Complete Guide for Travelers · Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Portugal. Compare 2 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $11 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$11
Providers
2
Network
Currency
EUR
Lisbon Airport arrivals or any Vodafone/MEO store
Compare all 2 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Portugal. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vodafone Portugal Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $16USD 10 GB / 15 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier Store |
MEO | Major | Excellent | Good | $11USD 8 GB / 15 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreSupermarket |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$16
10 GB / 15 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 10GB | 10 GB | 14.99 EUR | $16 | 15 days | 100 min local |
| Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 24.99 EUR | $27 | 30 days | 200 min local |
From
$11
8 GB / 15 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid 8GB | 8 GB | 9.99 EUR | $11 | 15 days | 30 min local |
| Prepaid 20GB | 20 GB | 19.99 EUR | $22 | 30 days | 100 min local |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 2/3 selected.
MEO
Prepaid 8GB
9.99 EUR EUR
Vodafone Portugal
Tourist 10GB
14.99 EUR EUR
MEO
Prepaid 20GB
19.99 EUR EUR
Vodafone Portugal
Tourist 20GB
24.99 EUR EUR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Portugal
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$11
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Portugal, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Portugal.
Carrier counters and kiosks in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and handle registration on the spot.
Official brand stores with the widest plan selection. Staff can help with activation and troubleshooting.
European supermarkets (Carrefour, Tesco, ALDI) sell house-brand SIM cards at the best prices.
Order online before your trip and pick up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel.
Bring your passport when buying a SIM card in Portugal. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Portugal uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Portugal
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Portugal requires SIM card registration. Here is exactly what you need and step-by-step instructions for each provider.
Prepare these before buying a SIM in Portugal
Unlocked phoneRequired
Your phone must be SIM-unlocked to use a local SIM card
PassportRequired
Valid passport for SIM registration
SIM ejector toolRequired
Or use a paperclip to open the SIM tray
Cash in local currencyRequired
Some vendors do not accept credit cards
Photo ID (backup)Optional
A second form of ID in case your passport is needed elsewhere
Local addressRequired
Hotel address for SIM registration form
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
major carrier
Step 1
Passport
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Portugal.