{"id":225903,"date":"2023-01-09T19:43:52","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T18:43:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suitcaseinspain.com\/?p=225903"},"modified":"2023-07-17T10:52:17","modified_gmt":"2023-07-17T08:52:17","slug":"guide-to-sims-and-mobile-service-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suitcaseinspain.com\/es\/guide-to-sims-and-mobile-service-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to SIMs & Mobile Service in Spain [updated January 2023]"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_6_font=”Lato|700||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”#5699A4″ header_6_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_phone=”30px||30px||true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”36px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

mobile (cellular) Sim and service guide<\/h6>\n

updated January 9, 2023<\/p>\n

Guide to getting a SIM card, mobile number, and more.<\/h1>\n

Learn how to keep in touch with friends and family while visiting or living in Spain. As an expat, knowing how to get a SIM card in Spain, or which mobile operator to choose, can be a challenge. That’s why we created this guide to help you wade through the numerous options so you won\u2019t be left disconnected.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/suitcaseinspain.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/undraw_Online_messaging_orange.png” title_text=”undraw_Online_messaging_orange” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||3px||” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”21px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0.5em||0.5em||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Special note for those from Ukraine<\/span>:<\/p>\n

be sure to ask about special benefits for Ukrainians. Many mobile operators around Europe have waived fees for you or introduced exclusive plans, including free calls back to Ukraine. \u0421\u043b\u0430\u0432\u0430 \u0423\u043a\u0440\u0430\u0457\u043d\u0456! 🇺🇦<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ width=”100%” custom_padding=”24px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_6_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” header_2_font_size_phone=”36px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Everything you need to know to get the right mobile phone provider for your new life in Spain.<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/suitcaseinspain.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/undraw_mobile_devices_orange.png” title_text=”undraw_mobile_devices_orange” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”80px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_font_size=”20px” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_6_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”|||” header_2_font_size_phone=”36px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span>The Major Providers<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”MOVISTAR” open_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ icon_color=”#F06455″ open_icon_color=”#F06455″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_font=”|600|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||10px|” animation_style=”flip” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Formerly known as Telefonica until Telefonica purchased BellSouth and unified its mobile services under the brand “Movistar” in 2005, Movistar boasts the highest marketshare of all providers at around\u00a041%.\u00a0We used to have a section of the forum called “Telefonica Rage” which should tell you something about how it felt to deal with this former state-owned monopoly. These days things are better. They offer decent\u00a0rates once you\u2019ve signed onto specific plans that accommodate your calling schedules. Their coverage isn’t the best anymore, but their speed for downloads, videos and gaming is now ranked #1 per OpenSignal.com’s comparison (July 2020). Movistar Spain offers\u00a05G in the largest cities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Movistar does not offer customer service in English.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”VODAFONE” open_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ icon_color=”#F06455″ open_icon_color=”#F06455″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_font=”|600|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||10px|” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”300ms” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

If you travel around Europe then this is probably your best bet since they\u2019re from the UK and offer cell\/mobile phone service throughout the continent. You\u2019ll get cheaper roaming charges and they generally offer reasonable rates across the board. Offers 5G in 21 of the\u00a0largest cities. They’re the most popular network among expats as well. Notably slower download speeds than the other networks, but otherwise Vodafone’s performance is good, especially if you have a 5G cellular phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vodafone offers customer service in English.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”ORANGE” open_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ icon_color=”#F06455″ open_icon_color=”#F06455″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_font=”|600|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||10px|” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”100ms” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The second most\u00a0popular carrier among expats, you\u2019ll often find great, cheap offers on both phones and calling plans that can get you down to 3 cents\/minute or even unlimited talk and data\u00a0in some cases! I have personally found their 4G service to be faster than Vodafone’s and the coverage excellent. Their service speeds continue to improve and recently tied Movistar for download speed in the national rankings according to\u00a0<\/span>OpenSignal<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Orange offers customer service in English.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”YOIGO” open_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ icon_color=”#F06455″ open_icon_color=”#F06455″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_font=”|600|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||10px|” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”200ms” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Also popular with expats. They don’t have as much coverage as the above network carriers but offer free roaming on Movistar and Orange, so theoretically you’ll get more total coverage than any other option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yoigo doesn’t offer customer service in English however, you might find some English speaking staff at some of their shops.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”LOBSTER” open_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f4f4f4″ icon_color=”#F06455″ open_icon_color=”#F06455″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_font=”|600|||||||” body_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||10px|” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”300ms” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Part of the growing number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), Lobster Mobile is probably the most popular virtual mobile phone provider due to 100% English-language customer service and free calls to English-speaking countries are huge perk for expats.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Free calls to the USA, UK, The Netherlands, Germany and more.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|19px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Did you know that there are least 28 mobile phone companies<\/strong> offering SIM cards for prepaid and contract-based cellular phone service in Spain \u2013 28<\/strong>!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TOC” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”text-align: -webkit-center!important;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

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Table of Contents<\/p>\n