7 Best eSIM Plans When Traveling to Spain
Too much trouble just to get connection on your travel? If you’re familiar with the hassle of having to switch to a new SIM just to get some connection outside your home, we found a fast and easy solution for you: try an eSIM!
But what's an eSIM? An embedded SIM is a digital version of a physical SIM card that’s built into your phone or device, and lets you activate a mobile plan without needing to insert a physical card. You can set it up before your trip to land already connected, and switch easily between your home SIM and the eSIM!
What Is an eSIM?
eSIM = digital SIM card (no need to physically change anything). Works like a regular SIM: allows you to access data, calls (some), texts.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card, no plastic, no swapping. It’s built into your phone and lets you connect to mobile networks like a physical SIM. All you need to do is buy a compatible eSIM plan online instead of a new SIM card, and follow the on-screen steps to activate it.
Why Use It?
Avoid roaming charges. Stay connected immediately after landing. Easy to install before your trip. (one less thing to plan)
Why go buy an entirely new SIM card when you can just activate your eSIM online and enjoy your first travel day stress free?
For tourists in Spain, an eSIM can be useful because:
Easily activate before a trip
No roaming charges
Connect upon landing
Switch between eSIM and SIM easily
Things to Consider Before Choosing an eSIM
Duration of your trip.How much data you’ll need.Do you need to make calls or send texts?Will you travel to other countries in Europe?Do you want to hotspot/share data with other devices?
Before choosing an eSIM, it’s essential to consider the following:
Length of your trip: So your plan doesn’t expire too soon.
How much data you’ll use: Especially if you plan to stream, work remotely, or use GPS often.
Calls or texts: Be sure your plan includes those features, as many are data-only.
Multi-country eSIM: If you're planning to visit other countries in Europe, this will save you from buying new plans at each stop.
Share your connection: If you want to work with a laptop or travel buddy, ensure the eSIM allows hotspot use.
It’s usually cheaper and more convenient than hunting down a local SIM card in Spain!
1. Saily – Best Overall for Tourists
Price: $3.99 for 1GB (7 days), $22.99 for 20GB (30 days) – great for various trip lengths.
Ease of Use: Very easy to set up through a smooth, reliable app.
Value: Excellent choice if you want simple, dependable data at a low price.
Best For: Travelers who want good value without needing calls or extras.
| Price | $3.99 for 1GB (7 days), $22.99 for 20GB (30 days) |
| Use | Easy to set up. Reliable app. |
| Value | Simple, dependable, low price. |
| Best for | No need of extra service like calls |
2. aloSIM– Data + Calling Option
Price: Starts at $4.50 for data plans.
Calling Feature: This includes calls and texts via the Hushed app, which is ideal for making local reservations.
Plan Lengths: Offers both 7-day and 30-day options.
Best For: Travelers who want to stay in touch without using their personal number.
| Price | Starts at $4.50 for data plans |
| Key feature | Calls and texts with app |
| Plan | 7 and 30 day options |
| Best for | Stay in touch without need of a personal number |
3. Holafly– Unlimited Data for Heavy Users
Price: From $6.90/day; better rates for longer stays (e.g. $20.90 for 5 days).
Unlimited Use: No data caps, though speeds may reduce with heavy usage.
Plan Duration: Valid up to 90 days.
Calling: No phone number included—data only.
Best For: Travelers who stream, use maps, or need lots of data every day.
| Price | $6.90/day |
| Use | No data caps. Heavy usage reduces speed. |
| Plan | Up to 90 days. |
| Calls | No phone number included |
| Best for | Stream, use maps.Lots of data every day. |
4. Nomad– User-Friendly and Global
Price: Starting at $4.50 for Spain plans.
Interface: Very beginner-friendly app and purchase process.
Network: 5G supported in Spain.
Coverage: Offers regional and global plans for wider travel.
Best For: First-time eSIM users or those traveling to multiple countries.
| Price | $4.50 for Spain |
| Network | Beginner-friend fly |
| Coverage | Regional and Global plans |
| Best for | Wider Travels Beginner Friendly. |
5. Jetpac– Cheapest for High Data Needs
Price: 1GB for $1, 40GB for under $33—very competitive.
Networks: Connects to top Spanish providers like Movistar and Vodafone.
Speed: Generally fast and stable for the price.
Best For: Budget travelers or digital nomads needing lots of affordable data.
| Price | 1GB for $1, 40GB for under $33 |
| Network | Connect to top Spain providers (Movistar, Vodafone) |
| Speed | Fast and Stable |
| Best for | Budget travellers Digital Nomads |
6. Airalo– Best for Multi-Country Trips
Price: Free eSIM with 1GB for 1 day; other plans from $4.50.
Coverage: Works in Spain and across Europe; regional plans available.
Options: Offers both data-only and some plans with calls/SMS.
Best For: Travelers planning to visit more than one European country.
| Price | 1GB - 1Day Other - $4.50. |
| Coverage | Regional and across Europe plans |
| Options | Data only and calls/SMS |
| Best for | Wider travels across Europe. |
7. GigSky– Flexible & Travel-Friendly
Price: Free 100MB eSIM (7 days); paid plans start at $4.49.
Coverage: Includes land, cruise, and in-flight connectivity.
Data Options: Offers both fixed and unlimited plans.
Best For: Travelers who want flexibility and travel across various environments.
| Price | 100MB - FREE Other - starting $4.49 |
| Coverage | Land, Cruise, In-flight |
| Data | Fixed/ unlimited |
| Best for | Flexibility |
Other Traveler Approved eSIMs
Mobimatter Sparks – Great deals, 12GB for ~$12. (You can mention that you can get 5$ if you refer a friend) GoMoWorld – €20 for 55GB.Roamless – Credit-based plan, flexible, never expires. Simyo / Orange – Great for locals or longer stays (need Spanish address).
Looking for a budget-friendly data plan that actually gives you value? Mobimatter Sparks has awesome deals like 12GB for just around $12. It’s super easy to set up via their app, and you can often choose from multiple providers depending on your destination.
Bonus: If you refer a friend, you both get $5 credit! Great for short trips or hopping between countries.
2. GoMoWorld
GoMoWorld offers a huge 55GB for just €20, and it works across many European countries, ideal for digital nomads or binge-streamers!
Also, the app is super straightforward to use. You can top up easily without surprises, best for stress-free travel planning.
3. Roamless
If you hate expiration dates and want total flexibility, Roamless is your friend. You load as much or as little credit as you want, and it draws from your balance based on usage. It works in over 100 countries, never expires, and switches to the best local network automatically.
A solid option for frequent travelers and spontaneous adventures!
4. Simyo/Orange
Staying in Spain a bit longer, or have a Spanish address? Simyo, run by Orange, offers excellent long-term data plans with local pricing. It’s a favorite among expats and digital nomads.
Just note: you’ll need a Spanish address and sometimes a local payment method to sign up, but once you’re in, it’s reliable and cost-effective!
How to Activate Your eSIM
Install it before your flight, but activate it after landing. Set it as your primary SIM for data. Enable data roaming. Tip: Keep your physical SIM active for calls/texts if your phone supports dual SIM.
1. Choose Your eSIM Plan
Visit the provider’s website or app (such as Mobimatter, GoMoWorld, or Roamless) and select a data plan that matches your travel needs and destination.
2. Complete Your Purchase
Proceed to checkout using your preferred payment method. Once the purchase is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with your eSIM details, typically a QR code or an activation link.
3. Open the Email with your eSIM
Open the email on a separate device (like a laptop or tablet). This allows you to scan the QR code from your phone during setup.
4. Add the eSIM to Your Phone
Go to your phone’s Settings
Tap Mobile Data or Cellular
Select Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan
Use your phone to scan the QR code or manually enter the activation details.
5. Label Your eSIM (Optional)
Assign a name to your new eSIM, such as “Europe Trip” or “Travel Data,” to help you keep track of it, especially useful if you’re using multiple SIMs!
6. Set It Up for Data Use
Return to Mobile Data settings
Choose your new eSIM as the default line for mobile data
Ensure Data Roaming is turned on to enable connection abroad.
7. You’re All Set
Your phone will now connect to a local network automatically. You’re ready to stay connected and enjoy your trip without the hassle of a physical SIM card.
TIP: Keep your physical SIM active for calls/texts if your phone supports dual SIM.
Final Thoughts
Recap the best options:Saily or Airalo for most tourists.Holafly for unlimited.aloSIM if you need to make calls.Jetpac or GoMoWorld for big data, low price.
An eSIM is like a digital SIM card; there is no swapping or tiny tools, just download, activate, and go!
Unlike traditional SIMs, it lives inside your phone, making travel setup super simple and hassle-free.
For most tourists, Saily or Airalo are great go-tos; need unlimited data? Holafly has you covered. Want to make calls? loSIM is your friend. And if you’re a data-hungry explorer on a budget, Jetpac or GoMoWorld will keep you connected without breaking the bank.
Whichever you choose, activating your eSIM will make your travel much easier!
FAQs
Can tourists use eSIMs in Spain without a local ID?
Yes, Tourists in Spain can use eSIM without local ID. Especially when purchasing through international providers like Airalo or Holafly.
Can I use my eSIM in other European countries?
Yes, you can use your eSIM in other European countries, depending on the provider.
Is it better to use an eSIM or buy a local SIM card in Spain?
Using an eSIM in Spain is better than buying a local SIM card. It’s more convenient and flexible, especially in short stays.
Do eSIMs in Spain support phone calls and texts?
Depends, some eSIMs in Spain support phone calls. loSIM or Simyo support it.
How do I activate my eSIM once I arrive in Spain?
To activate your eSIM once you arrive in Spain, you only need to scan the QR code in your phone settings.
Which eSIM is best for short trips vs. long stays?
eSIMs ideal for short trips are Airalo and Saily. Otherwise, best eSIMs for long stays are Simyo,Holafly, or Roamless.
