How do I activate an eSIM on iOS?

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or paste the activation code. Once added, make sure to enable Data Roaming for the eSIM only. If no service appears, toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and try again.

How do I activate an eSIM on Android?

On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Choose to scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually. Once added, set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable Mobile Data. Some devices may require a restart for the eSIM to be fully activated.

Can I keep my physical SIM active while using an eSIM?

Yes, you can keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for mobile data. Most devices allow you to select which SIM handles data, calls, or texts separately.

What should I do if my eSIM does not activate?

If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation code. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi during activation. Restart your device, and if it still doesn’t work, contact your eSIM provider for troubleshooting or request a replacement QR code.

Best eSIM for Spain (2025) | Madrid, Barcelona & Beyond

Quick Answer: Heading to Spain in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Madrid’s museums, Seville’s flamenco, or Ibiza’s beaches, staying connected is easy with an eSIM. Forget about physical SIM cards — buy online, scan a QR code, and enjoy instant data. This guide compares the best eSIMs for Spain, prices, coverage, and setup tips.

Why use an eSIM in Spain?

Spain has excellent 4G and fast 5G in most cities and tourist hotspots. With an eSIM you can:

Activate your plan before you land at Madrid Barajas or Barcelona El Prat.
Keep your WhatsApp number while adding a Spanish data line.
Avoid language barriers at SIM shops.
Choose between Spain-only or multi-country European eSIMs.

Quick Picks (2025)

Budget traveler: Airalo — flexible small and medium data packs.
Unlimited-style user: Holafly — unlimited-style plans for heavy usage.
Europe-hopping: Nomad — regional EU bundles covering Spain + neighbors.

Spain eSIM Price Comparison (2025)

Provider	Plan	Price (EUR/USD)	Validity	Best for
Airalo	1–3 GB	€4–€9 (~$5–$10)	7–15 days	Weekend trips
Airalo	5–10 GB	€12–€22 (~$13–$24)	30 days	1–2 week holidays
Holafly	Unlimited-style	€19–€69 (~$20–$74)	5–30 days	Heavy streaming/social use
Nomad	EU bundle (3–10 GB)	€10–€25 (~$11–$27)	7–30 days	Multi-country trips

Coverage in Spain

Spain’s main mobile networks include:

Movistar (Telefónica) — widest coverage, great in rural and coastal areas.
Orange Spain — strong in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia.
Vodafone Spain — reliable 4G/5G, good balance of price & speed.
Yoigo — expanding, but weaker in rural zones.

Travel eSIMs usually roam on Movistar and Orange, meaning you’ll have great connectivity across Spain — from Madrid to the Canary Islands.

Setup Checklist (2 minutes)

Purchase an eSIM online (Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad).
Receive QR code by email instantly.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Add eSIM.
Scan QR → assign as data line.
Enable data roaming → confirm with a quick Google Maps search.

Which plan should you choose?

3–5 days in Barcelona: Airalo 1–3 GB.
10–14 days road trip across Spain: Airalo 5–10 GB or Nomad EU plan.
1 month stay / digital nomad: Holafly unlimited-style plan.

Tips to Save Data in Spain

Download Google Maps for Barcelona, Madrid, Seville offline.
Use Wi-Fi at hotels and cafés for large downloads.
Turn off background app refresh while roaming.

FAQs

Is 5G included in Spain eSIM? Yes, major providers like Movistar and Orange provide 5G in big cities.

Can I hotspot? Airalo & Nomad allow tethering, Holafly may limit heavy usage.

Do I get a Spanish number? Most tourist eSIMs are data-only, but WhatsApp works fine with your home number.

Internal Links

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate. We keep this content updated regularly.