eSIM or EU Roaming: What to Choose for Spain?
When EU roaming is enough
Free European roaming (since 2017) covers Spain. For a 1-week trip with moderate usage, your home plan is probably enough. Check your quota in your carrier's app.
When an eSIM is recommended
- 2+ week stays: risk of exhausting roaming quota
- Heavy usage: streaming, video calls, hotspot
- Budget plan: plans with little roaming included
- Regular stays: fair use clause after 4 months
Network Coverage in Spain
Spain has excellent 4G/5G coverage (99%) thanks to three major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Movistar |
99% |
Yes |
GoMoWorld, Airalo |
| Orange Spain |
98% |
Yes |
LinkeSIM |
| Vodafone |
97% |
Yes |
Saily |
Coverage by destination
- Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia: perfect 4G/5G
- Costa Brava, Costa del Sol: excellent, even on isolated beaches
- Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza): same coverage as mainland
- Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria): excellent in tourist areas
- Rural Andalusia: variable in remote villages
How to Install Your Spain eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in Spain (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best Spain eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 Spain eSIM 2026"
countryCode="ES"
countrySlug="spain"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.80",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$4.50",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "Global leader + 5G",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "5 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6.20",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Movistar network (99%), code ESIMP (-10%)
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN for public WiFi
Conclusion
For most travelers (1-2 weeks, moderate usage), check your roaming quota first.
If you choose an eSIM: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $6.80 with code ESIMP offers the best value.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress.
Spain eSIM FAQ