers offer strong coverage in every region

To give you a clearer understanding of Travel Passes, let’s look at Verizon TravelPass.

Source: Verizon TravelPass website.

Verizon TravelPass provides unlimited data, calls, and texts in 210+ destinations, including Spain, at $12 per day per line. After the first 5 GB of high-speed data, usage continues with unlimited data at reduced 3G speeds for the rest of the TravelPass session.

On the other hand, you can also avail of Verizon’s International Monthly Plan for data roaming, which includes unlimited data allowance, 250 minutes, and unlimited texts in 210+ destinations, at $100 per month per line. After the first 20 GB of high-speed data, you’ll have unlimited data at 3G speeds. Calls beyond your allowance cost $0.25 per minute.

Your plan starts automatically when you use your phone with roaming turned on when abroad. Each 24-hour session begins with phone activity, and you’ll be notified when it ends.

For a Spain trip, Nina (≈10 GB total for 10 days) would be fine on the monthly plan, since her usage fits comfortably within the 20 GB allowance. It will also be $20 cheaper compared to TravelPass.

Leo (≈30 GB in 10 days), however, would quickly burn through the cap of the monthly plan. For him, TravelPass makes more sense, since its daily reset means he could keep using high-speed data every day, even though the total cost is higher.

The Verdict: TravelPass is ideal for heavy users like Leo who need extensive, daily high-speed data, while lighter users like Nina can save money with the International Monthly Plan.

Local SIM card: Cheap data but what’s the catch?

Buying a local SIM card in Spain is a simple way to get online, often at much lower costs than international roaming. With a Spanish SIM, you get access to local networks, larger data allowances, and a local phone number for calls and texts.

You can buy a SIM once you arrive at an airport kiosk, carrier store, supermarket, or electronics shop. Some travelers also choose to preorder a SIM online so they can start using mobile data as soon as they land. A passport is usually required for registration, and activation is needed before use.

Pros of local SIMs:

• Much more data for your money compared to roaming
• Reliable coverage from Spain’s leading carriers
• Ideal for travelers who plan to use a lot of data or stay for several weeks

Cons of local SIMs:

• Must go through registration and setup in person (unless preordered)
• Can be confusing for non-Spanish speakers
• Internet isn’t available immediately upon arrival if buying locally

Popular local SIM providers in Spain

• Movistar: Spain’s largest mobile network operator, known for wide coverage and reliable service across the country.
• Orange: A major European carrier with a strong presence in Spain, popular among tourists for accessibility and flexible options.
• Vodafone: Global telecom provider with extensive Spanish coverage, known for high-speed connections and robust network reliability.
• Yoigo: A Spanish mobile operator focused on affordable, high-data packages and simple plans for both locals and visitors.

Local SIMs are the best choice for travelers who want high-speed data at low prices, especially for longer trips or heavy users. However, if you want instant connectivity or a simpler setup, an eSIM or TravelPass might be more convenient.

The Verdict: Local SIM cards are a cost-effective way to stay connected in Spain. For Nina, the Movistar 10 GB + 40 GB 5G plan gives enough data for messaging, navigation, and light streaming without overspending.

Leo, who needs more bandwidth for video calls and content uploads, would benefit from the Vodafone Prepago XL 350 GB plan, ensuring he won’t run out of data during his trip. Local SIMs offer excellent value, but do require a bit of setup after arrival.

eSIM: Instant setup but is it the best option?

Another way to stay connected in Spain is with an eSIM, a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of buying a physical card, you can purchase a plan online, scan an eSIM QR code, and start using data immediately.

eSIMs are ideal for travelers who want internet access the moment they land. However, they do have some limitations as not all phones support eSIMs, and most plans are data-only without calls or texts.

Pros of eSIMs:

• Activate instantly before or after arrival
• No paperwork, kiosks, or language barriers
• Switch easily between multiple providers
• Flexible plans for short trips or long stays

Cons of eSIMs:

• Typically higher cost per GB than local SIMs
• Usually data-only, no calls or SMS
• Requires an eSIM-compatible device

The Verdict: eSIMs offer the most convenience and flexibility. Travelers like Nina who need basic internet will find budget-friendly options like Airalo sufficient. At the same time, heavy users like Leo can opt for unlimited data plans from providers like Holafly to stay fully connected.

eSIM cards: Popular options

When deciding on the best eSIM for Spain, the following providers stand out for the following factors: data allowance, plan flexibility, coverage, and pricing.

• Holafly: Unlimited data plans adjustable from 1 to 90 days. Ideal for heavy users who want uninterrupted internet. Daily pricing starts at $3.90/day, making it easy to choose the plan length that fits your trip.
• Airalo: Offers a wide range of prepaid data plans from 1 GB for 7 days ($4.50) up to 20 GB for 30 days ($22.50). Great for light to moderate users seeking affordable, flexible options.
• Saily: Prepaid eSIM plans from 1 GB for $3.99 (7 days) to unlimited data for 30 days ($71.99). Some plans include perks like Saily credits or bonus NordVPN access.

Below is a breakdown of each provider, including info on customer support and refund policies.

1. Holafly

Holafly offers unlimited data plans that can be adjusted from 1 to 90 days, making it ideal for heavy travelers who need uninterrupted internet. Holafly also provides 24/7 customer support, so you can always find assistance when you need it.

Holafly’s refund policy gives you up to six months to request a refund.

• Price: Starts at $3.90 for 1 day of unlimited data
• Data: Unlimited
• Calls and texts: No
• Coverage: Major local network providers

2. Airalo

Airalo provides a wide range of prepaid data plans for Spain, from 1 GB for 7 days to unlimited data for 10 days. Airalo works with major local networks and offers flexible plans for light or moderate data users.

Airalo refunds, partial or full, are offered on eSIMs under certain conditions within 30 days of purchase.

• Price: Starts at $4.50 for 1 GB for 7 days
• Data: 1 GB to unlimited data
• Calls and texts: No
• Coverage: Major local network providers

3. Saily

Saily’s eSIMs cover a spectrum of needs, from 1 GB for 7 days to unlimited data for 15–30 days, making it suitable for both light and heavy users. Plans often include perks like bonus VPN access or Saily credits.

As per Saily’s refund policy, you must request your refund within 30 days of purchase.

• Price: Starts at $3.99 for 1 GB for 7 days
• Data: 1 GB to unlimited data
• Calls and texts: No
• Coverage: Major local network providers

Conclusion: Which connectivity option works best in Spain?

Choosing the right way to stay connected in Spain depends on your trip, how much data you use, and how you prefer to manage your connection. Here’s a quick look at your main options:

How to choose:

• Go with a Travel Pass if you want the easiest option, don’t mind paying a bit more, and want to keep your number active for calls and texts. This is perfect for short trips.
• Pick a local SIM if you’re staying longer or need lots of data at a lower cost. Great value; however, you are required to buy and activate your SIM in Spain.
• Choose an eSIM like Holafly if you want immediate connectivity without visiting a store. Unlimited plans are perfect for heavy users or anyone who wants reliable access from the moment they arrive.

For Nina, a light user, a smaller eSIM or even a Travel Pass works well. For Leo, who’s streaming, uploading, and video calling daily, Holafly’s unlimited eSIM is the easiest way to stay fully connected without worrying about limits.