Get a Spain eSIM before you fly to Madrid. Compare options and benefit from instant activation, no SIM swap, and no unexpected roaming fees.
Local operators
Movistar (Telefónica), Orange, and Vodafone Spain are the main operators. All have strong 4G/5G coverage in Madrid.
Coverage
5G is widely available across central Madrid and the metro system. The Barajas airport terminals have reliable 4G signal throughout.
How much data?
5 GB is comfortably enough for a week in Madrid. The city's walkable centre means less navigation data, but streaming and social media add up during siesta hours.
For a short city break, buying a physical Spanish SIM is rarely worth the hassle. An eSIM on Movistar or Orange's infrastructure connects you instantly — useful for metro navigation, last-minute restaurant bookings, and timed entry slots at the Prado and Reina Sofía.
Buy online
Choose your plan and purchase. No physical SIM is shipped.
Scan QR code
Open your phone settings and scan the QR code from your email.
Arrive and connect
Your eSIM activates automatically when you land and detects the local network.
Use your data
Your home SIM stays active for calls. Use eSIM data without roaming charges.
Both work in Spain. Here's how they compare for your Madrid trip.
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Best for
Multi-country European itineraries or travellers who want one plan across borders
Most phones released after 2019 support eSIM — including iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3a and later. To check: on iPhone, go to Settings → General → About → Available SIM. On Android, Settings → Network → SIM card → Add eSIM.
Carrier-locked phones (bought on a contract) may not support eSIM until the lock is removed. Contact your carrier if you're unsure.
You can get an eSIM for Spain online before you fly, sorting out the process before you've even gone to the airport. Pick a Spain or Europe plan, pay, and receive a QR code in your email. Install it and activate it when you land - get online the moment you've collected your luggage.
You are free to choose between the available plans for data streaming in Spain. The higher the usage the higher the cost, worth it if you'll be streaming, tethering a laptop or sharing the connection; for maps, messaging and browsing, a 3-5GB plan tends to be cheaper and more than enough. Check the fair-use terms - some unlimited plans slow the speed after a daily threshold.
Depending on what you need, most European eSIM providers connect to Spain's major networks, so real-world performance is similar regardless of who you choose in Barcelona or Madrid. Differences in eSIMs depend on what you're trying to get, and how you plan to travel. It comes down to your trip: Are you staying in Spain or traveling through Europe?
Get your Spain eSIM now — takes 5 minutes, works the moment you land.