Revision as of 19:36, 13 December 2014 by 2.136.32.188(contribs)(→Data feature pack:
Added note on Plan Ahorro removing bonus credit
Added note on how to check credit and data balances)
All others are resellers or MVNOs reselling the operators.
The country is all covered by 2G and mostly by 3G up to HSPA+ and DC-HSPA. Nationwide Movistar has the best coverage, followed by Vodafone and Orange, which is still very reasonable. 2G is on 900 and 1800 Mhz, 3G on 900 and 2100 Mhz. Yoigo is a 3G/4G-only network roaming free on Movistar elsewhere, thus giving a good coverage.
4G/LTE was launched on all operators in 2013 by using 1800 and 2600 MHz frequencies. For prepaid customers LTE is only available on Vodafone's yu line and Yoigo up to now.
Availability
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 steady postal address in Spain you have basically this choice:
to go to a shop of one of the four network operators (movistar, Vodafone, orange or yoigo). Their stores can be found in every city or shopping center. Their support may be better and reloads can be made almost everywhere. But this has a extra price.
to go to an agency of the smaller resellers or 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 are generally cheaper.
on Movistar network: tuenti móvil, DIGI mobil, Lycamobile
on Vodafone network: hits mobile, Lebara móvil
on Orange network: Carrefour Móvil, MASmovil, happymóvil/moviData
When you use MVNOs, be sure to switch on (domestic) data roaming and check the appropriate APN.
This survey only shows the most important offers, for more details in english refer to this WIKI which has more or less accurate information.
Taxes in the Canary Islands, Melilla, 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 on 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 the African enclaves of Melilla the tax is 4%, in Ceuta 8%. So tax rates have to be adjusted there too.
Carrefour Móvil
Carrefour uses the Orange network on 2G and 3G.
Tarjeta Carrefour Internet Móvil Prepago (= prepaid data SIM):
SIM costs 5 € without credit. It is a data SIM for data and SMS only, no calls.
Tarifa diaria: This is the default plan for carrefour data SIM cards, no activation is necessary for 1.21 Euro per day (= 24 hrs), 100 MB at full 3G speed, thereafter speed is reduced to 128k. You are charged only for the days that you connect. A 3.63 Euro/month minimum spending applies (as long as you have credit).
Bono 1GB add on: 22.99 Euro for 30 days, 1GB at full 3G speed, thereafter speed is reduced to 128k. Enable this plan by sending SMS to 22864 with the text ALTA BONO 1GB. Quit the plan by sending BAJA BONO 1GB to 22864. Check the amount of data you have used by sending BONO 1GB to 22864
Bono 3GB add on: 35.09 Euro for 30 days, 3GB at full 3G speed, thereafter speed is reduced to 128k. Make sure that you have enough balance on your SIM card (at least 35 Euro). Enable the plan by sending SMS to 22864 with the text ALTA BONO 3GB. Check the amount of data you have used by sending BONO 3GB to 22864 (5 free SMS per month)
Tarjeta prepago Carrefour (= prepaid voice and data SIM):
The SIM costs 10 € with the same credit. You pay 0.50 Euro per day for 20 MB at full 3G speed, thereafter speed is reduced to 128k. You are charged only for the days that you connect. No data packages are offered on this tariff. It can't be changed to a data SIM. A 3 euro/month minimum spending applies (as long as you have credit).
Tethering
Carrefour does not allow tethering. On the iPhone it is disabled, on Android devices possible anyway.
Availability
The prices above exclude IVA, so add 21%. SIM card can be purchased online on the carrefour website but this requires a Spanish fiscal number (NIE/NIF). In the Carrefour megastores (locations: store locator) it can be bought using a foreign passport and local Spanish (hotel) address. Credit can be displayed by calling *113#. You can add credit online or in Carrefour and El Dia supermarkets. Some tabacco shops and the drugstore chain Schlecker offer credit for Carrefour Movil too.
Technical information
Make sure to use the right APN. You may have to manually change the APN on the iPhone, because it default uses the Orange APN.
MoviData and HappyMóvil are only available at ThePhoneHouse stores in Spain.
Store Locator Both are using the Orange network on 2G and 3G with APN: internettph
moviData
The SIM costs 30 € in all stores of ThePhoneHouse with 30 € credit. It is a data only sim with 2 options:
Tarifa plana diana (= day package): for up to 100 MB high speed in one calender day (0-23.59 h) for 3.02 €. Beyond 100 MB the speed is reduced to 64 kbps.
Tarifa plana mensual (= monthly package): for up to 1 GB in 30 days for 20.50 €. Beyond this limit, a new package is activated automatically if there is enough credit, otherwise 0.06 €/MB are charged.
happymóvil
Alternatively, ThePhoneHouse sells the product line happymóvil which can be a better deal. The SIM costs 15 € with the same credit on it. Two data packages are offered on the tarif "Nacional" which can be used for calls as well.
Bono mensual (= monthly package): 8.95 € for 1 GB high speed volume in 30 days. Overuse is charged with 11 cents/MB and the package renews automatically every month if there is credit.
Bono a tu ritmo (= free package): 12 € for 1 GB high speed volume in a maximum of one month. This package automatically renews when the previous one is depleted and there is enough credit, otherwise 11 cents/MB.
All these packages can be booked or unsubscribed in store or by calling 2980. There is a monthly minimum of 2 €. The product lines moviData and happymóvil can't be switched, but reloads are interchangeable. Top up places can be hard to find, but every post office (Correos) can do.
10 EUR with 10 EUR credit in every Movistar store.
Data feature pack
Tarifa Internet 5: 400 MB high speed in 30 days for 5 €.
Upsize: Bono Extra 50 MB for 0.75 €.
The pack can be susbcribed by texting ALTATARIFA5 to 1200. The pack will renew every month. To unsubscribe text BAJATARIFA5 to 1200, to buy upsize text ALTABONO to 1200. This is for now the only data package movistar offers to prepaid costumers, they refer to tuenti móvil instead (see below).
Off tarif data costs approximately 2.50€ per day, with a full speed quota of 250MB with reduced speeds afterwards, though the slow down may not occur at 250.
Network: GSM (GPRS), UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA. LTE has started but is not available for prepaid yet, only for contract customers. In 2014 Orange improved the rates for their Mundo SIM. As most other prepaid schemes have a base rate, only the Mundo SIM is featured below.
Startup cost
SIM card can be obtained for free, but a minimal top up of 10 € has to be made at purchase. They are sold in every Orange store in Spain store locator . With the purchase of 10 € they will give you another 5 € promocional credit (total 15 €). This extra credit is marked "saldo promocional" and can be used only for domestic calls, texts and data within 30 days, while regular balance stays valid for 365 days at least. Topups can be made almost everywhere in the country. Again, you will be awarded extra "saldo promocional" for every recharge.
Data feature packs
The Mundo SIM has 3 packages to choose from. It can be set at purchase, online or by app in the client's area. The are valid for 30 days and renew automatically if credit is available. Overuse or out of bundle use is charged by 0.363 € per 10 MB.
500 MB, 6 € per month
1 GB, 9 € per month
2 GB, 15 € per month
Activation at purchase, online in the client's area, by app or by texting "Alta Mundo <pack size>" to 470. If having used up all data, you can renew the packs ahead of time by sending a free SMS to 470 with the following text: "Renovación Mundo <pack size>", For pack size fill in 500Mb, 1GB or 2GB and be sure to have enough credit. Deactivation by changing to Mundo SIM without data pack by app or in the client's area.
Other prepaid tariffs
Online in the client's area "mi Orange" or by calling customer service, all prepaid tariffs of Orange are interchangeable. A Mundo SIM can be changed to or from:
Tarifa Ardilla (squirrel): no base rate. Data add-on of 200 MB for 3 EUR per month
Tarifa Ballena (whale): 8.95 EUR/month including 1 GB of data and free domestic calls with a flagfee of 0.18 EUR per call
EU roaming option
The EU roaming option called "Go Europe" can be booked on this SIM by activating it in the client's area (área de clientes) online or by app. Once enabled, all EU roaming data on Orange's roaming partners will be billed automatically like this: 100 MB in 24 hours for 1 € (tax incl.). For more details see European Union section of this WIKI.
Tethering
Orange does not provide a tethering profile for iPhones. So you can't tether from your iPhone (unless you change the firmware). But tethering is not blocked generally, but possible from all non-Apple smartphones working on Android, Windows, Blackberry etc. as well as tablets, routers and modems.
Tuenti is using the Movistar network in 2G and 3G giving best speed and coverage in Spain
Startup costs
12 € (tax incl.) for new SIM card with 1 GB data included, the rest is credit. You have to download the tuenti app free from iStore or Google Play. The SIM has to be combined with a tuenti profile (available in english) on which the card is managed. tuenti is a social messenger similar to Whatsapp. Navigate to "mobile" or "móvil" on the menue of the app. Only one SIM can always be associated with one specific email address. Foreigners see below.
The remaining balance ist valid for use within 6 month. After this time the network will fall into hibernation. No calls, SMS or data can be sent or received. You have to top up 5€ or more within another 6 month period. If you don't do that, your number and your balance will be lost. If you topup min. 5 € your line and balance will be reactivated for another 6 month period of usage. If there is no remaining balance for a 6 month period the card will be deactivaded without the possibility to reactivate.
If you call 2201 you will receive a SMS with Balance and Expiration date.
Surcharge for foreigners
Legally they are not allowed to discriminate at least EU citizens. That's how they do it anyway: Beginning 2014 they imposed a 25 € surcharge for registrations with a passport in shops. This is not charged if ordered online. National ID cards of other countries (which are valid in Spain) are not accepted, but only the Spanish ID cards (called DNI and NIE) to avoid the surcharge. So if you know somebody with a Spanish DNI/NIE let him register the card on his/her name, if you don't, look for other options or order it online to be sent to a Spanish address.
Data feature pack
1 GB / € 7 (for one month)
The 3 GB pack has been discontinued and is no longer available
When 80% of data are used, tuenti offers by SMS and online a "Bonoplus". These addons give 300 MB extra for 3 € or 500 MB extra for 5 € but only within the running time of the initial pack. They can be booked several times but are not transferable to the next package month
Otherwise overuse is charged with 3 cents per MB. Online this default option can be changed to a complete cutoff when the included data is used up.
Package and addons must be booked online using the tuenti app on the phone or website, navigating to "móvil" after the SIM is combined with the tuenti app.
The package will automatically renew if there is enough credt. This can be disabled online
Zerolimites
This free feature by which Telefónica tries to hype their social messenger "tuenti :-)" is automatically activated when you book a package. It means that all messaging (pics, texts etc.) and VoIP calls made through this tuenti app are completely free and will not be debited from your data allowance. Free VoIP calls can be made if both sides are using the tuenti app and tuenti móvil as long as the data packs are active. The app can be installed on every iOs or and Android smartphone, but when you use other providers, you will be billed for the data consumption.
Availability
From their website, some but not all Movistar stores, Telecor, FNAC and lots of other places: Tuenti points of sale. Recharges can be made using the Tuenti app or online using an international credit card. Topups can be bought at movistar stores too. From March 2014 tuenti móvil is finally sold on the Canary Islands too in 140 movistar stores (surcharge to foreigners applies, see above)..
Vodafone was the first network which opened 4G to prepaid customers on Vodafone yu in May 2014. It has a limited 4G/LTE coverage in about 90 towns in the country which can be checked here: Vodafone 4G coverage map
Voice & Data SIM - 4G
Unlike other operators Vodafone hasn't outsourced their "youth line" but sells it cheaply in their stores under the name Vodafone yu. The SIM is sometimes free in promotions but can be up to 12 € (+ 5 € for a nano SIM) with no credit. It's a combined tariff with data, domestic calls and texts which has been opened for 4G/LTE. It is sold in 3 packages:
Yuser: 600 MB data, 20 domestic minutes, 20 domestic SMS per month for 10 €.
Superyuser: 1.2 GB data, 60 domestic minutes, 60 domestic SMS per month for 15 €.
Megayuser: 1.6 GB data, 100 domestic minutes, unlimited domestic SMS per month for 20 €.
All packages include free calls and texts amongst Vodafone yu numbers too. You can subscribe or change the package by typing *525*51# for Yuser, *525*52# for Superyuser or *525*53# for Megayuser. All packages last for 30 days but can be renewed anytime sooner by typing *525*6#. Otherwise the packages will renew automatically after 30 days if there is credit. After the data volume is used, bandwide is reduced to 64 kbps as long the package is valid or 1.25 €/day for 25 MB beyond.
You can renew the plan after you use up the data allowance by typing *525# and then selecting to renew the same plan on the menu. You can do that as often as you like as long as you have credit.
Voice & Data SIM - 3G
They sell these two SIM cards in their stores. Both cost 5 € with 5 € credit.
Vodafone fácil has all domestic calls at 6 Cent per minute and 18 Cent per call. All tariffs can be changed to this by typing *626#
Vodafone international has many international calls for 1.25 Cent per minute but a 30.25 Cent flagfall per call. This tariff can be booked by typing *313#
You can book a 300 MB data package for 5 € on 2G and 3G valid for 30 days by typing *313*22# <call> on both tariff lines. This is a very easy way to get a small data amount from a lot of shops. That's the only package for this card, but it can be renewed anytime.
Data-only SIM
Their data-only tariff called Internet móvil prepago is still only on 2G and 3G. Starter pack is sold in Vodafone's stores for 15 € with 1.5 GB preloaded valid for 3 months. You can top up the card in 5 € steps almost everywhere.
Default tariff is the daily rate. It comes in 3 steps:
up to 25 MB per day: 1.82 EUR
25 - 250 MB per day: 4.10 EUR
250 MB - 1 GB per day: 6.05 EUR
If you use more than 1 GB per day, speed will be throttled to only 8 kbps. Furthermore these tariffs can be booked by texing the activation code to 2207:
Package
Price
Volume
Time
Activation
Fin de Semana
10.89 €
500 MB
3 days
C QUI
Semanal
18.15 €
1 GB
7 days
C SEM
Mensual 100 MB
9.68 €
100 MB
30 days
C BAS
Mensual 500 MB
18.15 €
500 MB
30 days
C AVA
Mensual 1 GB
22.99 €
1 GB
30 days
C PRE
Mensual 2 GB
38.72 €
2 GB
30 days
C MES
You can check your prepaid SIM credit balance by typing *134#. Be aware that the balance check costs 17-18c each time.
Tourist SIM
Their new voice and data SIM is called "International Smartphone" and sold for 15 € containing 1 GB data up to 3G and 60 minutes domestic and international calls to 35 countries valid for a month. This pack is valid for 30 days. It renews automatically, if you have enough credit. In this case unused voice or data will roll over. When used beyond the limit, speed is throttled to 32 kbps, data use outside of package charged with a daily fee of 1.25 € for 25 MB.
Technical information
APN for smartphones: airtelnet.es
APN for modems or routers; ac.vodafone.es
Username and password: vodafone
Yoigo
Network: UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, (LTE on 1800 Mhz). For 2G it roams in the network of Movistar for free. Effective 3/11/2014 Yoigo's 4G/LTE has been opened for prepaid users.
Startup costs
20 € including 20 € credit and in all Yoigo stores (store locator)
Data feature pack
"La del Uno": 1.2 GB high speed volume in 4G/LTE up to 75 Mbps per month for 7.26 €. This promotion is for new customers in November 2014 at least until end of January 2015.
After having used the included data, speed is reduced to 128 Kbps and an add on is offered: 200 MB extra for 2 €. The package will renew automatically every 30 days if there is credit. Data rates outside package: 1.45 €/day.
Technical Information
APN: internet
SIM sizes
Mini SIM, Micro sim, Nano SIM
DIGI mobil
With DIGI mobil you get a Romanian and a Spanish number on one SIM. In Spain this MVNO operates on the good Movistar network on 2G and 3G.
Startup costs
The SIM card costs 10 € with 10 € credit. It is 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 are support the smaller MNVOs.
Data feature pack
For this SIM only one data pack called naveg@ is available for 500 MB high speed volume in one month for 5 EUR (tax incl.).To subscribe go the USSD menu *100# choose option 2 "internet móvil" and 1 "Alta DIGI naveg@". This package will renew every month if there is credit. You can unscubscribe on the same menu with "Baja DIGI naveg@".
After having used all package volume, speed will be reduced to GPRS or you can buy add ons called "Extra": 200 MB more for 2 EUR, 500 MB extra for 5 EUR or another 1 GB for 10 EUR. Bear in mind that the extra add ons always refer only to the original period of the monthly package and are not transferable to the next month. To buy an add on go online on your DIGI mobile account "Mi cuenta DIGI" or on the USSD menu *100# option 2 "internet móvil" and choose Bono Extra.
Technical information
Credit can be checked on *134# and data credit on *130# free of charge
Be sure to use the spanish number (+34... ) in Spain and enable (domestic) roaming
APN: internet.digimobil.es
Username and password: digi
hits mobile
This MVNO operates on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G giving good coverage and speed.
Startup costs
The SIM can be bought for 5 EUR with 10 EUR credit online with free shipping in 7 days if you have a spanish address. Offline they are sold in kiosks and other agencies. Unfortunately, they don't have a list of distributors but you can ask for the nearest store by calling 654321 (free within Spain). Top ups can be made online with international credit cards.
Data feature pack
The default rate for internet is 5 cents per MB as long as no package is activated. They have the following packs:
250 MB: 3.90 €
500 MB: 5.90 €
1 GB: 9.90 €
3 GB: 24.90 €
The packs are for one month exactly lasting until the previous day of booking 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 word BONO followed by the chosen volume, to deactivate BAJA BONO ##### and to renew ahead of time RENUEVA BONO #####.
Technical information
APN for smartphones: tel.hitsmobile.es
APN for routers and modems: pc.hitsmobile.es
the whole website is available in english: hits mobile
Lebara móvil
This MVNO of the English Lebara Group has been heavily marketed and operates in Spain on the Vodafone network in 2G and 3G giving good coverage and speeds.
Startup costs
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: Store finder (mark: SIM). It is sold for 10 EUR with the same amount of credit loaded. Topups can be made there and some other stores which all are clearly marked with the Lebara logo or online with international credit cards.
Data feature pack
Default rate is 0.182 EUR/MB which is charged without booking a package or for overuse.
The following data packages are available. For activation send SMS.
250 MB in 30 days for 5 EUR. Activation: DATA250 to 22333
500 MB in 30 days for 7.50 EUR. Activation: DATA750 to 22333
1 GB in 30 days for 10 EUR. Activation: DATA1GB to 22333.
2 GB in 30 days for 10 EUR. Activation: DATA2GB to 22333 This 2 GB pack is a special offer, the regular price is 15 EUR. This offer is valid only for the 1st activation, at renewal you will be charged the regular price.
3 GB in 30 days for 25 EUR. Activation: DATA3GB to 22333
100 MB addon to all the passes above for 3 EUR. Activation: D100 to 22333
All passes are valid for 30 days. There is no way to reactivate them ahead of time. You can only buy the 100 MB addon. All passes will automatically renew every 30 days if there is credit. To stop text NODATA### (### = size of pack) to 22333.
Technical information
APN: gprsmov.lebaramobile.es
No tethering on iPhones, as Lebara doesn't give out a profile, but possible on other devices.
All of their website is available in english, check for further details and offers
Lycamobile
Lycamobile is the main competitor of Lebara on the international ethno market. In Spain Lycamobile is a MVNO on the good Movistar network of Telefónica in 2G and 3G.
Startup costs
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 internet and phone shops and other kiosks. They don't have a store locator, so they might not be so easy to find. One store near La Rambla in Barcelona is here.
In the Lycamobile branded stores the SIM is the cheapest. It may be free, (but requiring an immediate top up). Prices range from 10 EUR with 5 EUR credit to 7.50 EUR with 7.50 EUR credit (which is 5 EUR credit and 2.50 EUR bonus credit). Topups can be made in their agencies as well as online using an international credit card.
Data feature pack
Default rate is 0.145 EUR per MB in the standard plan and 0.036 EUR per MB in the Plan Ahorro, charged when the bundle is used up.
To change from the default standard plan to "Plan Ahorro" type *201*101# and follow the instructions. The alternative method is to send a text message with "PLANAHORRO" to 2525, however this was not working on 13/12/14. Note that changing to "Plan Ahorro" reduces your reported balance by the amount of bonus credit.
Activation is done by sending a SMS containing an activation code to 3535. The promotional packs (-50%) of the Plan ahorro can only be booked after having changed to this plan.
Data Volume
Standard Plan
Plan Ahorro
Activation Code
250 MB
5.00 EUR
2.50 EUR
9050
600 MB
7.50 EUR
3.75 EUR
9100
1 GB
7.50 EUR
3.75 EUR
9150
2 GB
12.00 EUR
6.00 EUR
9300
3 GB
25.00 EUR
12.50 EUR
9400
All packs will renew automatically after one month if there is enough credit. To unsubscribe call costurmer service on 321 or #93 from Lycamobile.
You can check your remaining credit balance with *221# and your data balance with *137#.
Technical information
APN: data.lycamobile.es
Username: lmes (that's lowcase L, not capital i)
Password: plus
No tethering: Lycamobile doesn't give out a profile and tries to block tethering by sniffer programs
The whole Lycamobile website is available in english. Check for further details and offers. ch
