Complete Guide for Travelers 路 Updated 2026
Everything you need to know about buying a local SIM card in Spain. Compare 3 providers, find prepaid plans starting from $11 USD, and learn exactly where to buy and what documents you need.
Cheapest Plan
$11
Providers
3
Network
Currency
EUR
El Prat Airport (Barcelona) or Barajas Airport (Madrid) arrivals, or any Vodafone/Movistar store
Compare all 3 carriers offering prepaid SIM cards to tourists in Spain. Side-by-side comparison of coverage, speed, and pricing.
| Carrier | Type | Coverage | Speed | Cheapest Plan | Plans | Buy At |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vodafone Spain Best Coverage | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $16USD 15 GB / 28 days | 2plans | AirportCarrier StoreOnline |
Movistar | Major | Excellent | Excellent | $16USD 12 GB / 28 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreSupermarket |
Orange Spain | Major | Good | Good | $11USD 10 GB / 28 days | 2plans | Carrier StoreSupermarketOnline |
Coverage and speed ratings per carrier
From
$16
15 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIM 15GB | 15 GB | 15 EUR | $16 | 28 days | 60 min international |
| Tourist SIM 30GB | 30 GB | 25 EUR | $27 | 28 days | 120 min international |
From
$16
12 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepago 12GB | 12 GB | 15 EUR | $16 | 28 days | 30 min local |
| Prepago 25GB | 25 GB | 20 EUR | $22 | 28 days | 60 min local |
From
$11
10 GB / 28 days
| Plan | Data | Price | USD | Validity | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Go 10GB | 10 GB | 10 EUR | $11 | 28 days | 20 min local |
| Prepaid Go 20GB | 20 GB | 20 EUR | $22 | 28 days | 60 min local |
Select providers to compare their plans directly
Select up to 3 providers to compare. 3/3 selected.
Orange Spain
Prepaid Go 10GB
10 EUR EUR
Vodafone Spain
Tourist SIM 15GB
15 EUR EUR
Movistar
Prepago 12GB
15 EUR EUR
Movistar
Prepago 25GB
20 EUR EUR
Orange Spain
Prepaid Go 20GB
20 EUR EUR
Vodafone Spain
Tourist SIM 30GB
25 EUR EUR
Visual comparison of carrier pricing in Spain
Cheapest to most expensive plan (USD)
Cheapest available
$11
Find the best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Spain, with details on hours, ease of purchase, and what to expect at each location type.
This is the easiest option for tourists arriving in Spain.
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 Spain. It is required for registration at all official points of sale. Airport counters handle the process quickly.
Spain uses 4G LTE / 5G networks. Here is how each provider compares for coverage and speed across the country.
Coverage Map for Spain
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Spain 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 Spain
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 or EU ID
major carrier
Step 1
Passport or EU ID
major carrier
Step 1
Passport or EU ID
Get a printable PDF with provider comparisons, activation steps, and APN settings for Spain.