Best eSIM for Spain: Cheap prepaid eSIM Plans for Tourists

May 13, 2024

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Ready to buy an eSIM for Spain? View all plans here.

Are you planning a trip to Spain and looking for an eSIM deal to stay connected once you land?

You’re in the right place.  

No matter the duration of your trip to Spain or how often you use your data, don’t get charged expensive roaming charges for using your phone while you are away.

There are a variety of choices on the market. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide that tells you everything you need to know: from what you should consider before purchasing an eSIM for Spain, the best eSIM plans for Spain and how quick and easy it is to get started with your eSIM when in Spain.

Let’s dive in.

Can you use eSIM in Spain?  

Yes – using a Spain eSIM es pan comido (that’s "a piece of cake", in Spanish).  

Much like many European countries, Spain has plenty of providers that support eSIM services. For any eSIM use, what matters most is that your device is unlocked and eSIM-compatible (which most smartphones are).  

You can read our full guide on unlocking your phone here.  

What are the requirements for using an eSIM in Spain?

To use an eSIM in Spain your phone must be unlocked and eSIM compatible.  

How to check if your phone is unlocked*:

  1. Go to settings and click ‘General’.
  1. Click ‘About’.
  1. See ‘Network Provider Lock’.
  1. If this says ‘No Sim Restrictions’, your phone is unlocked and can use an eSIM.

*Can vary per smartphone, if no results you can check with your phone provider.

How to check your phone is eSIM compatible:

  1. Go to settings and select ‘Mobile Service’.
  1. Under ‘SIMs’ you will see your physical sim card plan and phone number.
  1. If you’re phone is compatible with eSIM, you’ll see an option to ‘Add eSIM’ – this means you can use any eSIM (we’ll come back to how to set this up at the end).

Or check out our handy guide on eSIM compatible handsets.  

A person sitting on a ledge looking at a phone and a map using an eSIM.

What should you consider before purchasing an eSIM in Spain?  

There’s a lot to think about when travelling – be that for a short-term break to the Canary Islands or travelling mainland Spain with a one-way ticket. One thing you don’t want to worry about is reliable mobile phone connection. Here are our three non-negotiables when buying an eSIM:  

1. Reliable Coverage (don’t get lost)

Make sure your eSIM provider has access to local coverage in Spain so that even in rural and urban areas of the country you can stay connected.  

Sim Local has eSIM plans for Orange, Telefonica, and VODAFONE ESPAŇA S.A.U. mobile networks in Spain, using the best available to keep you connected.

2. Flexible Data Options (for when your plans change)

Check your eSIM provider offers flexible options, so you can purchase more data when you need it, at the click of a button. With Sim Local’s app, you can easily manage your data allowance and buy more during your trip.

3. Easy Activation (keep it simple)

Convenience is key when activating eSIMs in Spain. In fact, it was the most important factor our customers considered when choosing a provider. Manual configuration or contacting customer support to get set up is a bigger headache than the morning after Agua de Valencia (a must-try drink if you’re in the area).  

Ideally, your provider has a user-friendly, simple App to activate your eSIMs while on the move.  

Download the Sim Local App Here.

View of the sea from a height of Pope Luna's Castle. Valencian Community, Spain. Peniscola. Castell. The medieval castle of the Knights Templar on the beach. Beautiful view of the sea and the bay.
View from Pope Luna's Castle in Peniscola, Valencia Community

Best eSIM plans for Spain

Choosing your eSIM plan depends primarily on two things: how long will you be in Spain? And how much data do you plan to use?

3GB of Data in Spain, 30 Days(inc. the Canary Islands) - £6

If your usage is limited to messaging, emails, and light browsing, 3GB of data is ideal for a short-term trip in Spain. You can browse the web, use Google Maps, social media, and stream. If you need more, you can always top up quickly from as little as £3.  

See plan details  

10GB of Data in Spain, 30 Days (inc. the Canary Islands) - £12.50

In addition to light browsing and social media usage, 12GB will give you more freedom to watch high-res videos on YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime without draining data for a month.  

See plan details

20GB Data in Spain, 30 Days (inc. the Canary Islands) - £17.50

Ideal for the digital nomad, this plan provides peace of mind when doing all of the above, as well as video calling home, doom-scrolling TikTok, and posting pics on the gram – such as Madrid’s Templo de Debod (check it out at sunset).  

See plan details

Where can you buy an eSIM for Spain?

You can purchase your eSIM online, via our App, or at Sim Local stores and vending machines located in airports across the world.

You can purchase an eSIM on our website today and activate it once you land.

See all eSIM Spain plans here

All in all, no matter what eSIM provider you choose, make sure you have all the information before you buy so you have peace of mind on your trip.  

Between navigating las calles and how to order a jamon sandwich, staying connected shouldn’t be hard. With Sim Local? Es pan comido. 😉


Useful Phrases for your Trip to Spain

“Hola, como estas?” - Hey, how are you?

“¿Me pones un café con leche, por favor?” - Can I have a coffee with milk please?

“Cuánto cuesta?” - How much is it?

“¿Me das una bolsa?” Can I have a bag?

“¿Perdona, donde puedo coger un taxi?” - Excuse me, where can I get a taxi?

“¿Dónde está el andén del tren que va a [location]?” - Where can I catch the train going to [location]

“Voy a dar una vuelta” - I’m going to go a wander.  

“Puede ayudarme, busco [insert location]. ¿Dónde está?” I’m looking for [location], do you know where it is?

“Ponme una cerveza por favor” - Can I have a beer, please?

“Dame la cuenta, por favor” - Can I have the bill, please?

“Qué guay!” - That’s so cool!

“¡Ostras!” - Oh my gosh! (used to express surprise - literally translates to "oysters")

“Fue la leche!” – It was awesome!

About Sim Local

Sim Local is the global leader in travel SIM card and eSIM retail. With a 4.8-star rating on Trust Pilot, Sim Local caters to global travellers so they can stay connected and avoid expensive roaming charges.

We sell local SIM cards and eSIM Profiles direct to customers through our Sim Local retail stores, kiosks, vending machines, mobile app, and eShop.

Read our reviews

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