SIM Cards
I compared Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar based on real prepaid plans, data allowances, and coverage to find which one actually delivers the best value for travelers. For solo travels, eSIMs like Holafly stand out as the best option.
I compared local SIM cards in Spain across price, data allowances, validity, and network coverage, focusing on options from Vodafone Spain, Orange Spain, and Movistar.
Physical SIM cards are often among the cheapest ways to stay connected while traveling in Spain. All three providers operate nationwide networks, making them reliable options depending on your needs.
Quick pick: The best SIM card for Spain is Vodafone Spain for its strong coverage, high data allowance, and easy availability at airports and city stores.
For heavy data use, Vodafone Spain is the best choice thanks to its high-data prepaid bundles and flexible options.
| Provider | Price (from) | Data | Validity | Network coverage in Spain | Where to buy | Best for |
| Vodafone Spain | €10 (~$11) | 90GB (Prepago S) | 28 days | Nationwide 5G network | Online order, Vodafone stores, delivery or pickup | Heavy data, flexible plans |
| Orange Spain | €10 (~$11) | 80GB (Prepago 10) | 28 days | Strong in cities and tourist areas | Orange stores, airports, retailers | High data at lower price |
| Movistar | €10 (~$11) | 60GB (Prepaid Plus) | 28 days | Extensive national coverage | Official stores, retailers | Reliable coverage |
Choosing the best SIM card in Spain comes down to value, flexibility, and coverage.
Pro tip: If you’re planning your route across cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, check this Spain itinerary to estimate how much data you’ll actually need during your trip.
Vodafone stands out by offering the highest data allowance at the same starting price, along with flexible prepaid tiers that make it easy to scale your plan.
Orange is a close alternative with slightly less data but similar pricing, while Movistar offers lower data at the entry level but more consistent nationwide coverage, especially outside major cities.
All three require in-store purchase and passport registration for activation, so your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize higher data allowances or stronger nationwide coverage.
Spain’s three main mobile operators, Vodafone Spain, Orange Spain and Movistar, offer the best prepaid SIM options thanks to their strong nationwide coverage, competitive pricing and widely available plans.
These providers all offer 28-day prepaid bundles with large data allowances and international minutes included. Keep in mind that exact bundles and promotions can change, so it’s best to confirm details in-store or on the official provider websites.
Vodafone is one of Spain’s largest telecom providers and offers a wide range of prepaid plans with high data allowances and flexible tiers. Its prepaid bundles include large data packages, unlimited national calls, and international minutes, making it a strong all-around option. It’s best suited for travelers who want maximum data and flexibility across different plan levels.
Plans & pricing
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 28 days | 90GB | €10 (~$11) | Prepago S, includes unlimited national calls and international minutes |
| 28 days | 270GB | €15 (~$16) | Prepago M, higher data + more international minutes |
| 28 days | 330GB+ | €20+ (~$22+) | Higher tiers available (L, XL, XXL) |
Quick verdict: Best for heavy data users who want the most value at the lowest price. Widely available online with delivery or at Vodafone stores, though setup requires registration.
Orange is another major provider in Spain, known for its competitive prepaid pricing and high data allowances. Its prepaid plans include generous data, unlimited national calls, and international minutes, making it a strong value option. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a balance between price and data without needing multiple plan tiers.
Plans & pricing
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 28 days | 80GB | €10 (~$11) | Prepaid 10, includes international minutes and EU roaming |
| 28 days | 260GB | €15 (~$16) | Prepaid 15, larger data bundle |
| 28 days | Unlimited | €35 (~$38) | Holiday Maxi (tourist-focused plan) |
Quick verdict: Best for budget-conscious users who still want high data. Available in Orange stores, airports, and retailers, though activation requires in-person registration.
Movistar is Spain’s largest telecom network and is widely recognized for its extensive nationwide coverage. Its prepaid plans offer solid data bundles, unlimited calls, and international minutes, though with slightly less data at the entry level compared to competitors. It’s ideal for travelers prioritizing reliable coverage, especially outside major cities.
Plans & pricing
| Duration | Data | Price | Notes |
| 28 days | 60GB | €10 (~$11) | Prepaid Plus, includes unlimited calls and international minutes |
| 28 days | 240GB | €15 (~$16) | Premium prepaid plan |
| 28 days | 300GB | €20+ (~$22+) | Total prepaid plan |
Quick verdict: Best for reliable coverage across Spain, particularly in rural areas. Available at official Movistar stores and retailers, with activation required in person.
Using a local SIM in Spain is straightforward, but it usually involves a few extra steps like ID registration and in-store activation, which can take more time than expected.
Pro tip: Make sure your phone stays charged while setting up your SIM, especially at the airport. Spain uses Type C and F plugs, so check this Spain plug type guide to see if you’ll need an adapter.
For the quickest setup, it’s worth asking your hotel or accommodation concierge which nearby store can activate a SIM immediately.
From testing different connectivity options while traveling, eSIMs consistently end up being the easier choice compared to SIM cards.
You can install an eSIM in minutes and get online instantly. This makes a big difference on shorter trips when you just want a reliable connection without the extra steps.
In my experience, after trying a few eSIM providers, they simply make more sense for convenience and speed. You keep your main SIM, avoid store visits, and can switch plans digitally.
Based on that experience, here’s how some of the most popular eSIM options compare:
Reviews (based on testing and usage):
Quick eSIM comparison
| Provider | Data style | Price (from) | Best for | |
| Holafly |  | Unlimited data | $3.90/day | Heavy data, no limits |
| Nomad |  | Unlimited data / Fixed GB | $4.50 (1GB) | Budget, flexible plans |
| Ubigi |  | Unlimited data / Fixed GB | $5 (3GB) | Speed and reliability |
Vodafone Spain is the best overall SIM card due to its high data allowance and flexible prepaid plans. Orange is a close alternative, while Movistar is better for coverage outside major cities.
Yes, foreigners can buy SIM cards in Spain from official stores, airports, or retailers. You will need to show your passport for registration.
Spain uses standard GSM SIM cards compatible with most unlocked phones. Most modern devices support nano SIM, which is the most common format.
Holafly is a top choice for Spain due to its unlimited data plans, simple setup, and excellent customer service. Nomad and Ubigi are good alternatives for more flexible or budget options.
Prepaid plans from Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar start at around €10 for 28 days. These typically include large data bundles and unlimited local calls.
Standard prepaid plans around €10 offer the lowest entry price in Spain. These are usually more flexible than contract SIM-only plans for short-term use.
Movistar is widely considered to have the strongest overall coverage in Spain. Vodafone and Orange also offer fast speeds and reliable service in most areas.
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.
Reviews
