Getting a Spanish phone number is one of the first things you should do after arriving in Spain. You will need it for two-factor authentication with Spanish banks, government services, and everyday life. Many expats also want to keep their home country number active.
eSIM for Arrival
The easiest option for your first days in Spain is an eSIM — a digital SIM card you can activate before you even land. This gives you data and a local number immediately without visiting a phone shop. Holafly offers eSIMs specifically designed for travelers and new arrivals to Spain.
Spanish SIM Cards and Phone Plans
Once settled, most expats switch to a Spanish mobile plan. Popular options include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange (the big three), and budget MVNOs like Lobster Mobile (popular with English-speaking expats), Lycamobile, and Digi. Plans with 20GB+ data and unlimited calls typically cost 15-25 EUR per month.
Keeping Your Home Number
Many expats port their US or UK number to a VoIP service (like Google Voice for US numbers) before canceling their home country plan. This lets you receive calls and texts on your old number over WiFi at no monthly cost.
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Compare Spanish SIM and eSIM options →Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Immigration rules, consulate requirements, and financial thresholds can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with your specific Spanish consulate and consult a qualified immigration lawyer or tax advisor before making decisions based on this content. We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, but we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy at any given time.