Mobile operators in Spain
This article is about the Kingdom of Spain and its Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and the small North African enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Grille There are 4 network operators in Spain:
Movistar (owned by Telefónica)
Vodafone (UK)
Orange (owned by France)
Másmóvil branded Yoigo (and free roaming on Orange and Movistar)
All but Yoigo are resellers or MVNOs resold by the big three.
4G and 5G in Spain
Their prepaid market in Spain is very strong, serving 17% of all customers. The o2 brand was also recently launched by Telefónica, but focuses on contract and fiber broadband. Másmovil started a price war, initially affecting only joint offers, but now also extending to prepaid, prices in Spain are falling rapidly.
n 2022, Orange and Másmóvil announced their intention to merge their businesses and networks. Their merger, approved by the European Union’s competition authority, will reduce competition and reduce the number of network providers to three. The country has full 2G coverage, 3G to HSPA+ and DC-HSPA and 4G/LTE coverage in most cities. Nationally, the three major providers, Movistar, Vodafone and Orange, have similar reach and market share. 2G at 900 and 1800MHz, 3G at 900 and 2100MHz. Yoigo is a 3G/4G only network with limited resources of its own, but free roaming on Orange and Movistar which also provides good coverage. All network operators have announced that they will switch off 3G in 2023-2025 and keep 2G networks for longer.
In 2013, all operators launched 4G/LTE on the 800 (B20), 1800 (B3) and 2600 (B7) MHz frequencies. In 2017, Vodafone had the highest 4G/LTE coverage at 96.5%, followed by Orange at 91.7%, and Movistar and Yoigo at 89%.
5G NR was launched in 2019 by Vodafone and Telefónica on the 3500 (n78) in some urban areas. So far, only Vodafone is offering 5G to prepaid customers on a partial tariff basis. All 4 providers have very similar 4G/LTE coverage at 89-92%, based on the 2021 Open Signal network test. With an average speed of 33 Mbit/s, Movistar has proven to be the fastest network, but all providers are still on a pretty equal footing, just differing by region. Másmóvil is a bit weak, but can be caught up with free Orange roaming.
How to buy a SIM card in Spain. Where to buy a SIM card in Spain. How to register a SIM card in Spain.
All SIM cards must be registered by law. Typically, you do this in stores by showing your photo ID (passport or ID card). As a tourist without a postal address in Spain, you basically have a choice:
go to a store of one of the 4 network operators (movistar, Vodafone, orange or yoigo). Their stores can be found in every city center or shopping mall. Their support could be better, and they can reload almost anywhere. However, this comes at an additional cost.
Go to an agency of a small reseller/MVNO operating on the same network. They may not have as much support, fewer stores to find, and not as many places to charge, but may be cheaper. These virtual providers are listed:
In the Movistar network: Tuenti, DIGI Mobile, Lycamobile, Lobster In the Vodafone
network: Hits Mobile, Lebara Mobile
In Orange Net: Simyo
In the Yoigo network: Llamaya, Másmóvil
All 4 providers have very similar 4G/LTE coverage at 89-92%, based on the 2021 Open Signal network test. With an average speed of 33 Mbit/s, Movistar has proven to be the fastest network, but all providers are still pretty much on equal footing, just by region. Másmóvil is a bit weak, but can be caught up with free Orange roaming.
Prices for mobile communication and Internet in Spain
A price war between Spanish providers lowered mobile data costs drastically within the last couple of times. They’re now on the position of Italy and among the smallest in Western Europe. The 4th provider Másmóvil and original MVNOs( OMVs in Spanish) have put a lot of pressure on the incumbents and forced a request connection.
Different levies in the Canary islets, Melilla and Ceuta
In 2014, Spanish drivers switched to prices with levies included( = IVA incluido). The prices given then are for the landmass and the Balearic islets and include 21 deals duty( IVA). still, on the Canary islets the applicable duty( IGIC) is only 7. So prices in the talebearers are to be lowered by 14. On top- ups made there, you typically get a 14 perk to acclimate the duty difference. In Spain’s African posts, the duty is 4 in Melilla and 10( IPSI) in Ceuta. So duty rates have to be acclimated there too.
Orange España
Network 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSUPA. 4G/ LTE up to 150 Mbit/ s with a content of nearly 99 of population see https//www.orange.es/4g. 5G NR has started on n78( 3500 MHz), but isn’t available for repaid guests so far.
Vacuity
Their SIM card can be attained for free, but a enrollment showing an ID document and a top- up of€ 10-€ 20 has to be made at the point of purchase. They’re vended in every Orange store in Spain( store locator) and other outlets in all three sizes.
Top- ups can be made nearly far and wide in the country, where they vend recargas like supermarkets, service stations, alcoves, etc. To reload from abroad usetopup.orange.com asOrange.es choose to decline utmostnon-Spanish credit cards online. Check balance by * 111#, by app or in your customer’s area called mi Orange. Orange is playing numerous games for top- up like recagar y ganar where everybody wins redundant data or value for playing.
Since 29/ NOV/ 2020, account validity extension after being recharged has been changed from 1 time to 6 months. So sim card requirements 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 customer’s area. The are valid for 28 days and renew automatically, if credit is available. Its dereliction rate is horrendous€0.60 are charged for 10 MB per day( of use). So be sure to be on a package. Like on all offers of Orange data can be used in the EU/ EEA
| Plan | Data | Promo | max.Roll-over | EUcap | 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 Twinkles are domestic and to about 40 countries worldwide. Activation at purchase, online in the customer’s area, by app or by texting” ALTA MUNDO#GB” or” ALTA TU MUNDO” to 1470. still, speed will be strangled to 16 KBit/ s, If having used up all data. But you can renew the packs ahead of time by transferring a free SMS to 1470 with the following textbook” MAS GIGAS MUNDO#GB”, For# filler in’ 1 GB’,’ 2 GB’ or’ 3 GB’ and be sure to have enough credit. Deactivation by changing to Mundo SIM without data pack by app, in the customer’s area or by texting” ALTA TARIFA MUNDO”. Now, unused data rolls over to the coming month, up to the specified limit on the table, if you renew the plan. For further data they offer 10 GB for€ 15, actuated by” ALTA MAS GIGAS”.
The two Holiday passes shown below can also be actuated on a Mundo SIM.
Other repaid plans Go
Online in your customer’s area called mi Orange, by app or by calling client service, all of their repaid tariffs are exchangeable without freights. You can change to their base plan called Llama without data, if you like to break.
An Orange SIM can also be changed to or from these quintet 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 precious 30 cents connection figure. All plans bus renew if enough balance, else will return 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 perk 500 MB per month add- on for€ 4 online or by texting’ ALTA BONO 500 MB’ to 1470. else you’re on a rather precious dereliction rate of€ 3 per 100 MB per day.
Balance check by client web gate or Mi Orange app, or free SMS to 1470 with textbook word *** where *** is GO, WALK or Cover or NAVEGA. And to check quantum of data remaining within the 10 GB free perk, SMS to 1470″ PREMIO MEGAS”.
leaves Spain
In 2020 Orange revamped its sightseer SIM for callers called leaves Spain. It’s now available too as eSIM for compatible phones like the iPhone XS, XS MAX y XR with iOS12.1.1 or advanced and comes in two performances
leaves Pass 5 30 GB( EU cap 10 GB) and 50 mins to Spain and numerous other locales for 5 days€ 15
leaves Pass 15 60 GB( EU cap 20 GB) and 100 mins to Spain and numerous other locales for 25 days€ 25
You can renew any pass ahead of time for further data orextension.However, speed will drop to 1 Mbit/ s, If you use further data than included. Included calls are to mobiles of Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, CzechRep., 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 roving options
In 2017 Orange started roving without surcharges in all EU/ EEA UK countries at domestic Spanish rates. lately, Orange introduced FUP roving caps to all plans. All data used in the EU beyond this limit specified as EU roving cap in the tables is subject to surcharges of0.25 c per MB( equal to €2.50 per GB). also, they may be suitable to apply the same surcharges when you use the SIM roving abroad for further 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 redundant for UK roving. 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 redundant too. This does not feel to apply to roving in Gibraltar.
A new option called” Orange far and wide” has been introduced for countries outside the EU roving zone. It has now been extended to different performances
3 GB for 7 days in the USA and Canada € 20
1 GB for 7 days in numerous countries€ 20. These countries are Andorra, Argentina, Brasil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, DominicanRep., Ecuador, Egypt, Faroe islets, 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 over;€ 7
To spark, textbook’ EWS’ for the daily pack or’ EW’ for the diurnal option to 22095; to kill, textbook’ BAJA EW’ or use app or online account.
Customer’s area( Mí Orange)
You can check balance, data balance, expiration date of your sim, change your plan, add/ spread services and further 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 pierce website without login/ word, if you go directly from SIM card to https//areaprivada.orange.es/. still, you need to set word for this area
If you want to pierce Mí Orange latterly without SIM card.
still, shoot SMS with textbook” CLAVE word” to 222, If you’re still in Spain. word can be 4- 6 integers only.
still, go to word recovery runner and enter your phone number, If you’re outside Spain. You’ll get SMS with evidence law, enter it to runner. After you’ll be suitable to set your word( 4- 6 integers only) to pierce Mí Orange.
Further information
Tethering is allowed, VoIP isn’t allowed, but possible
APN orangeworld/ or/ internet
Username and word orange
Website in English https//en.orange.es– if does not 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 and Mandarin- also for WhatsApp.
Vodafone España
Network 2G up to EDGE, 3G( ending in 2022), 4G/ LTE and now on 5G NR up to 1 Gbit/ s open for all repaid tariffs and plans. Meanwhile, it has expanded its 4G/ LTE content to utmost areas in the country that can be checked then Vodafone 4G/ 5G content chart.
Vodafone has won the rearmost network tests for stylish 4G/ LTE carrier in the country as far as speed and content are concerned. In 2019 5G NR started in 15 megacity centers on 3500 MHz( n78). Vodafone is the first driver in Spain that has opened 5G NR to all its repaid offers without cargo. Note that Vodafone is closing down its 3G network in 2023 and you’ll soon need a 4G/ LTE or 5G device for data transmission.
Vacuity
Vodafone sells its repaid SIM cards in its stores( locator) and outlets for the price of the first package and conceivably a many euro for activation. SIM cards without a plan bear a recharge of€ 10. You need to show your passport or public ID card for enrollment .
Top- ups can be made by electronic recharges vended each over Spain in supermarkets, alcoves, service stations and numerous further places. utmost transnational credit cards are accepted for online recharges on their website. minimal top-up quantum is€ 5. Check balance by * 134#.
Vodafone charges an inactivity figure of €0.50 per month after 3- 4 months of gregarious inactivity of your repaid SIM card. This can be avoided by transferring an SMS from time to time. likewise, you need to eclipse- up your SIM card every 7 months to keep it alive.
They renewed their repaid portfolio and added their unlimited Passes as first Vodafone request in Europe to their repaid offers. Their Yu line isn’t mentioned presently as it has come postpaid only. You now have to chose Prepago for reimbursed.
Vodafone prepago
Vodafone’s prepago comes in five sizes valid for 28 days with data in over to 5G/ NR. Due to competition they had to cut rates drastically
| Plan | Data | EU cap | ESP Voice | Price | Activation | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 25 GB | 7 GB | 300 mins | €10 | *565*63# | unlimited VF calls |
| M | 50 GB | 10 GB | unlimited | €15 | *565*61# | 800 internatl. mins |
| L | 100 GB | 13 GB | unlimited | €20 | *565*62# | |
| XL | 120 GB | 20 GB | unlimited | €30 | *565*64# | |
| XXL | 150 GB | 25 GB | unlimited | €40 | *565*65# |
They vend this reimbursed standard SIM card without a yearly figure in their stores for€ 5 with€ 5 credit. Unused data can be rolled over to the coming 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 nanosecond plus 30 cent per call without any data included. There are no packages and all data is at the dereliction rate of€ 3 for 200 MB limited at€ 15 for 1 GB per day. Some votes do not like dealing these fácil SIM cards as they do not get commission for them, so you might get told they aren’t available. All reimbursed tariffs used to be changed to fácil by codifying * 626#. It’s unclear, if this is still possible. The fácil line is overpriced, but it was a good option to break with having still credit on your account. Now you better run down your balance before stopping.
International roving
Vodafone scrapped surcharges for roving in the EU/ EEA on all of their repaid plans. As of 2022, Vodafone lists the following extended country list as included for EU data roving 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 stylish roving options from Europe for the US and for Turkey as well for temporary visits.
roving data is at the domestic Spanish rate up to the specified volume called EU cap in the table over. As fresh measure against endless roving they may apply surcharges, when you use your plan for further than 2 months in a 4- months monitoring period or when there are long ages of inactivity together with a main or exclusive use in roving. In these cases Vodafone will inform you 14 days before surcharges are applied to make you change your roving geste . As” abuse rate” for all data beyond the mentioned Fair Use Policy limits you’ll be charged in 2022€3.03 per GB in MB- supplements.
Further information
APN for smartphonesairtelnet.es
APN for modems or routersac.vodafone.es
Username and word vodafone
VoIP and tethering is allowed on all reimbursed plans
Use * 138# to find out the number for your SIM( it’s not always written on the SIM)
Website in Spanish https://www.vodafone.es/
Movistar (by Telefónica)
Movistar by Spanishex-state telco Telefónica is on 2G up to EDGE, 3G up to HSPA and 4G/ LTE. 5G NR has started in numerous areas, but isn’t available for reimbursed so far Movistar content chart
Telefónica is still the contestant and main landline provider and is still the request leader in Spain, but its reimbursed offer used to be not veritably competitive. This changed in 2019 when Movistar eventually released affordable repaid options in elevations.
Vacuity
Their SIM card is vended 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 guests, but only in the larger Movistar ingrained outlets.
Top- ups can be set up each over in supermarkets, alcoves or service stations. Check balance by * 123#.
still, your balance will be lost and the SIM remains open only incoming, If you have not outgunned up for 6 months. After another 54 days without a recharge, the whole number will be discontinued.
Data feature packs
dereliction rate without a plan or on Basico is their high diurnal rate at€ 4 for 400 MB. These four yearly repaid plans are offered for 28 days
| Plan | Data | Promo | Voice | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habla 6 | 6 ct/min | free | ||
| Prepago Plus | 10 GB | + 20 GB | unlimited | €10 |
| Prepago Premium | 20 GB | + 30 GB | unlimited | €15 |
| Prepago Total | 35 GB | + 60 GB | unlimited | €20 |
To match Vodafone and Orange Movistar introduced a new creation with a lot of redundant data.
For further data on all plans you can add online or by calling 1200 for free
200 MB for one week € 2
1 GB for 30 days€ 5
EU roving
All your allowances can be used at domestic Spanish rates in the EU/ EEA UK without surcharges, while Switzerland is barred.
Further information
APNmovistar.es
Tethering workshop and seems allowed as permovistar.es tether faq
Website in Spanish https//www.movistar.es/
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 coverage on their own, but even more with their free roaming partner. 5G NR has started but is not available for prepaid so far.
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:
- 10 GB: €10
- 20 GB: €15
- 35 GB: €20
- 150 GB: €35 (without 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
- APN: internet
- Website in Spanish: http://www.yoigo.com/
Tuenti (discontinued)
Tuenti is a subsidiary of Telefónica using the Movistar network in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. It has good coverage in Spain and was marketed to young people. Telefónica announced its discontinuation of its Tuenti brand and that prepaid customers will be sent new Movistar SIM cards. Tuenti customers will be required to move their number to Movistar by 18 June 2022. The process will cause credit balances and reportedly existing bundles’ allowances to be transferred to Movistar’s Habla 6 tariff (see above). Although Movistar advertises a price of €0.75 per 28 days for Habla 6, the PDF price file sent to existing Tuenti customers shows a price of €0 per 28 days.
Availability
Tuenti’s SIM card is free, but you have to choose one of their packages right away. Special rules apply to foreigners with regard to registration in shops; see below.
Buy a SIM card from their website, in most Movistar stores, Telecor, FNAC and lots of other places: Tuenti points of sale. The SIM card is a trio-SIM comprising mini, micro and nano sizes. Recharges can be made using the Tuenti app or online using an international credit card. Top-ups can be bought at Movistar stores too. You cannot order a SIM card online to be sent to parts of Spain outside the EU VAT area, namely the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla, but since 2014 Tuenti SIM cards are sold in 140 Movistar stores in the Canary Islands for a slightly lower price because of the reduced tax rates there (see Basics above). The Movistar shop in Ceuta does not sell Tuenti SIM cards
If you are introduced by an existing Tuenti customer, you receive free credit of either €5 or €10, which varies from time to time. Click here to be introduced and order a SIM card with free additional credit.
Validity and recharges
The remaining balance is valid for use within 6 months. In practice, any increase of balance of any kind and for any amount will keep your account active and running. After this time the account will fall into suspension. Officially, after that, outgoing activity (calls, SMS and data) are theoretically blocked, but not always in practice. If you top-up by at least €5 , your account 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 deactivated without the ability to reactivate. The full expiry policy is explained here (in Spanish).
Data feature pack
They now offer only one monthly pack for prepaid:
- 5 GB and unlimited calls: €5.95
When the bundle runs out, the speed is throttled to 64 kbps. For more data you can buy Bonoplus add-ons with 1 GB for €6 or 250 MB for €1.50.
Packages and add-ons can be activated online using the Tuenti app, over the phone or website. Package will automatically renew, if there is enough credit. This can be disabled online. The default rate outside bundles is €0.04 per MB.
EU roaming
You can roam at domestic prices with Tuenti in the EU, EEA, Gibraltar and the UK.
More Information
- call 2201 to receive a SMS with balance and expiration date.
- APN: tuenti.com
- user: tuenti
- password: tuenti
- Website in Spanish: http://www.tuenti.com/
Simyo
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 | withoutvoice | +20 mins | +50 mins | +100 mins | +200 mins | unlimitedvoice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 + UK 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
- Tethering and VoIP calls are allowed
- APN: orangeworld
- Website in Spanish: http://www.simyo.es/
MásMóvil
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.
More information
- APN: internetmas
- Tethering and VoIP are allowed
- Website in Spanish: http://masmovil.es/es/tarifas-prepago/
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 + internatl. voice: | |||
| 6 GB | 4 GB | 100 mins | €5 |
| 20 GB | 7 GB | 400 mins | €10 |
| 50 GB | 10 GB | 800 mins | €15 |
| 100 GB | 15 GB | 2000 mins | €20 |
| DIGI Ilimitado with data and domestic voice: | |||
| 3 GB | 2 GB | 100 mins | €3 |
| 10 GB | 5 GB | unlimited | €7 |
| 20 GB | 7 GB | unlimited | €10 |
| 50 GB | 10 GB | unlimited | €15 |
| 100 GB | 15 GB | unlimited | €20 |
| unlimited | 20 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. Keep in mind that in 2022 you still have no access to 4G/LTE on roaming, 3G is the max you can get, which may be changed soon as this practice is banned under the new roaming regulation.
More information
- be sure to use the Spanish number (+34… ) in Spain and enable (domestic) roaming
- APN: internet.digimobil.es
- Username and Password: digi
- Website in English: http://www.digimobil.es/index.php?idLang=2
hits mobile
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.
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
- APN for smartphones: tel.hitsmobile.es
- APN for routers and modems: pc.hitsmobile.es
- Website available in English: http://www.hitsmobile.es/en/home
Lebara
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.
- Website in English: https://mobile.lebara.com/es/en/
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 | dailyData | dailyEU cap | dailyVoice | 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
- Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.es/en
Llamaya móvil
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
- Website in Spanish: https://www.llamaya.com/
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 packages
They offer three monthly plans with auto-renew for 28 days:
- 12 GB, unlimited calls and texts: €12
- 28 GB, unlimited calls and texts: €18
- 55 GB. unlimited calls and texts: €24
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/