If you’re moving to Spain, getting a SIM card or mobile plan is one of the first things you’ll need to sort out. Whether you need a prepaid SIM for short-term use or a monthly contract for long-term stays, Spain offers plenty of options.
At 247 Expat Insurance, we help expats navigate life in Spain with health, home, travel, and car insurance. This guide covers SIM card providers, mobile plans, costs, and how to get a Spanish phone number as an expat.
Do You Need a Spanish SIM Card?
- If you’re staying long-term – A Spanish SIM card or mobile contract is essential for local calls, banking, and residency paperwork.
- If you’re visiting short-term – A prepaid (prepago) SIM card is a flexible option.
- If you want to keep your U.S. or UK number – Consider dual SIM phones or international roaming plans.
Most Spanish SIM cards use European roaming, so you can use them across the EU at no extra cost.
Types of Mobile Plans in Spain
1. Prepaid SIM Cards (Prepago)
- Best for tourists, short-term stays, or secondary numbers.
- No contract—top up as needed via app, online, or in stores.
- Usually includes calls, SMS, and mobile data.
- Can be purchased at airports, kiosks, or mobile stores.
Prepaid SIMs are easy to get and don’t require residency, making them ideal for new arrivals, most will require an NIE number to register the SIM card.
2. Pay Monthly Mobile Plans (Contrato)
- Best for expats, long-term residents, or those who want unlimited data.
- Usually requires a Spanish bank account & NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).
- Often bundled with home internet or TV plans for discounts.
- Monthly billing—contract lengths vary from 1 month to 12+ months.
If you’re planning to stay in Spain long-term, a contract plan often provides better value.
3. eSIM Plans (Digital SIM)
- Available from major providers like Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, and Yoigo.
- No physical SIM required—activate your plan digitally.
- Ideal for expats who travel frequently and want a hassle-free setup.
Many newer smartphones support eSIM, allowing you to have both a Spanish number and a foreign number active at the same time.
Best Mobile Providers in Spain (Compared to UK & USA)
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Spanish Provider
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Similar UK Provider
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Similar U.S. Provider
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Plan Type
|
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Movistar
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O2
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AT&T
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Premium, nationwide coverage
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Vodafone Spain
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Vodafone UK
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Verizon
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Strong EU-wide coverage
|
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Orange Spain
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EE
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T-Mobile
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Affordable, good data plans
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Yoigo
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Three
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Metro by T-Mobile
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Budget-friendly, good speeds
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MásMóvil
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Tesco Mobile
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Cricket Wireless
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Low-cost mobile plans
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Digi
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Giffgaff
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Mint Mobile
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Cheap prepaid & contract plans
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Movistar and Vodafone have the best coverage, while MásMóvil and Digi offer the lowest prices.
Cost of Mobile Plans in Spain (2025)
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Plan Type
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Price (€ per month)
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Includes
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Best for
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Prepaid (5GB data, calls, SMS)
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€10-15
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5GB data, local calls
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Tourists, short-term expats
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Basic Contract (10-20GB data)
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€15-25
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10-20GB, unlimited calls
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Expats on a budget
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Unlimited Data Plan
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€30-45
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Unlimited data & calls
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Heavy data users, remote workers
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Family Plan (2-4 lines)
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€40-60
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Data & calls for multiple lines
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Families, shared plans
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Prepaid plans are great for flexibility, while contract plans offer the best value for long-term users.
Where to Buy a SIM Card in Spain
- Mobile Stores (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, Yoigo, MásMóvil, Digi) – Best for prepaid & contract SIMs.
- Electronics Stores (MediaMarkt, Fnac, Carrefour) – Sell prepaid SIMs with easy activation.
- Supermarkets & Kiosks – Some brands (e.g., Lycamobile) are available at convenience stores.
- Airports – Prepaid tourist SIMs available, but at higher prices.
- Online – Some providers allow eSIM activation without visiting a store.
For contract SIMs, you will need your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and a Spanish bank account.
How to Choose the Best SIM Card for Expats
- For short-term stays – Get a prepaid SIM (Vodafone, Orange, Movistar).
- For long-term stays – A contract plan (Movistar, Vodafone, Yoigo) may offer better value.
- For heavy data users – Look for unlimited data plans.
- For frequent travelers – Choose a provider with free EU roaming (Vodafone, Orange).
- For the cheapest plan – Consider Digi or MásMóvil for low-cost options.
Check if your phone is unlocked before getting a Spanish SIM card!
International Calling & Roaming in Spain
- Spain’s major networks offer free EU roaming, so you can use your Spanish SIM across Europe at no extra cost.
- Calling the U.S. or UK from Spain can be expensive, but apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom make it easy to call for free.
- Some plans offer international call add-ons (e.g., Vodafone’s global calling plans).
If you frequently call the U.S., UK, or other countries, look for a plan with discounted international minutes.
Final Tips for Expats on Mobile Plans in Spain
- Check coverage in your area – Movistar and Vodafone offer the best nationwide coverage.
- Use an eSIM if you need two numbers – Great for expats who still need their U.S. or UK number active.
- Watch for contract terms – Some contract plans have 12-24 month commitments.
- Consider bundling with home internet – Some providers offer discounts on mobile plans if you bundle with fiber broadband or TV.
Choosing the right mobile plan depends on your data needs, contract preferences, and whether you need international calling.
How 247 Expat Insurance Helps Expats in Spain
Moving to Spain? 247 Expat Insurance provides:
- Health insurance – Private coverage meeting residency & visa requirements.
- Home insurance – Protect your belongings, including smartphones & laptops.
- Car insurance – Spanish auto insurance for expats.
- Travel insurance – Coverage for frequent U.S.-Spain or UK-Spain travelers.
📩 Get a free quote today!
Disclaimer
Mobile plan prices vary by provider and location. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.