Best eSIM for 🇪🇸 Spain

Which eSIM actually works in Spain? Get connected before you land.

Movistar is your best bet. Their network covers almost 99% of Spain's populated areas. Orange is a solid second, especially in cities, but you might see dropped calls in more remote parts of the Pyrenees or on smaller islands like El Hierro. Vodafone is decent but often lags behind Movistar for consistent rural coverage. Don't even think about Yoigo outside of major urban centres; it's a reseller and its coverage is spotty at best.

For a 7–15 day trip needing 5–10 GB, expect to pay $15-$25. You'll find plans from providers like Holafly, Airalo, and Nomad. These are generally prepaid and expire after a set number of days, so buy one that matches your trip length precisely. A 10 GB plan for 15 days from Holafly might run you about $20†.

Activating your eSIM is usually straightforward, but here's where it gets sticky. Never activate your eSIM while on airplane mode. Turn airplane mode OFF before scanning the QR code. If you have a dual-SIM phone, especially one from China, ensure you disable your physical SIM before activating the eSIM. You can't just switch them on and off easily; the phone needs a clean slate for the eSIM activation. The QR code is typically only valid for a short window after generation, so scan it immediately after purchase.

Spain has a peculiar quirk with prepaid SIMs and eSIMs: you usually need to register your identity with a passport. Most eSIM providers handle this in their app during setup. However, if you buy a physical SIM in a random shop, they might ask for your passport and take a photo. It's a hassle, but it's law. Also, some plans might throttle or block hotspot usage, so check the fine print if you plan on sharing your connection.

Your Burning eSIM Questions Answered

Will my old SIM stop working? No, your physical SIM will remain active if you're using a dual-SIM phone. You'll just need to manually select which SIM your phone uses for data.

Can I use my eSIM for calls and texts? Your eSIM will provide data. For calls and texts, you'll likely use your home number via Wi-Fi calling or your provider's international roaming rates unless the eSIM plan specifically includes a local number with calling minutes.

What if the QR code doesn't work? Contact the eSIM provider immediately. They can usually resend a valid QR code or offer manual installation instructions.

Is it cheaper than roaming? Almost always. Roaming can cost upwards of $10 per day for basic data, quickly making an eSIM that costs $20 for two weeks a much better deal.