Best eSIM for Spain (2026) – From £2.99 | UK Traveller Guide

Quick Verdict: Best eSIM for Spain from the UK

If you're travelling to Spain from the UK in 2026, a prepaid Spain eSIM plan offers a practical alternative to post-Brexit roaming uncertainty and traditional Spain data roaming charges. easySim provides data-only plans from £2.99 for 1GB over 7 days, connecting automatically to Movistar and Vodafone Spain networks.

All pricing is in GBP with UK VAT included. No hidden charges. No bill shock.

Recommended Spain eSIM by trip type:

Looking for the cheapest eSIM for Spain? The 1GB plan (£2.99) is ideal for short trips with light usage. Install the eSIM before departure. Activate on arrival. Keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts - but roaming charges may apply if you make or receive calls using your UK SIM.

GBP pricing with VAT included – All prices are in British pounds with UK VAT already applied. No currency conversion. No surprise charges.

Multi-network access – Connect to both Movistar (including 5G where available) and Vodafone Spain (4G) for reliable coverage across the country with automatic network switching.

6-month money-back guarantee – Full refund available if you're unable to install or activate the eSIM within 6 months of purchase.

No ID required to buy – Purchase and install without passport details or a Spanish address.

Post-Brexit, UK operators are no longer obligated to provide EU roaming. Many now impose daily fees, data caps, or fair-use limits for Spain travel.

A Spain travel eSIM eliminates these concerns:

• Fixed upfront cost – Pay once in GBP. No surprise charges on your UK mobile bill.

• Direct network connection – Connect to Spanish mobile operators without routing through UK networks.

• No SIM swapping – Install digitally before you travel. No physical cards to manage.

• Instant activation – Turn on the eSIM when you land. Connection typically establishes within 30–60 seconds.

• Dual SIM support – Keep your UK number active. Use it for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.

• The eSIM profile installs on your device in the UK. It remains dormant until you enable it in Spain. Your UK SIM continues operating normally for voice and SMS.

Many UK mobile networks charge between £2–£5 per day for EU roaming. 

On a 7-day trip, that can total £14–£35 before considering data limits or fair-use restrictions.

By comparison:

• 5GB Spain eSIM = £7.99 total

• 10GB Spain eSIM = £12.99 total

For most UK travellers, a prepaid Spain eSIM costs less than daily roaming fees alone. More tips: avoid roaming charges abroad.

easySim is a UK-registered company (England & Wales). All transactions process in GBP with UK VAT already included. The price you see is the price you pay.

Important conditions:
The validity period starts when you first connect to a Spanish network, not at purchase. This allows you to purchase and install your eSIM in advance without triggering activation before you travel. If you need more data, simply purchase another data bundle for Spain and the data and duration gets added to the same eSIM and will kick in automatically when the previous data bundle runs out completely - no need to install again. Unused data does not roll over. The eSIM remains valid for installation up to 6 months after purchase.

Unlimited data plans are not available. The maximum allowance is 50GB over 30 days.

Your Spain eSIM connects to two mobile networks:

Movistar – Spain's largest operator. Provides 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage nationwide. 5G is active in major cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville.

Vodafone Spain – Offers 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage. 5G is not available on Vodafone Spain via this eSIM.

Network selection operates automatically. Your device chooses the network with the strongest signal at your location. Keep automatic network selection enabled unless easySim support advises otherwise.

Both operators deliver reliable 4G coverage across Spanish cities, coastal regions, and main transport corridors. In remote mountain areas or rural inland zones, coverage may revert to 3G or 2G. During peak summer season, high-tourism destinations such as Ibiza and Mallorca may experience network congestion.

5G Availability in Major Spanish Cities

5G connectivity is accessible via Movistar in:

• Barcelona – City centre, El Prat Airport, Eixample, Gothic Quarter, major tourist zones

• Madrid – Central districts, Barajas Airport, business areas, Atocha and Chamartín stations

• Valencia – City centre, port area, main avenues

• Seville – Historic centre, Santa Justa station, Plaza de España

5G rollout continues but remains concentrated in urban centres. 5G access on this eSIM is available via Movistar where coverage exists. Outside these locations, 4G provides sufficient speed for navigation, messaging, video calls, and standard-definition streaming.

Multi-Network Switching Explained

Your eSIM profile supports both Movistar and Vodafone Spain. The device automatically selects the network based on signal strength and availability.

If one network shows weak coverage, the device switches to the alternative without user input. This process is seamless. Manual network selection is not recommended as it can disrupt the automatic switching function.

Spain’s major mobile operators include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. 

While Orange and Yoigo offer strong domestic plans for Spanish residents, their eSIM options are primarily designed for long-term customers rather than short-term visitors.

Local operator eSIMs may require:

• Spanish ID verification

• EU payment methods

• EUR pricing

• In-store activation in some cases

Travel eSIMs are designed specifically for short-term UK travellers, offering:

• GBP pricing with VAT included

• No ID requirement at purchase

• Digital installation before departure

• Automatic multi-network switching

easySim offers Spain-specific plans and multi-country Europe plans covering 36 countries.

Choose a Spain eSIM if:

• Your entire trip takes place within Spain

• You want the most cost-effective data rates

• You're staying several days or longer

Choose a Europe eSIM if:

• You're visiting multiple European countries

• Your itinerary includes France, Italy, Portugal, or other EU nations

• You prefer one plan across all destinations

The Spain-only plan delivers better value per GB for travellers remaining within Spanish borders. The Europe plan suits multi-country itineraries without requiring separate eSIM purchases at each destination.  If you wish to test connectivity before travelling, the Europe plan allows activation within the UK. Spain-only plans activate when you first connect within Spain.

Estimating data requirements depends on your usage patterns:

Usage recommendations:

• Light travellers (maps, messaging, occasional browsing) → 1-3GB covers a week

• Moderate users (social media, email, daily navigation) → 5-10GB for two weeks

• Heavy users (video calls, streaming, photo uploads) → 20GB+ for extended trips

• Remote workers and regular video streamers should select larger allowances. WiFi is widely available in Spanish hotels, cafes, and restaurants, reducing mobile data consumption.

Included:

• Mobile data for internet access>

• Automatic network connection

• Personal hotspot capability

• Dual SIM support (use alongside your UK SIM)

• Usage alerts at 50%,  80% and 100% of allowance (best-effort basis)

• Voice calls over apps such as WhatsApp and Facetime

Not Included:

• Spanish phone number

• SMS text messaging

• Traditional voice calls over mobile network

• Emergency calling via eSIM

This is a data-only service. For standard phone calls, keep your UK SIM active and use it when required. Keeping your UK SIM active also allows you to receive banking alerts and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes while in Spain. Alternatively, use internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime over the eSIM data connection.

Emergency calls: The eSIM does not support emergency calling. For 112 emergency services in Spain, use your primary SIM.

Hotspot: Personal hotspot is supported. Share your eSIM data connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices. Tethering consumes data rapidly, particularly with multiple connected devices or video streaming.

Install the eSIM before travelling. Activation occurs automatically when you arrive in Spain.

Before Departure (In the UK):

1. Purchase your Spain eSIM plan from easySim

2.  Install your eSIM from your easySim account (iPhone/iPad guide)

3. Label the eSIM (“Spain” or “Travel”)

4. Turn ON Data roaming for the eSIM

5. Turn OFF Data roaming for your UK SIM

6. Leave the eSIM turned off until you arrive

On Arrival in Spain:

1. Power on your phone

2. Navigate to Mobile/Cellular settings

3. Turn on the Spain eSIM line

4. Wait for network connection (typically 30–60 seconds)

5. Configure your UK SIM as the default for voice and SMS. Set the eSIM as the default for mobile data.

If the eSIM does not connect within 2-3 minutes, restart your device and wait again. Network registration can take longer in airports or high-traffic areas.

easySim provides a refund if you cannot install or activate the eSIM for any reason, within 6 months of purchase.

Refund applies when:

• The eSIM profile fails to install on your device

• Your plans change

• Activation fails after following instructions

Refunds process to the original payment method. Refund requests can be submitted via the Help Centre using the "Start a chat" option. Once the eSIM installs and activates successfully, refunds are not available for unused data.

Partial refunds are not offered. If you purchase a 10GB plan and use 2GB, the remaining 8GB expires at the end of the validity period. Data allowances do not roll over between validity periods.

For UK travellers, paying in pounds provides budgeting certainty and avoids hidden currency conversion fees.

Benefits include:

• Transparent GBP pricing

• UK VAT included in all prices

• No foreign transaction charges

• Familiar UK checkout process

• UK-based customer support

Since Brexit, EU roaming policies have changed across many UK networks. A prepaid Spain eSIM removes uncertainty and provides predictable travel data costs.

easySim is registered in England & Wales. All transactions process in British pounds with UK VAT already included. Prices displayed are final. No hidden charges. No foreign transaction fees.

Customer support operates via live chat. Contact support before your trip or immediately upon arrival if you encounter installation or activation issues - or if you just want to check you have set everything up correctly

The eSIM works with dual-SIM phones. Keep your UK mobile number active while using the Spanish eSIM for data. This allows you to receive calls and texts on your UK number without incurring roaming charges for data usage - but, please bear in mind your UK operator may charge you for calls and SMS while travelling. If you do not need to receive traditional calls or SMS, it is a good idea to turn your UK SIM off.

For calls to UK numbers while in Spain, consider internet-based calling over the eSIM data connection rather than dialling directly from your UK SIM, which may trigger international call charges from your UK provider.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most iPhones from iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. Recent Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other flagship Android devices include eSIM capability.

Check compatibility: Open phone settings and look for 'Add eSIM' or 'Add Cellular Plan'. If this option exists, your device supports eSIM.

Quick check: Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your device supports eSIM. Ensure your device is carrier-unlocked.

Can I use this eSIM across multiple European countries?

No. The Spain eSIM operates within Spain only. For multi-country European travel, purchase a Europe eSIM plan covering 36 countries.

What happens when I run out of data?

Service stops when your data allowance is exhausted. You can purchase an additional eSIM bundle if you need more data. The data gets added to the same eSIM so you do not need to install again. Usage alerts notify you at 50%,  80% and 100% of your allowance, though delivery is not guaranteed in all circumstances.  You can check usage at any time on the homepage.

Can I make phone calls with this eSIM?

No. This is a data-only service. No Spanish phone number is provided. Traditional voice calling is not available.

Make internet-based calls using WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime over the data connection. Keep your UK SIM active for standard phone calls.

Does the eSIM work in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands?

Yes. The eSIM operates throughout Spanish territory, including:

• Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura)

• Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera)

Network coverage may be limited on smaller islands or in remote areas.

Can I share my eSIM data via hotspot?

Yes. Personal hotspot functionality is fully supported. Share your connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices.

Be aware that hotspot use consumes data quickly, especially with multiple devices or video streaming.

How do I check my remaining data balance?

You can check usage at any time when signed in to your account at www.easysim.global.

Usage alerts arrive at 50%,80% and 100% of your allowance via system notification. These alerts operate on a best-effort basis and may not always deliver.

Check manually: Monitor data usage in your phone's settings under Mobile/Cellular Data.

What if the eSIM doesn't connect when I arrive?

First, confirm data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line and the eSIM is set as your default data line. Restart your phone and wait 2-3 minutes.

If connection fails, toggle airplane mode on and off. If problems continue, tap ‘Start a chat’ in the easySim Help centre.

For UK travellers heading to Spain in 2026, a prepaid eSIM delivers fixed-cost mobile data without post-Brexit roaming uncertainty. easySim's Spain plans connect to Movistar and Vodafone Spain networks, providing 4G coverage nationwide and 5G in major cities via Movistar.

Plans start at £2.99 for short trips and scale to 50GB for extended stays or heavy data users. Installation completes in the UK before departure. Activation occurs automatically upon arrival in Spain.

This data-only service operates alongside your UK SIM. Maintain your UK phone number for calls and texts. Use the eSIM for internet access.

All prices include UK VAT. No hidden fees. No bill surprises. Refund available if installation or activation fails for any reason, within 6 months of purchase.

For multi-country European trips, consider a Europe eSIM plan instead of the Spain-specific option.