Find out how to keep in touch with friends and family while living abroad with our guide to getting a SIM card, mobile number and more in Spain.
If you’ve recently arrived in Spain, getting a local mobile phone number is probably one of the top items on your checklist to set up your new life. After all, it will help you stay in touch with your loved ones at home, access mobile banking, navigate local public transport and much more.
Fortunately, Spain has a well-developed mobile network and many operators to choose from, so you won’t be left out. However, it can be difficult for an expat to know how to get a SIM card in Spain or which mobile operator to choose. To help you, read about the following:
Spanish mobile network
Newcomers to Spain will be pleased to know that the beautiful Iberian nation has an excellent mobile network available to expats and visitors alike. Like other European countries, the Spanish use the GSM network for mobile communication. This makes it easy for most people to connect upon arrival. However, even if you come from somewhere that uses a CDMA network, your smartphone will most likely work in Spain.
Spain has a well-developed 4G network and most of the country has access to 4G and 4G+ connections. Additionally, 5G is becoming increasingly available across the country, especially in more built-up areas around major cities and resorts. However, Spain is a surprisingly mountainous country, and therefore connectivity can vary greatly from region to region. Therefore, be sure to check your options in advance so as not to be left without a signal.
Wi-Fi connection in Spain
If you’re looking for public Wi-Fi, you’ll find plenty of free hotspots all over Spain. They are usually concentrated in high tourism areas such as large cities and coastal resorts. You’ll also find Wi-Fi in some public buildings, such as libraries, museums and public transport hubs. They are often free, but you may need to complete a short registration process before you can connect to the network.
Can I use my mobile phone in Spain?
If you arrive from a country that uses the GSM network, you will immediately be able to use your mobile phone in Spain. However, even if you come from a country that uses an alternative CDMA network, such as Japan, Canada, and parts of the US, your smartphone will still be able to connect to the local network. However, you should always check your options before you travel to avoid any unforeseen connectivity issues once you arrive in Spain.
Thanks to the pan-European agreement on tariffs for international roaming, arrivals from EU countries can enjoy free roaming during their stay in Spain. This also applies to those arriving from the UK, although this may change after the UK leaves the European Union. If you’re not sure, check with your home operator before you travel to avoid unnecessary bills.
If you’re moving to Spain or planning to stay a bit longer, you’ll probably want to buy a Spanish SIM card or sign up to a local mobile contract. Getting a SIM card is probably the cheapest option in terms of upfront costs, but you’ll need to provide proof of identity to get one. However, whether you choose a SIM card or a contract, you’ll find that you have plenty of Spanish mobile operators to choose from. Some also offer home internet and TV bundles, so it’s worth checking to see if there are any bundle discounts.
Spanish mobile operators
As you would expect from a country as large as Spain, the local mobile phone market is a competitive place. There are four network operators to choose from: Movistar, Orange , Vodafone and MásMóvil/Yoigo. In addition to these, there are a number of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use these four networks. This means that consumers have more and more choice, so it pays to shop around. This is especially true if you are looking for home Internet and TV in Spain , as many operators offer discounts if you use several services.
Spanish mobile operators include:
In terms of subscribers, Movistar leads with approximately 30% market share in 2019 . Under the management of the former state-controlled Telefónica, Movistar has historically dominated this market. However, other operators are not far behind, with Orange (25%) and Vodafone (23%) closing the gap. This is followed by MásMóvil/Yoigo (14%) and many MVNOs. Although some MVNOs struggle to match the coverage of larger networks in rural areas, the differences are often very small in large cities and resort areas.
Comparison of Spanish mobile operators
If you’re not sure which Spanish mobile operator to choose, don’t worry, because today it’s easier than ever to compare the market and find the right mobile deal for you. Comparison websites can give you a better idea of your options and make it easier to determine whether you can add extra services to your packages, such as internet or TV channels.
Mobile coverage in Spain
Mobile phone coverage in Spain can vary significantly by country. For example, in major cities – and indeed in most of the more populated coastal regions – coverage is usually very good. In these areas you will find that 4G and 5G are available depending on your data plan. On the other hand, coverage in predominantly mountainous regions and some more remote parts of the interior can be temperamental. So if you’re planning to move to one of these areas, be sure to check your coverage beforehand.
Prepaid or mobile contracts
If you want to connect in Spain, you have two main options: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract. Prepaid SIM cards are usually the easiest way to get a local phone number and data access without any long-term commitment. It’s probably the best option if you’re just looking for something that lets you make calls and go online. Many operators also offer pay-as-you-go packages that provide a certain amount of calls and data per month, which can then be topped up if you go over that. This can be great if you’re looking for more flexibility.
However, if you intend to settle in Spain for the long term, signing a local mobile phone contract may be a good alternative. Phone contracts are generally much cheaper than prepaid SIM cards, especially if you spend a lot of time using data. Mobile contracts are also a good choice if you are planning to buy the latest smartphone. In general, contracts are often for an 18-month period, which should be considered depending on your circumstances.
Mobile contracts in Spain
Spanish mobile plans usually offer lower rates for calls, texts and data usage than prepaid SIM cards, making them an attractive alternative for many newcomers. Contracts include an allowance for call minutes, text messages and mobile data. They may also include other surcharges, and the amount you pay will depend on which plan you choose. Be aware that you can get discounts if you combine your mobile contract with a home phone, internet and TV connection.
Spanish mobile contracts are either SIM-only or include a phone and are traditionally 18 months long. However, this is slowly changing and some are available without obligation. To avoid signing a contract that you cannot see, look out for agreements marked ” sin permanencia “. While they may not offer the best prices, they may be the best option for you, depending on your circumstances.
How to get a mobile phone contract in Spain
Signing a contract for a Spanish mobile phone is quite simple. All major chains have retail outlets in many cities across the country. So you can do it online or at your local telecom shop. However, if you want to do it in person, you’ll need to brush up on your language skills first, as the sellers most likely won’t be able to speak English. Because of this, many expats prefer to do their research online. To sign up for a mobile phone contract, you’ll probably need to provide the following:
- Valid ID card
- Address confirmation
- NIE (Non-Residence Permit)
- Local bank details
Spanish SIM cards
Prepaid SIM cards usually offer more freedom than a long Spanish mobile phone contract. However, they are often more expensive when it comes to calls, texts and data usage. However, they may be a better option if you don’t use your phone much or are only in Spain for a short period of time. All major Spanish mobile operators offer prepaid SIM cards, so you’ll want to shop around to find the best SIM-only deal.
You can buy a Spanish SIM card in many places, including mobile operator retail outlets, some shops and online. Just look for operator plates in the shop window if you’re not sure. To get a Spanish SIM card, you need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport) as this is a legal requirement. You will also need to go through a short registration process, but it will only take a few minutes.
In Spain, prepaid SIM cards usually come with credit already loaded on them (€5, €10, €15, etc.), which means you can choose the amount of credit you want to use immediately. Depending on your service provider, you’ll have a number of ways to add credit, including online, in-app, at an ATM, at select stores and outlets, and more. However, be aware that this process may require a Spanish bank account.
Spanish phone numbers
All mobile numbers in Spain have nine digits. Spanish mobile phone numbers have a prefix of 6 or 7 followed by eight digits. Personal numbers start with 70. Phone numbers are not assigned to specific mobile networks in Spain, so there is no grouping that identifies the operator.
The international telephone code for Spain is 0034 / +34. Unlike other countries, an additional 0 is not added or subtracted during international or local calls: 0034 6xx xxx xxx (from abroad); 6xx xxx xxx (from Spain).
Mobile phone repair in Spain
Lost your phone over a fresh jug of sangria while enjoying the Spanish sun? Or maybe you dropped it while wandering around one of Spain’s many beautiful cities? Whatever happens to your phone, you probably need to get it repaired quickly. Fortunately, there are many repair options in Spain. Some operators and manufacturers offer in-store repair services at their outlets, so check online to see if your local store has this. Also, most cities have mobile phone shops that offer repairs.
Filing a complaint against a Spanish mobile operator
Each Spanish mobile operator has its own complaints process if you experience difficulties. You should use this if you experience problems or feel that the service is not meeting your expectations. You will be able to find this information on their website, although you may need to brush up on your Spanish first. However, if you want to complain about the operator itself, you can do so by contacting the Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), Spain’s telecommunications regulator. Through the agency, you will be able to file a complaint with all relevant supporting documents.
Useful resources
- Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) is the Spanish mobile communications regulator