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Basics[]

This article is about the Kingdom of Spain including the Canary Islands in the Atlantic, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the small enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta in Northern Africa.

Networks and coverage[]

Spain has 4 network operators:

  • Movistar (owned by Spanish Telefónica)
  • Vodafone (UK-owned)
  • Orange (French-owned)
  • Másmóvil with Yoigo as brand (and free roaming on Orange and Movistar)

All others are resellers or MVNOs reselling the three major operators, except of Yoigo. They are very strong in Spain on the prepaid market caring for 17% of all customers. The o2 brand has also been launched short ago by Telefónica, but it focuses exclusively on contract and optic fiber broadband. Másmovil has started a price war, that a first only affected combined offers but has now spread to prepaid as well and prices are falling quick in Spain.

In 2022 Orange and Másmóvil expressed their intention to merge their businesses and networks, depending on the approval of EU competition authorities, their merger will reduce competiton and bring down the number of network providers to 3.

The country is all covered by 2G and mostly by 3G up to HSPA+ and DC-HSPA and 4G/LTE in towns. Nationwide the big three providers Movistar, Vodafone and Orange are neck on neck with a similar coverage and market shares. 2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 900 and 2100 MHz. Yoigo is a 3G/4G-only network with limited own resources, but free roaming on Orange and Movistar, giving it a very good coverage too.

All network providers have stated to close down 3G in the years of 2023-2025 while keeping their 2G networks for longer.

4G/LTE was launched by all operators in 2013 using 800 (B20), 1800 (B3) and 2600 (B7) MHz frequencies. In 2017 Vodafone had the best 4G/LTE coverage at 96.5% followed by Orange with 91.7%, Movistar and Yoigo at 89% of the population.

5G NR was started in 2019 by Vodafone and Telefónica on 3500 (n78) in some city areas.

According to Open Signal network tests in 2021 all 4 providers remain very much on par at 89-92% 4G/LTE coverage. Movistar has proven to be the fastest network with 33 Mbit/s on average, but all providers remain very much on par and differ only regionally. Másmóvil's rollout is poorer but roams domestically on Orange's network.

Availability[]

In Spain, prepaid SIM cards are locally known as Tarjeta SIM prepago.

All SIM cards have to be registered by law. Usually, you do this in the shops of purchase showing your photo ID (passport or national ID card). As a tourist without a post code in Spain you have basically this choice:

  • To go to a shop of one of the 4 network operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange or Yoigo). Their stores can be found in every inner city or shopping mall. Their support may be better and reloads can be made almost everywhere. But this comes at a premium price.
  • To go to an agency of the smaller resellers / MVNOs operating on the same networks. They may have less support, only a few shops which have to be searched for and not so many places to top-up but can be cheaper, these virtual providers are listed:
    • on Movistar network: DIGI Mobil, Lycamobile, Lobster
    • on Vodafone network: Hits Mobile, Lebara mobile
    • on Orange network: Simyo
    • on Yoigo network: Llamaya, Másmóvil

There are a few SIM card stands in major airports like Madrid or Barcelona, but they are very overpriced. It's advised to go to a branded shop downtown or in shopping malls instead.

It is also possible to rent SIM cards and mobile wifi routers from:

  • Spain Internet: provides rental of Vodafone and Movistar data SIM cards, as well as mobile wifi routers (MiFis), specifically targeted to visitors to Spain. The data SIMs and WiFi routers can be delivered to any place in Spain including airports and hotels. Booking has to be made at least 3 working days in advance. Delivery is at no additional charge.
  • Canary Islands Spain Internet: local internet mobile broadband provider that provides rental data SIM cards, mobile WiFi routers and 4G desktop routers, specifically targeted to travelers in the Canary Islands. Data SIM cards, mobile WiFi routers and 4G desktop routers can be delivered to any place in the Canary Islands, Spain. Booking has to be made at least 1 to 2 working days in advance. Delivery is at no additional charge.

When you use MVNOs, be sure to switch on data roaming and check the appropriate APN. Prepaid SIM cards can be topped up (recargar) at internet and phone stores, some supermarkets, kiosks and service stations, where you need to give them your number. Carrefour markets are a safe bet for top-ups of all providers mentioned here. Just mention the word recarga, your operator, your number (in Spanish, written down or on phone screen) and the amount in € to recharge.

Prices[]

A price war between Spanish providers lowered mobile data costs drastically within the last couple of years. They are now on the level of Italy and among the lowest in Western Europe. The 4th provider Másmóvil and local MVNOs (OMVs in Spanish) have put a lot of pressure on the incumbents and forced a market consolidation.

Different taxes in the Canary Islands, Melilla and Ceuta[]

In 2014, Spanish operators switched to prices with taxes included (= IVA incluido), the prices given here are for the mainland and the Balearic Islands and include 21% sales tax (IVA). However, on the Canary Islands the applicable tax (IGIC) is only 7%. So prices in the Canaries are to be lowered by 14%. On top-ups made there, you normally get a 14% bonus to adjust the tax difference. In Spain's African exclaves, the tax is 4% in Melilla and 10% (IPSI) in Ceuta. So tax rates have to be adjusted there too.

EU roaming[]

EU flag
Spain is part of the EU, where from 2017 new international roaming rules have been introduced. In most European countries you can 'roam like at home' at domestic rates rather without surcharges than excessive roaming rates.

This principle was generally adopted by most Spanish providers to all of their prepaid plans, but because of low prices in Spain most allowances have been limited in time or volume. For specifics about the new regulation check the European Roaming unions chapter and every provider in the article below. The United Kingdom has been still included by all providers, but this changes in April 2022 when Orange starts to charge extra for UK roaming.

Orange España[]

Orange logo

Network: 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSUPA. 4G/LTE up to 150 Mbit/s with a coverage of almost 99% of population see: https://www.orange.es/4g. 5G NR has started on n78 (3500 MHz), but is not available for prepaid customers so far.

Availability[]

Their SIM card can be obtained for free, but a registration showing an ID document and a top-up of €10-€20 has to be made at the point of purchase. They are sold in every Orange store in Spain (store locator) and other outlets in all three sizes.

Top-ups can be made almost everywhere in the country, where they sell recargas like supermarkets, service stations, kiosks, etc... To reload from abroad use topup.orange.com as Orange.es choose to decline most non-Spanish credit cards online. Check balance by *111#, by app or in your client's area called mi Orange. Orange is playing many games for top-up like recagar y ganar where everybody wins extra data or value for playing.

Since 29/NOV/2020, account validity extension after being recharged has been changed from 1 year to 6 months. So sim card needs top-up every 180 days to keep staying active.

Mundo SIM[]

The Mundo SIM has different packages to choose from. It can be set at purchase, by app or online in the client's area, the tariffs are valid for 28 days and renew automatically if credit is available. Its default rate is horrendous €0.60 are charged for 10 MB per day (of use), so be sure to be on a package.

All offers of Orange data can be used in the EU/EEA without surcharges:

Plan Data Promo max.

Roll-over

EU

cap

Voice Price
Mundo free
Tú Mundo Mini 10 GB + 15 GB 10 GB 7 GB 200 mins €10
Mundo 10 10 GB + 15 GB 10 GB 7 GB €10
Mundo 15 20 GB + 30 GB 20 GB 10 GB €15
Tú Mundo 20 GB + 30 GB 20 GB 10 GB 800 mins €15
Mundo 20 35 GB + 60 GB 35 GB 15 GB €20

Included voice minutes are domestic and to about 40 countries worldwide. Activation at purchase, online in the client's area, by app or by texting "ALTA MUNDO #GB" or "ALTA TU MUNDO" to 1470. If having used up all data, speed will be throttled to 16 KBit/s.

But you can renew the packs ahead of time by sending a free SMS to 1470 with the following text: "MAS GIGAS MUNDO #GB", For # fill in '1GB', '2GB' or '3GB' and be sure to have enough credit. Deactivation by changing to Mundo SIM without data pack by app, in the client's area or by texting "ALTA TARIFA MUNDO". Now, unused data rolls over to the next month, up to the specified limit on the table, if you renew the plan. For more data they offer 10 GB for €15 , activated by "ALTA MAS GIGAS".

The two Holiday passes shown below can also be activated on a Mundo SIM.

Other prepaid plans: Go[]

Online in your client's area called mi Orange, by app or by calling customer service, all of their prepaid tariffs are interchangeable without fees. You can change to their base plan called Llama without data, if you like to pause.

An Orange SIM can also be changed to or from these combo plans:

Plan Data Promo max.

Roll-over

EU cap Voice Price
Llama free
Go Walk 10 GB + 15 GB 10 GB 7 GB unlimited €10
Go Run 20 GB + 30 GB 20 GB 10 GB unlimited €15
Go Fly 35 GB + 60 GB 35 GB 15 GB unlimited €20

Standard call rate is 6 cents/min and an expensive 30 cents connection fee. All plans auto renew if enough balance, otherwise will revert back to €3 per 100 MB per day, data is now rolled over upon renewal up to the specified limit.

To all plans (Llama base plan included) you can add a Bonus 500 MB per month add-on for €4 online or by texting 'ALTA BONO 500MB' to 1470. Otherwise you are on a rather expensive default rate of €3 per 100 MB per day.

Balance check by customer web portal or Mi Orange app, or free SMS to 1470 with text INFO *** where *** is GO, WALK or FLY or NAVEGA. And to check amount of data remaining within the 10 GB free bonus, SMS to 1470 "PREMIO MEGAS".

Holidays Spain[]

In 2020 Orange revamped its tourist SIM for visitors called Holidays Spain. It's now available too as eSIM for compatible phones like the iPhone XS, XS MAX y XR with iOS 12.1.1 or higher and comes in two versions:

  • Holidays Pass 5: 30 GB (EU cap: 10 GB) and 50 mins to Spain and many other locations for 5 days: €15
  • Holidays Pass 15: 60 GB (EU cap: 20 GB) and 100 mins to Spain and many other locations for 25 days: €25

You can restart any pass ahead of time for more data or extension. If you use more data than included, speed will drop to 2 Mbit/s. Included calls are to mobiles of Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Rep., Cyprus, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Estonia , Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, UK, USA, Romania, Slovakia, Singapore and Sweden and to landlines from: Andorra, Argentina, Costa Rica, Japan, Morocco, Dominican Republic, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela.

International roaming options[]

In 2017 Orange started roaming without surcharges in all EU/EEA + UK countries at domestic Spanish rates.

Recently, Orange introduced FUP roaming caps to all plans. All data used in the EU beyond this limit specified as EU roaming cap in the tables is subject to surcharges of 0.25c per MB (equal to €2.50 per GB). Additionally, they may be able to apply the same surcharges when you use the SIM roaming abroad for more than 2 months in a surveillance period of 4 months, but they will tell you 2 weeks in advance.

Note that Orange regroups the United Kingdom effective 24/APR/2022 out of their EU list of countries. This is the first Spanish provider that will charge extra for UK roaming. From that date data in the UK is charged at 1c per MB (adding up to €10 per GB) irrespective of your domestic allowance, voice and SMS are charged extra too. This doesn't seem to apply to roaming in Gibraltar.

A new option called "Orange Everywhere" has been introduced for countries outside the EU roaming zone. It has now been extended to different versions:

  • 3 GB for 7 days in the USA and Canada; €20
  • 1 GB for 7 days in many countries: €20. These countries are Andorra, Argentina, Brasil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Egypt, Faroe Islands, Guatemala, Guernsey, Honduras, India, Isle of Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA.
  • 100 MB for 24 hours in the countries mentioned above; €7

To activate, text 'EWS' for the weekly pack or 'EW' for the daily option to 22095; to deactivate, text 'BAJA EW' or use app or online account.

Client's area (Mí Orange)[]

You can check balance, data balance, expiration date of your sim, change your plan, add/remove services and more in your Mí Orange area. There are two options, to use iOS/Android app (only available in Spanish store, just register separate Spain account to install it) or use https://www.orange.es/ website. You can access website without login/password, if you go directly from SIM card to https://areaprivada.orange.es/. If you want to access Mí Orange later without SIM card, you need to set password for this area:

  • If you are still in Spain, send SMS with text "CLAVE PASSWORD" to 222. PASSWORD can be 4-6 digits only.
  • If you are outside Spain, go to password recovery page and enter your phone number. You will get SMS with confirmation code, enter it to page. After you will be able to set your password (4-6 digits only) to access Mí Orange.

More information[]

  • Tethering is allowed, VoIP is not allowed, but possible
  • APN: orangeworld /or/ internet
  • Username and Password: orange
  • Website in English: https://en.orange.es -if doesn't work, link at the bottom of the website in Spanish https://www.orange.es/
  • Orange has now support under +34695911900 from abroad or 900906121 from Spain available in English, French, German - also for WhatsApp.

Vodafone España[]

Vodafone

Network: 2G up to EDGE, 3G (closing in 2023), 4G/LTE and now on 5G NR up to 1 Gbit/s open for all prepaid tariffs and plans. Meanwhile, it has expanded its 4G/LTE coverage to most areas in the country that can be checked here:Vodafone 4G/5G coverage map

Vodafone has won the latest network tests for best 4G/LTE carrier in the country as far as speed and coverage are concerned. In 2019 5G NR started in 15 city centers on 3500 MHz (n78). Vodafone is the first operator in Spain that has opened 5G NR to all its prepaid offers without surcharge.

Note : Vodafone is closing down its 3G network in 2023 and you will soon need a 4G/LTE or 5G device for data transmission.

Availability[]

Vodafone sells its prepaid SIM cards in its stores (locator) and outlets for the price of the first package and possibly a few euro for activation. SIM cards without a plan require a recharge of €10. You need to show your passport or national ID card for registration.

Top-ups can be made by electronic recharges sold all over Spain in supermarkets, kiosks, service stations and many more places. Most international credit cards are accepted for online recharges on their website. Minimum top-up amount is €5. Check balance by *134#.

Vodafone charges an inactivity fee of €0.50 per month after 3-4 months of outgoing inactivity of your prepaid SIM card. This can be avoided by sending an SMS from time to time. Furthermore, you need to top-up your SIM card every 7 months to keep it alive.

They renewed their prepaid portfolio and added their unlimited Passes as first Vodafone market in Europe to their prepaid offers. Their Yu line is not mentioned anymore as it has become postpaid only. You now have to chose Prepago for prepaid.

Vodafone prepago[]

Vodafone's prepago comes in five sizes valid for 28 days with data in up to 5G/NR. Due to competition they had to cut rates drastically:

Plan Data EU cap ESP Voice Price Activation Extras
S 25 GB 6 GB 300 mins €10 *565*63# unlimited VF calls
M 50 GB 8 GB unlimited €15 *565*61# 800 internatl. mins
L 100 GB 11 GB unlimited €20 *565*62#
XL 120 GB 18 GB unlimited €30 *565*64#
XXL 150 GB 22 GB unlimited €40 *565*65#

They sell this prepaid standard SIM card without a monthly fee in their stores for €5 with €5 credit. Unused data can be rolled over to the next month up to three months, if you renew your plan after each 28 days period.

As a different free base plan called Vodafone fácil has all domestic calls at 6 cent per minute plus 30 cent per call without any data included. There are no packages and all data is at the default rate of €3 for 200 MB capped at €15 for 1 GB per day, some franchises don't like selling these fácil SIM cards as they don't get commission for them, so you might get told they are not available.

All prepaid tariffs used to be changed to fácil by typing *626#. It's unclear, if this is still possible. The fácil line is overpriced, but it was a good option to pause with having still credit on your account. Now you better run down your balance before stopping.

International roaming[]

Vodafone scrapped surcharges for roaming in the EU/EEA on all of their prepaid plans. As of 2022, Vodafone lists the following extended country list as included for EU data roaming: the entire European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Turkey, Vatican, Kosovo and Monaco.

As Vodafone offers both T-Mobile and AT&T networks in the US this is one of the best roaming options from Europe for the US and for Turkey.

Roaming data is at the domestic Spanish rate up to the specified volume called EU cap in the table above. As additional measure against permanent roaming they may apply surcharges, when you use your plan for more than 2 months in a 4-months monitoring period or when there are long periods of inactivity together with a main or exclusive use in roaming. In these cases Vodafone will inform you 14 days before surcharges are applied to make you change your roaming behaviour.

As "misuse rate" for all data beyond the mentioned Fair Use Policy limits you will be charged in 2024 €1.88 per GB in MB-increments.

More information[]

  • APN for smartphones: airtelnet.es
  • APN for modems or routers: ac.vodafone.es
  • Username and password: vodafone
  • VoIP and tethering is allowed on all prepaid plans
  • Use *138# to find out the number for your SIM (it's not always written on the SIM)
  • Website in Spanish: http://www.vodafone.es/

Movistar (by Telefónica)[]

Movistar new

new logo

Movistar by Spanish ex-state telco Telefónica is on 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE. 5G NR has started in many areas and is also available for prepaid plans as of June 2023: Movistar coverage map

Telefónica is still the incumbent and main landline provider and is still the market leader in Spain, but its prepaid offer used to be not very competitive. This changed in 2019 when Movistar finally released affordable prepaid options in promotions.

Availability[]

Movistar

old logo

Their SIM card is sold for €10 with the same credit in every Movistar store and outlet in all three sizes. You may not find it in El Corte Inglés where they only serve contract customers, but only in the larger Movistar branded outlets.

Top-ups can be found all over in supermarkets, kiosks or service stations. Check balance by *123#. Online top-ups only work with spanish domestic cards.

If you haven't topped up for 6 months, your balance will be lost and the SIM remains open only incoming. After another 54 days without a recharge, the whole number will be discontinued.

Data feature packs[]

The default tariff without a plan has no data and any data usage will be charged at the daily rate of 400MB/4€. There are 2 data packages available without purchasing a data plan: Bono Navega+ with 4 GB for 5€, and the Bono Navega with 1 GB for 2€.

There are four monthly (28 days) prepaid plans offered (Movistar's prepaid plans ES):

Plan Data Promo Voice Price
Habla 6 6 ct/min free
Prepago Plus 10 GB + 30 GB unlimited €10
Prepago Premium 20 GB + 60 GB unlimited €15
Prepago Total 35 GB + 105 GB unlimited €20

The data packages Bono Navega+ and Bono Navega can also be added if all the data allowance is consumed.

EU roaming[]

All your allowances can be used at domestic Spanish rates in the EU/EEA + UK without surcharges, while Switzerland is excluded.

More information[]

Yoigo[]

Yoigo

Network: 3G: up to HSPA+, 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz (B3) with free roaming on Orange network, giving a good coverage. They claim >90% 4G/LTE ,5G coverage on their own, but even more with their free roaming national (Movistar,Orange).

In 2016 they have been sold from Telia to Másmóvil. From 2018 Yoigo customers can roam on Orange networks on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE for free as well as Yoigo's own antennas giving it a very good coverage in the country.

Availability[]

SIM card with new number is sold for €10 including €1.50 credit in Yoigo stores (store locator) in all three SIM sizes. Some shops try to sell SIM card with a surcharge, try to get the official price or go to a different store like the Phone House that also resells Yoigo (stores).

Data feature packs[]

Finally, Yoigo has revamped prepaid offers and their new packages are include unlimited domestic voice for 30 days:

  • 25GB: €10
  • 50GB: €15
  • 100GB: €20
  • 150GB: €35 (not voice)

After having used the included data, speed is reduced to 64 kbit/s and an add-on is offered: 300 MB extra for €3.63 at masmegas.yoigo.com.

The package will renew automatically every 28-31 days, if there is credit. Data rates outside a package are at 3.63c per MB.

To check remaining balance and consumption you need to use their App "Mí Yoigo".

EU roaming[]

Domestic allowances can be used without surcharges all over the EU/EEA + UK for roaming.

More Information[]

Simyo[]

Simyo-0

Simyo is one of the oldest and most established MVNOs in the country. It operates on Orange's network too. 4G/LTE was opened to all prepaid tariffs. It has been off our list for a while, because it couldn't be found in stores, but now it's back in some stores and one of the cheapest and most flexible options for Spain right now.

Availability[]

It may be still hard to find a SIM card on location in shops. Their preferred way is to order it online on their website. But they only send it to a Spanish postal address for a €7 delivery fee. In shops you can find it at the holaMOBI chain (holaMOBI locator), in some hipermercados of Carrefour (locator) in front at the phone department, at MediaMarkt and in a few independent shops. There, they charge you €10 for the starter, but Simyo gives to all new clients a €10 welcome credit after activation. Be sure to get the prepaid (called prepago or de tarjeta), not a contract (contrato) SIM which is associated with a bank account. Finally, they have released an online map of their sales points (map). There, for registration often a passport is required as an ID document instead of a non-Spanish ID card. For your first login to your online account or Simyo app use the number of your ID document as username and the PUK as password.

For top-ups there are many locations in supermarkets like Carrefour or Eroski, small internet stores, post offices or some service stations. Online they only accept Spanish credit cards and decline all foreign cards. To top up from abroad, you might use a 3rd party agency with surcharges. To check your balance, type *126#.

Data feature packages[]

Default data for overuse or use without packages is 3.63c per MB. Better use one of these data packages called bonos for one month (30 days with roll-over, see below):

Data EU cap without

voice

+

20 mins

+

50 mins

+

100 mins

+

200 mins

unlimited

voice

without €0 €1 €2.50 €3.50 €6.50 ///
100 MB 100 MB €1 €2 €3.50 €4.50 /// ///
7 GB 5 GB €4 €5 €6.50 /// /// €7.50
14 GB 6.7 GB €6 €7 €7.50 /// €10
25 GB 9.3 GB €9 €10 €11.50 €12.50 /// €14
35 GB 13.3 GB €15.50 €16.50 €18 €19 /// €20

These special bonos are sold:

  • 1 GB for 1 day: €1 , EU cap: 700 MB
  • 15 GB for 7 days: €7 , EU cap: 4.7 GB
  • 30 GB for 15 days: €15 , EU cap: 10.5 GB

You can add one of these packages:

  • night bono 5 GB: €1.99 , only valid 10.30pm-8am, can be added several times, EU cap: 1.4 GB
  • weekend bono 5 GB: €1.99 , only valid Friday 3pm to Sunday midnight, can be added again, EU cap: 1.4 GB

All packages are for 30 days and auto-renew, if you have enough credit and you don't stop them from doing so. To purchase, check your personal Simyo account, use their app or call customer support at 121. For voice different packages of 20 minutes to unlimited can be combined with data.

If you need more data, you can renew any package ahead of time or add another pack. All unused data volume of the regular bonos roll over to the next month for up to 3 months, if you auto-renew any new bono (that can be as low as 100 MB). For a monthly bono you need to buy another monthly bono to be rolled over, but it can be of a different volume.

EU roaming[]

Roaming fees in the EU/EEA are scrapped and roaming is at domestic rates. Simyo is one of the few operators in Spain that states an explicit Fair Usage Policy (FUP). They have introduced time- and volume based restrictions according to EU regulations. From the bono only a portion specified as EU cap in the table above is given out without surcharges and after 4 months of continuous roaming all bonos become invalid for roaming use.

More information[]

MásMóvil[]

MÁSMÓV!L

Másmóvil was using the Orange network on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE for its prepaid product. They have recently acquired the Yoigo network and moved their customers to their own network.

SIM card is sold in their shops (locator: check 'venta') or online for €10 with the same credit preloaded. Combi and nano sizes are available. Reloads are sold at many stores.

Data feature packs[]

Default rate outside of packages is 3.63 ct per MB. If you don't have activated a package and still balance, they will charge you a monthly minimum consumption fee of €3.63 :

Data Voice Price
3 GB 150 mins €5
20 GB unlimited €10
30 GB unlimited €15
120 GB unlimited €30

Packages will auto-renew after one month, if there is sufficient credit on your account. To stop, disable them in your personal account, but you will be charged the minimum fee. For overuse, you can buy extra packages of data:

  • 500 MB: €3, activation: MM500MB to 2377
  • 1 GB: €5, activation: MM1GB to 2377
  • 3 GB: €6, activation: MM3GB to 2377
  • 10 GB: €10, activation: MM10GB to 2377

EU roaming[]

From 2017 all roaming surcharges are scrapped in the EU/EEA + UK. Másmovil mentiones a "reasonable use" of data, but only states a limit of 4 months for continuos roaming, before limited surcharges of about €3/GB are applied. Before that, they'll need to inform you 2 weeks in advance.

There is also an EU data cap, applied without warning, cutting speed to a few kbps until the next month renewal. This is not trackable anywhere, not even in their app. Confirmed these limits over their Whatsapp support, as of Feb 2024. Sadly, no webpage source for that found:

Data Cap Price
3 GB 2.8 GB €3
6 GB 4.6 GB €5
15 GB 6.4 GB €7
40 GB 9.2 GB €10
80 GB 13.8 GB €15
120 GB 18.4 GB €20

More information[]

DIGI mobil[]

Digi mobil

With DIGI mobil you get a Romanian and a Spanish number on one SIM. In Spain this MVNO operates on the Movistar network on 2G and 3G. In 2017 4G/LTE was added to all customers. They now offer the lowest rates on the Movistar network.

Availablity[]

The SIM card costs €10 with the same credit. It's available online and offline only in a few shops: DIGI mobil shop locator

Top-ups can be made there and in many kiosks where they support smaller MVNOs. Credit can be checked by *134# and data credit by *130# free of charge.

Data feature packs[]

All their packages are valid for 30 days. As first Spanish preovider they offer unlimited data. Other packages come with data-only or data and voice.

Data EU cap Voice Price
DIGI Combo with data and domestic + international voice:
6 GB 4 GB 100 mins €5
20 GB 20 GB 400 mins €10
50 GB 50 GB 800 mins €15
100 GB 100 GB 2000 mins €20
DIGI Ilimitado with data and domestic voice:
3 GB 3 GB 100 mins €3
10 GB 10 GB unlimited €7
20 GB 20 GB unlimited €10
50 GB 50 GB unlimited €15
100 GB 100 GB unlimited €20
unlimited 24 GB unlimited €25

All bundles auto-renew, if not deactivated before. Since 2018 all unused data roll over to the next month, if you renew any plan. To subscribe enter *100# choose option 2 "internet móvil" and 1 "Alta DIGI naveg@". You can unsubscribe on the same menu with "Baja DIGI naveg@". Voice allowances in combo packs are domestic and to about 50 countries. Unused data rolls over, if plan is renewed,

EU roaming[]

Spanish regulator CNMC had authorized DigiMobil to opt out of the roam-like-at-home requirement in the EU on grounds of economic viability. However, in 2018. Digi restored RLAH (roam-like-at-home) with an FUP (Fair Use Policy) rule. Still, you can use packages up to the specified volume above without surcharges.

More information[]

hits mobile[]

Hitsmobilenew

new logo

hits mobile MVNO operates on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G giving good coverage and speed. In 2018 4G/LTE was opened for all customers. Some had to call customer service or visit a store to get it.

Availability[]

The SIM card can be bought for €5 with €10 credit online with free shipping in 7 days if you have a local Spanish address. Offline, they are sold in kiosks and other agencies (locator). Top-ups can be made online with international credit cards.

Hits mobile

old logo

They offer two tariff lines: The classic "La del 5" and another one called "Recarga Automatica" for which you need to enable auto-pay and link it to a credit card. Credits are valid for 90 days, and after not recharging for 180 days, the line will be deactivated. but it is possible to keep the number active for €5 a year by texting KEEP 12to 22321. This service automatically renews for €3 in each subsequent year unless you send the text REMOVE KEEP 12.

Data feature packs[]

The default rate for internet is 6.05 cents per MB on La del 5 and 3.63c/MB with automatic recharge as long as no package is activated. They offer the following data packss:

National Voice & Internet Packs:
Data Domestic voice Price
3 GB 350 mins €4.90
7 GB 1000 mins €9.90
15 GB 1000 mins €14.90
25 GB 1000 mins €19.90
International Voice & Internet Packs:
Data International voice Price
1 GB 100 mins €4.90
3 GB 250 mins €9.90
6 GB 500 mins €14.90
12 GB 1000 mins €19.90

All packages include 1000 mins among Hits numbers. Packs are valid for one month exactly lasting until the previous day of activation in the following month. When all volume is used, you will surf on the default rate or can buy a new package ahead of time. All packages renew automatically after one month if there is enough credit. To activate the package simply send a free SMS to 22321 containing the '#GB PACK' where # stands for the desired volume, to deactivate 'REMOVE #GB PACK' and to renew ahead of time 'RENEW #GB PACK'.

International calls include all mobile numbers to 36 countries and landlines to 22 more (see list). To activate, renew or suspend auto-renewal just follow steps shown above

You can also add one of these packs for extra data during the running time of the base pack:

  • 500 MB: €4.90 , activation: EXTRA 500MB
  • 1 GB: €9.90 , activation: EXTRA 1GB

Activation is by sending code to 22321

EU roaming[]

EU/EEA + UK roaming is at the domestic rate without surcharges valid in packages without any restrictions which is rare for a MVNO in Spain.

More information[]

Lebara[]

Lebara new

new logo

The MVNO of the British Lebara Group is heavily marketed and operates in Spain on the Vodafone network giving good coverage and speeds. In 2018 finally Vodafone's 4G/LTE network was opened to Lebara users and later that year Lebara was bought by Másmóvil, but will remain with Vodafone so far.

Availability[]

The SIM can be bought online on the Website of Lebara Spain (available in English) to be sent to a Spanish address or offline from a lot of kiosks and phone shops all around the country. It's sold for €10 with the same amount of credit loaded.

Top-ups for €10, €20 or €30 can be made there and some other stores which all are clearly marked with the Lebara logo or online with international credit cards. All first top-ups receive 50% more allowances for free.

You might need to add 4G/LTE manually, if it doesn't work from the start by texting "SI4G" to 22333.

Data feature packs[]

Pay as you go rate is €0.06 per MB. This rate is charged without booking a package or for overuse. The following data packages are valid for 28 days and include all unlimited voice within Spain and a package of calls to 62 foreign countries. For activation text code to 22333 or go online to your account:

ESP Data EU cap Interntl. Voice Price Activation
5 GB 2.75 GB 100 mins €5 INCLUIDO5
40 GB 2.75 GB 500 mins €10 INCLUIDO10
80 GB 4.13 GB 1000 mins €15 INCLUIDO15
100 GB 5.51 GB 2000 mins €20 INCLUIDO20
150 GB 8.26 GB 2000 mins €30 INCLUIDO30

Unused data can be rolled over to the next month, if package is renewed. Excess data is at €0.05 per MB or these extra data packages as add-on can be activated for the running time of the base plan to all the passes above:

  • 1 GB add-on: €5 , activation: E1GB

For activation text code to 22333. All packs are valid for 30 days. There is no way to reactivate them ahead of time. You can only buy the add-ons. All passes will automatically renew every 30 days if there is enough credit. To stop text NODATA### (### = size of pack) to 22333. Extra data doesn't auto-renew. A max. of 5 add-ons can be purchased per month.

EU roaming[]

Roam like at home has been implemented for all roaming in EU/EEA countries. However, there are limits for data usage of some data packages at the domestic rate according to a hidden FUP and specified in the table above.

More information[]

  • APN: gprsmov.lebaramobile.es
  • Tethering is possible. Tethering on iPhone (tested on iPhone 7 MN922RU/A, iOS 10.3.3) can be enabled by filling in tethering APN in cellular data settings with the aforesaid one.

Lycamobile[]

Lycamobile

Lycamobile is the main competitor of Lebara on the international ethno market. In Spain Lycamobile is a MVNO on the Movistar network of Telefónica in 2G and 3G and in 2017 4G/LTE was added. In 2020 it was acquired by Spanish provider Másmóvil which plans to move them to their own Yoigo network by 2021. That's probably the reason why it hasn't rebranded to the new logo in Spain yet, but have remained on their old Lycamobile logo so far.

Availability[]

Their SIM can be ordered online on their website free of charge to be sent to a Spanish address for free. Offline they can be found in web and phone shops and other kiosks. They don't have a store locator, so they might not be so easy to find. Look for their logo.

In the Lycamobile-branded stores their SIM is the cheapest. It may be free or for a small fee, depending on shop, but requiring an immediate top-up: Prices range from €10 with €5 credit to €7.50 with the same credit (as €5 credit and €2.50 bonus credit).

Top-ups can be made in their agencies as well as online using an international credit card. Check balance by *221#. Lyca gives heavy bonuses for top-ups of about 50% extra in value.

Data feature packs[]

Default rate is 16.9c per MB, charged when the bundle is used up or no bundle is booked.

All plans have the same data packages now valid for 28 days:

Data EU cap Voice Price Activation
6 GB 1.65 GB 100 mins €5 *139*700#
20 GB 3.31 GB 400 mins €10 *139*701#
50 GB 4.96 GB unlimited €15 *139*702#
100 GB 6.61 GB unlimited €20 *139*703#

Customers can use these "daily bundles", that include unlimited domestic voice and SMS and a data quota in a monthly purchase:

Bundle daily

Data

daily

EU cap

daily

Voice

Price p.

month

Activation
Daily 10 1 GB 150 MB unlimited €10 *139*800#
Daily 20 2 GB 200 MB unlimited €20 *139*802#

All packs will renew automatically after 28 days if there is enough credit. To unsubscribe call costumer service on 321 or #93 from Lycamobile.

You can check your remaining credit balance by *221# and your data balance by *137#. If finished, you can renew any package ahead of time.

EU roaming[]

For roaming in the EU, EEA and UK Lycamobile applies roam like at home to its data and combo packages above up to the specified limit or at their high default rate..

Technical settings[]

  • APN: data.lycamobile.es
  • Username: lmes (that's lowcase L, not capital i)
  • Password: plus
  • Actively blocks tethering

More information[]

Llamaya móvil[]

Llamaya

Llamaya móvil is an ethno provider like Lycamobile or Lebara that focuses on low-priced foreign calls. To counter their UK-based rivals they are from Spain operating on the Orange network in 2G and 3G and since 2018 finally on 4G/LTE too. In 2017 they were acquired by MásMóvil.

Availability[]

Their starter may be a bit harder to find than those of the other two as they don't advertise so prominently. Small internet shops are the safest bet in downtown streets with a high immigration share. The Spanish branches of The Phone House sells them too (locator).There or online to be sent to a Spanish address, you can buy the SIM card for €5 with the same credit valid for 30 days.

Note that the prepaid terms and conditions state a minimum monthly consumption of €5. If you don't consume that amount, €1.50 will deducted from your balance every month and only 60 days after the last top-up you SIM falls into passive mode.

Recharges[]

You can top-up at many places, where small providers are topped up at minimum €5 such as in Dia supermarkets, el Corte Inglés department stores or Cepsa service stations. If you don't have balance for 60 days, they will block your plan with a 15 days grace period to reload it again before it will be terminated forever. Check balance by *113#.

Data feature packages[]

Default rate for prepaid data is €0.05 per MB. These packages called bonos valid for 30 days can be added:

Data Voice Price Activation
3 GB 150 mins €5 LLYALTAPLAN3GB
20 GB unlimited €10 LLYALTAPLAN20GBILIM
30 GB unlimited €15 LLYALTAPLAN30GBILIM
120 GB only data €30 only online or in store

For activation text code to 22951. All packs auto-renew after 30 days. For extra data you can add 1 GB for €2 valid for the rest of the base plan period by calling 2376. For unlimited domestic calls a bono for €5 surcharge is offered as well as special plans for calling to 167 countries at reduced rates.

EU roaming[]

Data allowances including bonos can be used for roaming in the EU/EEA too without surcharges limited by a FUP. You may need to activate roaming in your clients area to use this service. The 120 GB data bono can't be used in roaming at all, but only in Spain.

More information[]

  • APN for prepaid: internetmas

Lobster.[]

Lobster

In 2018 the first provider started aiming at the British expats community in Spain called Lobster. It's managed by Gibtelecom from Gibraltar and operates on Movistar's network with 4G/LTE included. As top bonus, it boast an all-English speaking support.

Availability[]

You can order the starter pack on their website for the price of the first month with free shipping to a Spanish postal address in 1-3 days. In shops they sell it in two varieties (locator): in instant setup stores you can do all the activation there, in Quick Buy stores, you only buy the SIM there and need to do the activation (as well as for the delivery version) online. For this you need to scan your ID documents and send it online through their website. In practice, it's hard to find their starters in stores.

Recharges[]

Lobster is hybrid prepaid. This means it's linked to a credit card with auto-renew plans. Check balance by *100#.

Payment will be taken automatically on the date your plan expires e.g. if your plan started on the 23rd of the month, payment will be taken from the card registered on your account on the 23rd of each subsequent month. Your monthly plan and allowances will kick in that day if the payment is successful.

You’re free to stop the plan any month you like by visiting your Lobster account. You can keep using your plan until the end of your month, then it will be stopped. Your number and remaining credit balance will be kept for you for up to 12 months. You’re able to receive calls and texts only in the first month of your plan being stopped. You can start your plan again at any time by re-visiting your Lobster account and your monthly plan will restart from that day. If after 12 months you have not started your plan again, then your account will be closed.

Data feature package[]

They offer three monthly plans with auto-renew for 28 days:

  • 25 GB, unlimited calls and texts: €12.99 (3 Months -50-%)
  • 50 GB, unlimited calls and texts: €18.99 (3 Months -50-%)
  • 80 GB. unlimited calls and texts: €24.99 (3 Months -50-%)
  • 25 GB, Just Spain €10.99 (3 Months -50-%)

https://www.lobster.es/pay-as-you-go-plans/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA1-6sBhAoEiwArqlGPhg5ZIFxn8UMjx7Eh32x9mSlnIp1eGrIy-zEJD1arcNm4A67dUaPJRoCftMQAvD_BwE

Calls and texts are to UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the United States (!), whether you’re calling from Spain or any other EU country, are all included in each of the plans too.

You can change to a new plan any time you like; you don’t have to wait until the end of your month. If you want more data, you can change to a new plan any time you want. Or you can simply buy extra data to get you to the end of that month for 1 GB at €6.

More information[]

  • All package allowances can be used without surcharges roaming in the EU/EEA + UK
  • APN: lobster
  • Website in English: https://www.lobster.es/

Discontinued Offers[]

Carrefour Móvil []

Carrefour Movil, which became Spain’s first MVNO when it launched on 27 October 2006, terminated its service at the end of 2017.

Jazztel prepago[]

Jazztel was another MVNO on the Orange network. Orange Spain has confirmed that its Jazzcard Movil prepay plan will be finally phased out in May 2018, with users urged to port their tariffs to other plans or else lose any remaining credit. The operator has announced the definitive closure of the service.

HappyMóvil[]

Spanish operator Másmóvil has shut down and phased out its HappyMóvil brand, some 4 years after striking a deal to acquire the smaller player. The Happy Movil website now redirects customers to a page on the Masmóvil website, and new subscriptions are no longer being sold.

FreedomPop[]

FreedomPop used to be a 'Freemium' provider from the US giving out a small amount of data, calls and texts for free in hope that you buy more allowances later. As of May 2018, the free plan was been discontinued, with existing users being forced to the €2.99 per month plan. In November 2018 they announced to leave the Spanish market by 29/DEC/2018.

República Móvil[]

República Móvil was a MVNO on the network of Orange. It started in 2013 and was discontinued in 2021 when all customers were moved to Simyo.

Tuenti[]

Tuenti móvil was Movistar's 2nd MVNO its mobile phone service in Spain was terminated on 1 June 2022. Contract customers were moved to O2 while prepaid customers were moved to Movistar.

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