The full guide
Your first SIM
Spanish law requires every SIM card, prepaid or contract, to be registered to an identity document. Bring your passport to a shop, or use your passport to activate an eSIM online. You’ll be able to use WhatsApp, banking apps and two-factor codes on a Spanish number straight away.
| Digi mobile (October 2026) | Data | Price a month |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 5 GB + 100 minutes | €3 |
| Unlimited calls | 50 GB | €7 |
| Unlimited calls | 100 GB | €10 |
| Unlimited calls | Unlimited data (contract only) | €12 |
Other low-cost brands include Simyo, Lowi, O2 and Pepephone. The big networks are Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. Prices change often, so check before you buy.
Home fibre
Most Spanish cities have excellent fibre. Prices depend more on the network in your building than on speed.
| Digi fibre (October 2026) | Speed | Price a month |
|---|---|---|
| In Digi’s own network | 500 Mb | €10 |
| In Digi’s own network | 2 Gb | €20 |
| Elsewhere | 300 Mb | €25 |
| Elsewhere | 1 Gb | €30 |
Digi charges no installation fee if you stay more than three months. Other operators set their own terms. Always ask about the permanencia, the minimum term, and the early cancellation fee.
What you’ll need
For a contract: your passport or TIE, your NIE, a Spanish or SEPA bank account for direct debit, and the full address including floor and door. If the flat already has fibre, note the operator’s name on the box on the wall; reusing it can mean a faster installation.
Switching and keeping your number
To keep your number, ask your new provider for portability. They handle the request, and the switch normally takes a day or two. Your old contract ends automatically for the ported line. Return any router you’ve been lent, or you may be charged for it.
Common mistakes
Signing without checking coverage. Advertised prices only apply where the operator’s network reaches.
Forgetting the minimum term. Free installation often comes with a 12-month commitment elsewhere.
Not returning the router. Operators charge for unreturned equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my home country’s SIM?
EU SIMs roam at home prices, but only for periodic travel. Long-term use can trigger extra charges. UK and US SIMs may charge for roaming.
Is mobile internet enough instead of fibre?
For light use, yes: unlimited data plans are cheap. For video calls and remote work, fibre is far more reliable.
