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Travelling to Spain? You have a few options for mobile data: order a travel eSIM in advance, buy a local Spanish SIM card on arrival, or in some cases get an eSIM directly from a local Spanish provider. Each has its advantages.
For most holidays, a travel eSIM is by far the most convenient option. It lets you get connected the moment you land and skips most of the registration hassle. If you visit Spain frequently or need very large amounts of data, a local SIM card (physical or eSIM, where available) can be worthwhile, despite taking a bit more effort to set up.
Especially if your UK provider has reintroduced EU roaming charges, preparing with an eSIM in advance is the smart move. It helps you avoid high fees and enjoy hassle-free internet access throughout your trip.
Short on time? Use code FYESIM for 10% off my top pick GoMoWorld, the best balance of value and speed within Europe.
Spain eSIM for UK Travellers
Finding an eSIM for Spain is very easy. You can compare eSIMs from 35+ different providers, with prices starting from just . Sort by the length of your stay and the amount of data you need, so you always get the best deal. If you'd prefer a bit more guidance, check out my favourite options for Spain below.
Not sure how much data you'll need? A good rule of thumb is to think about your usual usage at home. On average, Brits use around 10 GB of mobile data per month, and 10 GB is also a popular choice among our users. If you're heading to Spain to unwind and won't stray far from the resort, you probably won't need a huge amount. But if you're planning a city break to vibrant destinations like Madrid, Barcelona or Seville, extra data can come in handy for exploring.
Installing an eSIM is incredibly simple. The process varies slightly, but usually involves an app or scanning a QR code. Once set up, you're ready to use mobile data seamlessly.
How much data do you actually need? Use our data calculator to estimate what you'll really use on your trip. Want to compare prices? Browse all 35+ providers via our Spain eSIM comparison tool. Or read on for my personal review.
GoMoWorld: Best overall
Are you searching for an eSIM Spain solution that offers unbeatable value per gigabyte? Then GoMoWorld is the ideal choice for most European destinations, including Spain. You can get an exclusive 10% discount with code FYESIM.
This Irish provider offers competitive rates and automatically connects you to the strongest local network with speeds up to 5G. My tests in Madrid, Seville and along the Spanish coast confirm its price-quality ratio in Spain is among the best available.
As the eSIM provider from Irish GoMo, GoMoWorld lets you roam in Spain as if you had an Irish subscription: you receive an Irish IP address and your data is routed through Ireland. Although this may lead to slightly lower speeds outside Europe, connections within Europe perform exceptionally well, comparable to roaming on a British subscription.
When I tested last spring, speeds reached up to 800 Mbps, which was exceptionally fast for a travel eSIM. A follow-up test this autumn connected via the Orange network and delivered speeds of up to 300 Mbps. While lower than the peak I saw previously, this remains blazing fast and more than sufficient for all standard mobile use and remote work.
The competitive prices and excellent performance make GoMoWorld my top choice for anyone looking for an eSIM for Spain. The app is also extremely user-friendly and intuitive.
Featured GoMoWorld plans for Spain
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GoMoWorld SpainSpain only5GData4 GBValidity7 days£3.40£3.06£0.77/GB£3.40£0.85/GB−10% with code - GoMoWorld SpainSpain only5GData50 GBValidity30 days£17.03£15.32£0.31/GB£17.03£0.34/GB−10% with code
eSIM4Travel: Spanish budget eSIM
Looking for a budget-friendly eSIM with data plans ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB? Be sure to check out eSIM4Travel. Through Find Your eSIM, you can enjoy a 10% discount using the code FYESIM. The service is provided by FreshQ INC., a global internet company.
eSIM4Travel's motto is simple: say goodbye to hefty roaming charges. The provider is run by a team of seasoned travellers and digital nomads with a truly international background, including members from the US, China, Mexico, Taiwan, Italy, Poland and France (though officially based in the United States).
eSIM4Travel doesn't offer flashy apps or extras, and that's the point. It's a no-nonsense provider focused on delivering reliable mobile data at exceptional value. One possible downside is that data traffic is often routed through remote data centres, which can result in slightly higher latency. However, for 90% of travellers, eSIM4Travel offers the best value available at this price point.
Featured eSIM4Travel plans for Spain
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eSIM4Travel Best Europe 4141 countriesData1 GBValidity7 days£0.52£0.46£0.46/GB£0.52£0.52/GB−10% with code - eSIM4Travel Best Europe 4141 countriesData10 GBValidity30 days£6.59£5.93£0.59/GB£6.59£0.66/GB−10% with code
SimOptions: European plans
Looking for a wide selection of genuine European pay-as-you-go offers, perhaps including call minutes? Then SimOptions is definitely worth considering. You can receive a 10% discount using the code FYESIM.
In addition to its own offerings, SimOptions partners with several leading European providers such as Orange, Bouygues and O2. Thanks to these partnerships, SimOptions offers an extensive range of true European prepaid SIM cards, often including a European phone number.
I've been comparing eSIMs for over two years now and have seen dozens of new providers enter, and sometimes exit, the market. Throughout that time, SimOptions has remained a stable and trustworthy marketplace for reliable eSIMs.
Featured SimOptions plans for Spain
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SimOptions SpainSpain onlySpain onlyThis provider adds a surcharge at checkout for payments in currencies other than USD, so the amount you actually pay may differ. SimOptions also offers a paid '4G/5G boost' whose exact workings aren't clearly specified, and not all eSIMs for which this boost is offered support the use of other networks.
Data3 GBValidity30 days£4.90£4.41£1.47/GB£4.90£1.63/GB−10% with code - SimOptions SpainSpain onlySpain only
This provider adds a surcharge at checkout for payments in currencies other than USD, so the amount you actually pay may differ. SimOptions also offers a paid '4G/5G boost' whose exact workings aren't clearly specified, and not all eSIMs for which this boost is offered support the use of other networks.
Data10 GBValidity30 days£10.90£9.81£0.98/GB£10.90£1.09/GB−10% with code
Unlimited data eSIM for Spain
You'll find several unlimited eSIM options for Spain. They're a convenient choice, especially if you don't want to worry about running out of data. Just keep in mind that many unlimited travel eSIMs come with a fair usage policy (FUP), which may affect speed after a certain threshold.
A fair use policy usually won't affect everyday use, but it can limit high-data activities like streaming films or watching live sport. We highlight any throttling details where available, so you know exactly what to expect. Want to take a look yourself? Visit our comparison page for Spain and select "Unlimited". Tip: filter for 50 GB or more if you're a heavy data user and want to avoid being limited by a fair use policy.
Local networks in Spain
These are the three major mobile networks in Spain:
- Movistar
- Orange
- Vodafone
When you ask locals in Spain about the best mobile network, Movistar often tops the list for its reliability and extensive coverage. However, it can be expensive, and support for non-Spanish speakers may be more limited. For a more affordable option (if you decide to buy directly from them), Orange and Vodafone are great alternatives, offering competitive rates and better flexibility for international customers.
As a resident of Spain, I personally prefer Orange over Movistar for its better rates, and I've never had any issues. Network coverage in Spain is excellent across the country, especially in urban areas. When you buy an eSIM, remember that eSIM providers usually work across several networks, so network quality shouldn't be a concern for most tourists visiting Spain.
However, if you're heading to remote or mountainous areas, it's wise to check coverage beforehand. Both Nperf and Opensignal are excellent sites for doing your research.
Buying a local SIM card
Looking for a local SIM card? Here are two useful tips.
Prefer not to use a physical SIM card and want an eSIM from a Spanish provider? That's possible, although not everything can be arranged online. Vodafone does offer eSIMs, but only in physical stores, such as Vodafone shops or electronics retailers at the airport. Note that the Vodafone Travel eSIM available online is not a Spanish one, but a roaming version.
Want to set up an eSIM with a Spanish phone number before you travel? The Spanish provider Simyo lets you order an eSIM with a local number online. You'll need to go through an identity verification process, but non-residents can complete this using a passport. Just note that the entire process is in Spanish, and English-language support is not available.
Need an old-fashioned SIM card for Spain? You can also buy one on arrival at the airport. The options may vary between airports, and even between terminals. I've had good personal experiences with both Orange and Vodafone prepaid SIM cards. Orange is particularly affordable, with prices starting from just 10 euros for 60 GB.
Final thoughts
Choosing between a travel eSIM and a local SIM card for Spain depends on your travel needs. For most travellers, an eSIM is the convenient, hassle-free option, offering seamless connectivity without any paperwork. With plans starting as low as , you can easily find one that fits your data needs.
For frequent visitors or those who need larger data allowances, a local SIM card might be the better option, especially for an extended stay or if your phone doesn't support eSIM. Providers like Vodafone and Orange offer competitive pricing and reliable service across Spain.
Remember to consider coverage, data speeds and the fair use policy (FUP) when making your choice. With options ranging from budget-friendly plans to unlimited data, you can stay connected throughout your stay in Spain without breaking the bank.
To sum up, here are my top picks for mobile data in Spain:
- GoMoWorld (best overall value)
- eSIM4Travel (best budget option)
- SimOptions (European prepaid plans)
Or compare all 35+ providers yourself. Whatever your choice, comparing the available eSIM options for Spain will help you find the best plan for your trip.
Onne Bakker
Founder of Find Your eSIM. He tests travel eSIMs across dozens of countries so you don't have to, and only recommends the providers he'd use himself.
