Spain has excellent connectivity infrastructure. From free WiFi to high-speed 4G/5G networks, here are all the options to stay connected during your trip.
EU Roaming (for EU citizens)
If you are an EU citizen, you can use your data, calls and SMS tariff in Spain at no additional cost thanks to EU roaming regulations.
- Use of data with your usual tariff
- Calls and SMS at no additional cost
- Same data limit as in your country
- No need to change SIM
- You must have principal residence in the EU
- Your use in Spain must not exceed use in your country of origin
- Some operators may have fair use limits
Spanish prepaid SIM card
If you're not from the EU or prefer a local tariff, you can buy a prepaid SIM card in Spain. It's easy, economical and gives you unlimited data or a good limit.
- Movistar: Largest coverage, medium-high prices
- Vodafone: Good coverage, competitive prices
- Orange: Good coverage, competitive prices
- Yoigo: Economical, good coverage in cities
- Lowi/MásMóvil: Very economical, variable coverage
- Official operator stores
- Phone stores (Carrefour, El Corte Inglés)
- Kiosks and tobacconists (some models)
- Airports (more expensive but convenient)
Indicative prices:
- Basic SIM: €5-10 (includes some credit)
- Data tariff: €10-20/month (10-30GB)
- Unlimited tariff: €20-30/month (unlimited data)
- Top-up: Can be topped up online or in stores
Required documentation:
- Passport or ID: Mandatory to activate the SIM
- Registration: Operators must register your identity (Spanish law)
- Activation: May take a few hours to activate
eSIM: The modern option
If your phone is eSIM compatible (iPhone XR or later, some Android), you can contract an eSIM before traveling and activate it upon arrival in Spain.
- No physical change: You don't need to change the physical SIM
- Quick activation: Activates automatically upon arrival
- Keep your number: You can use both SIMs (your number + Spanish data)
- Easy to buy: Online before traveling
- Airalo: International eSIM, easy to use
- Holafly: eSIM for travelers, unlimited data
- Orange: Prepaid eSIM for Spain
- Vodafone: Prepaid eSIM available
Free WiFi
Free WiFi is very widespread in Spain, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Where to find free WiFi:
- Hotels and accommodations: Almost all offer free WiFi
- Restaurants and cafés: Many offer WiFi to customers
- Public libraries: Free WiFi available
- Stations and airports: Free WiFi (sometimes with registration)
- Public squares: Some cities have public WiFi
- Museums and attractions: Many offer free WiFi
Tips on public WiFi:
- Security: Avoid accessing sensitive information on public WiFi
- VPN: Consider using VPN for greater security
- Passwords: Some WiFi requires password (ask staff)
- Limits: Some WiFi have time or data limits
Network coverage in Spain
Spain has excellent mobile network coverage, with 4G available practically throughout the country and 5G expanding in major cities.
- Cities: Excellent 4G/5G coverage
- Roads: Good coverage on highways
- Rural areas: Variable coverage, generally good
- Mountains: There may be areas without coverage
- 4G: 20-100 Mbps (depends on area)
- 5G: 100-1000 Mbps (major cities)
- WiFi: Generally fast in hotels and restaurants
Recommendations according to your situation
If you're from the EU and travel short time:
Use your EU roaming. You don't need to change anything and it's free.
If you're from the EU and travel long time:
Consider a Spanish prepaid SIM if your operator has fair use limits.
If you're not from the EU:
Buy a prepaid SIM or eSIM before traveling or upon arrival in Spain.
If you only need WiFi:
You can survive on free WiFi alone, but you'll have limitations when you're out.
Useful apps for connectivity
- WiFi Finder: Find free WiFi nearby
- Operators: Apps from Movistar, Vodafone, Orange to manage your tariff
- Google Maps: Works offline if you download maps
- WhatsApp: Very popular in Spain for communication
Need more information?
Spain has excellent connectivity infrastructure. With any of these options you can stay connected during your trip.