Portugal SIM Card Buyers Guide: The best eSIM for Portugal Travel
Planning your Portuguese adventure and worried about staying connected?
I get lots of questions about Portuguese SIM cards and which one is the best deal. Not having internet can sometimes feel like a blessing, but it definitely makes your life more complicated while travelling.
On top of that, it feels like our service providers from home always charge through the nose for roaming, so what are the options and what services will I get? Read on for a detailed comparison of the different options, how and when to buy and how much you should be paying.
My Top 3 Picks: Best Portugal SIM Card
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ One of the cheapest easiest and most reliable options
✅ Free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed
✅ starter pack allows you to test the service for 1 US$
✅ unlimited data ideal for heavy users
✅ Easy setup through QR code
✅ Both European and Portuguese plans for the same price
✅ Both data and phone service
✅ Receive the chip at home before leaving on your trip
✅ 30 minutes international calls from Portugal
Why do I need a SIM card for my trip to Portugal?
You’ll need the internet for google maps, booking an Uber on the go, and booking restaurants or hotels on the go.
Besides charging you a fortune, your home provider could cap your internet use, and might not have great coverage in Portugal. It also saves you the hassle of finding a cafe or coworking with decent wifi just so you can check your email or make a call.
So what are my options?
Check out the different options you can choose from below.
1. SIM Card:
• This is a physical card that slots into your phone.
• Gives you access to a Portuguese mobile network, providing a Portuguese phone number for calls and internet access.
• You’ll have to physically insert the SIM, which might mean removing other cards if your phone has limited slots.
This option means that while you are using the Portuguese SIM card, your number from back home won’t work.
A SIM card can be bought online before departure, on arrival in the airport or in a shop.
2. eSIM:
• A newer digital or electronic SIM card built into the device.
• Allows switching between carriers and plans directly through software.
• Requires installation by software, available on newer phones with eSIM capabilities.
This type of internet service can be bought online before departure and activated on landing in Portugal.
Be careful! Not all phones have this technology so check before you buy!
This options means that you can easily switch between using your Portuguese SIM card and your card from home.
3. Mobile Portable Hotspot:
• A small battery powered device that creates a Wi-Fi network from its cellular data connection.
• Shares its cellular data connection, creating a local Wi-Fi network.
• Perfect for groups since many people can connect to the network, but users need to stay close to the hotspot for a connection.
This can be ordered and payed for online, and then picked up on arrival in Portugal at the airport.
What should I consider when choosing a SIM card provider?
Price
If you’re just interested in having internet, then an eSIM is the cheapest option for you since they go for as little as 10$ US for up to 10 GB. If you would like to have a Portuguese number to make phone calls as well as internet access, then purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is the best and cheapest option.
In Portugal, several 30-day prepaid SIM card plans are available for around €20, providing more than enough data for travel needs.
Data
Companies are always keen on selling you more than you need, so make sure to check how much data you normally use on a daily basis and figure out how much you’ll need for the duration of your trip.
Also check if you can buy a data top-up, or a new, smallish package just in case you run out and how much it will cost you. Some providers charge you more for the top-up than the original package! Some don’t allow top-ups, so check it out before you buy.
Coverage
There are three major networks in Portugal (Vodafone, MEO, and NOS)and all are very reliable. They have extensive coverage throughout the country, with very few areas lacking reception.
If you’re planning on going camping, or to a remote part of Portugal, check out this link to see what coverage is like in this region and which provider would be your best bet. All SIMs and eSIMs go through these 3 providers.
Duration
Check how long the contract is for. You can buy for 7 days, a month or even up to 3 months in some cases, and make sure you have enough data to last the chosen period of time.
It’s good to know that some packages will actually allow European wide use for a little more. This is great if Portugal is only part of your trip and you’ll also be using your data in other parts of Europe. Make sure you ask and find out if this is what you want.
Where should I buy my SIM card for Portugal? Should I buy online before I travel or wait until I arrive in Portugal?
Online
If you have the opportunity, it’s generally recommended to purchase a SIM card before your trip. This way, you’ll be able to connect to the internet immediately upon arrival.
Be careful to check whether your phone can use an eSIM though. If it doesn’t have this technology, you’ll need to order a physical SIM chip for your phone.
Amazon offers a variety of European SIM card options. While they may not be the cheapest, they provide the convenience of having a SIM card ready to use without the hassle of dealing with technology and lines after landing.
At the Airport or in the Store
If you need to have both a Portuguese number and the internet, then a physical chip is best for you. You can also get one at Lisbon airport on arrival, but airport SIM card vendors often have longer lines and generally charge higher prices. You can get a chip at an official Vodafone, MEO, and NOS store at a Shopping mall or a street shop near your hotel or Airbnb.
For a hotspot, Portugal Internet allows you to book it online and pick it up in the airport. I’ve had friends use it when they came to Portugal, and they were very pleased with the price, coverage, ease of pick up and drop off, and just generally how quick and easy the experience was.
Comparison of the Best eSIM for Portugal
Saily
This is the American company that started Nord Security. Their products are easy to use and quite good value, which makes them the most popular option on the market at the moment.
This is an eSIM which is easy to install and is automatically activated when you arrive in Portugal.
The great thing about Saily is the possibility of buying less GB, so you can choose to buy a package of only 1 GB for as little as 3.79$ US. They also have a live chat feature which connects you to a live person quite quickly.
With Saily you’ll pay: 16.14$ – 10 GB for 30 days.
Get an extra 5% discount with the Saily promo code Special5 !
✅ Check out packages with Saily
Jetpac
Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM company who offer packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer cool perks like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed. Jetpac also has a global plan which means you can travel between continents and still have great coverage.
Jetpac has this very cool starter pack for 1 US$ which allows you to use 4 GB in up to 4 days. Very simple to install and use. This is one of the cheapest options. Uses Vodaphone, but only data. Allows for data tethering too. Here there are no top-ups, just new packages once the one you have runs out.
With Jetpac you’ll pay: 10$US – 10 GB for 30 days
✅ Check out packages with Jetpac
Orange
This is one of Europe’s most renowned companies and has excellent network throughout Portugal. They will send you a physical chip in the mail before you start your trip.
This SIM gives you an actual Portuguese number, which can be useful for calling hotels and restaurants, as well as having a phone number for parking aps.
With Orange you get 30 minutes of international calls and 200 texts from Europe to the rest of the world. It also supports data tethering, WiFi hotspots and top-ups are allowed
With Orange you’ll pay: 22.50$ US – 12GB for 14 days
✅ Check out packages with Orange
Airalo
Lots of options up to 20 GB for 30 days. This is one of the cheapest options. They also allow you to buy less data if you know you won’t be using that much. Airalo works with Nos, which has great coverage in Portugal. It also has excellent customer support. Only allows for data, but top-ups are allowed.
With Airalo you’ll pay: 18$ US 10 GB for 30 days
✅ Check out packages with Airalo
HolaFly eSim
This eSIM is great because the plan provides unlimited internet access. It’s more expensive than others, but you know you won’t run out and won’t need to top up your package. If you’re planning on working from your phone, or streaming, then this is the plan for you.
HolaFly uses the Vodafone Portugal network so you know you are getting good coverage. The plan which covers all of Europe is the same price as the plan which only covers Portugal, so this is something to consider.
Set up the eSIM in minutes through a QR code. Also only allows for data. Up to 1GB can be shared per day on your eSIM data sharing.
With HolaFly you’ll pay: 51$ US – unlimited data for 15 days
✅ Check out packages with HolaFly
Buying a SIM Card for Portugal FAQ
• If I switch SIM cards, will I keep my original phone number?
No, switching out SIM cards means your original phone number won’t work on that device anymore because each SIM has its own unique number. But if your phone supports dual-SIM or you can slot an eSIM alongside your main one, you’re in luck!
You can keep your home number active—just don’t remove the SIM card it’s tied to. Keep in mind though, sticking with your home number while jaunting across Portugal might rack up insane international roaming charges, depending on what plan you’ve got with your provider.
• How can I be sure that I won’t get billed extra?
It can be tricky, but a good rule of thumb is to flip your phone to Airplane Mode as soon as you board your flight. This simple move cuts you off from the cellphone network, shutting down any SIM card activity—yep, that includes both your dual SIM and eSIM.
To keep things smooth, head over to your phone’s SIM management settings and turn off your original SIM card. This clever trick lets you keep using your secondary option without any hitches.
• I may need my original phone number for confirmation texts or important calls.
Definitely give your phone provider a shout to see if they have any plans that only charge you for the days you use international roaming. This can be a real wallet-saver if you only need to connect your phone number with the world back home for a short while.
It’s a smart way to make sure you’re still in the loop for crucial calls and texts without spending a fortune.
• I need full access to my phone number while abroad.
Make sure to touch base with your phone provider well before your trip kicks off to chat about your options for keeping your phone number fully functional while you’re abroad.
The costs for international roaming can really vary depending on your carrier, so planning this part early helps dodge those unwanted surprises in charges or restrictions. Definitely plan ahead!
• I don’t need to make calls and don’t want to install anything on my phone.
Renting a mobile hotspot can be a super handy option for staying connected abroad without fussing with installations on your phone. Turn on airplane mode and just connect to the wifi from the hotspot you rented in Portugal.
Just make sure the hotspot comes with enough battery life or that you’ve got an easy way to charge it up, because these little devices can really guzzle battery power fast.
• I’ve heard about WhatsApp. Can I keep my number with a different SIM?
Absolutely, you can keep using WhatsApp with your original phone number, even after you pop in a new SIM card. Just be sure WhatsApp is all set up and active on your phone before you make the switch. When you slot in that new SIM, WhatsApp will check in to see if you want to keep your current number linked to the app.
Remember, your phone number is just used as an identifier in WhatsApp, so only folks who reach out through WhatsApp can get in touch. To keep the chats flowing smoothly with friends and family, make sure they know your WhatsApp number and have the app downloaded if they don’t already.
• Where can I rent a hotspot in Portugal?
I have personally used a hotspot rental service for camping. It worked exceptionally well and was easy to set up and use. Check out Portugal Internet. You’ll need to book and pay online, and then pick up the device at the specified shop. Pick up can also be arranged at the airport, so this is a great option.
Portugal SIM Card Buyers Guide: The Wrap-Up
And there you have it! Armed with the right SIM card or mobile hotspot, staying connected in Portugal can be a breeze. Just remember to double-check your device compatibility, explore your options early, and communicate your plans with your provider to sidestep any roaming blues.
With all this info, you’re all set to have a seamless and connected Portuguese getaway. Enjoy every moment—and every upload!
