SIM card for Spain — or eSIM?
Spain makes the physical-SIM route more tempting than most countries: Vodafone, Orange and Movistar shops are everywhere, prepaid prices are fair, and coverage is excellent. So the honest question isn't whether a Spanish SIM is good — it's whether it's worth your holiday time.
Here's the full comparison: what a prepaid SIM really costs in Spain (including the registration law most guides skip), what an eSIM costs, and the traveller types each one suits.
What connectivity in Spain really costs.
Four ways to get data, side by side — including the catches the kiosk doesn't mention.
Typical 2026 ranges for comparison; your exact Spain eSIM price is quoted live on the plan page by trip length.
Where a physical SIM still makes sense.
We sell eSIMs, so take this section as the proof we're being straight with you: three cases where we'd honestly tell you to buy the plastic.
Stays past a couple of months
Spanish prepaid plans are among Europe's most generous per euro. If you're wintering in Málaga for three months, register a local SIM and enjoy resident pricing.
You need a Spanish number
Some Spanish services — local classifieds, certain restaurant booking lines, second-hand marketplaces — expect a +34 number. Data-only eSIMs keep your home number instead; if +34 matters, buy plastic.
No eSIM support on your phone
Pre-2018 phones and some mainland-China models can't take an eSIM. The *#06# check settles it in 30 seconds — no EID, no eSIM.
The multi-country question.
A Spanish SIM is superb in Spain — mainland, Balearics and Canaries are all domestic territory, so Mallorca and Tenerife cost nothing extra on either option.
But add Portugal, France or Morocco to the itinerary and the Spanish SIM starts roaming on its own terms. If Spain is one stop on a bigger route, the Europe eSIM covers 41 countries on one plan — same install, every border handled automatically.
Will your phone take an eSIM?
Spain's networks (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange and their partners) support every modern phone. For eSIM: iPhone XS/XR or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, and most recent Androids — carrier-unlocked. Dial *#06#; an EID number means you're ready.
Run the 30-second check →