SIM Cards for Tourists & Residents

Getting a mobile plan with high data allowance was one of the first things I did when I moved to Barcelona. Meeting communication needs is one of the most important steps to take in a new city. Internet connection is essential especially for staying in touch with family and friends, maintaining business communications, and basic needs like navigation in daily life. In this guide, I’ll try to share the most suitable operator options, current prices, and important tips for the application process for both tourists and long-term Barcelona residents.

Best Mobile Operators in Spain

Spain’s telecommunications sector is quite developed, with major operators being Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. In addition to these operators, there are virtual operators like MásMóvil, Pepephone, and Simyo.

Movistar: Part of Telefonica, Spain’s largest telecommunications company. Founded in 1924, the company has the widest coverage area.

Vodafone: Operating in the Spanish market since 1994 and has strong infrastructure especially in city centers.

Orange: Acquired by France Telecom in 2005 and stands out particularly with its affordable packages.

Yoigo: Founded in 2006 and known for its campaigns targeting young people.

Mobile Internet in Spain

Barcelona offers many different options for mobile internet, with almost the entire city covered by 4G and 5G networks. Uninterrupted internet connection is possible in every part of the city, including metro stations, historical areas, and beaches. Internet packages offered by mobile operators include options suitable for different needs and budgets. While there are no coverage issues especially in the city center, some operators may experience reduced signal strength in mountainous regions or when leaving the city.

SIM Card and Internet Packages in Spain

Movistar is good but the most expensive among the alternatives. I’ve been using Vodafone for the past year and I’m quite satisfied. One of its best features is that you can continue using your internet package in Turkey and most countries in the same way. I’m sharing the minimum packages, prices, and internet quotas below so you can make a comparison.

Mobile Internet for Tourists in Spain

There are several different internet options for those traveling to Barcelona for short periods. When I first came on vacation, I got Vodafone; when my friends visited most recently, they got a card from Orange offering 50 GB for €10 and used it without any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my internet package in Turkey without paying extra?
Yes if you’re using Vodafone, but it’s worth checking for other operators.

I have a residence permit but haven’t received my TIE yet, can I get a line?
Yes, you can get a line with your passport.

How will I make the payment?
When getting a contract line, they ask for an IBAN during account setup. This IBAN needs to be ES (Spanish); when I provided my Revolut account, they didn’t accept it, so I had to provide a friend’s local bank IBAN and changed it later.

How’s the internet speed and signal strength?
I’ve been using Vodafone since day one, and due to old buildings, it only lacks signal in some ground floor shops, but I haven’t experienced any other issues.

If you’re staying in Barcelona long-term, the most advantageous option is packages offering home internet, mobile line, and TV. If you’ve started by renting a room like me, you don’t need to think about this. In this guide, I tried to convey the basic information you need about mobile lines and internet in Barcelona. I’ll prepare a separate article about eSIM options you can use.

Services and prices offered by each operator can change regularly, so it might be good to compare current offers on their websites before making a final decision.

You might also want to check out our article Best eSIM for Europe for your travels.