Introduction
eSIMs are rapidly replacing traditional SIM cards in Spain, especially for travelers who want seamless connectivity. Unlike old plastic SIMs, an eSIM is embedded in your phone—no physical card required. Just scan a QR code and you’re online. It’s that simple.
Whether you’re hearing about eSIMs for the first time or have tried them before, you might still have a few questions. That’s why we created this guide.
In this blog, we answer the 30 most common questions travelers have about Spain eSIMs. From how to buy one and which phones support them, to whether they’re cheaper than roaming and how to activate them. Answers are concise, clear, and free of technical jargon.
So whether you’re planning a holiday across Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, switching phones, or just curious about eSIMs, this is your Spain traveler’s cheat sheet for eSIMs. With this guide, your next connection in Spain will be smoother, faster, and more convenient.
Table of Contents
- How to buy an eSIM for Spain?
- Which is the best eSIM for Spain?
- What should I look for when comparing different travel eSIMs for Spain?
- Do I need to provide any documents like a passport to buy a travel eSIM for Spain?
- Can I buy an eSIM for Spain in advance or should I wait until I arrive?
- How do I install and activate my international eSIM for Spain?
- Should I activate my travel eSIM before I leave or when I arrive in Spain?
- How do I activate my Spain eSIM using a QR code?
- What if I can’t scan the QR code for my Spain eSIM? Is there a manual installation method?
- How do I switch between my primary SIM and my travel eSIM on my phone in Spain?
- How do I make sure I am using the Spain eSIM for data and not my home plan to avoid roaming charges?
- What is a travel eSIM and how does it work for trips to Spain?
- Why should I use an eSIM for Spain travel instead of my home carrier’s roaming plan?
- Is an eSIM cheaper than international roaming when visiting Spain?
- What’s the difference between a Spain travel eSIM and a local physical SIM card?
- Can I use a Spain eSIM and my regular SIM card at the same time?
- Will I get a new phone number with a Spain travel eSIM?
- Can I still receive calls and texts on my original number while using a Spain eSIM for data?
- Do Spain travel eSIMs include calls and SMS, or are they data-only?
- How much data will I need for my trip to Spain?
- Is my phone unlocked and compatible with Spain eSIMs?
- What is an eSIM card and how does it work in Spain?
- How to activate eSIM on an iPhone in Spain?
- How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another iPhone in Spain?
- Which phones support eSIM in Spain?
- How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android in Spain?
- How to delete eSIM from an iPhone used in Spain?
- How to set up eSIM on an iPhone while in Spain?
- How to add an eSIM to an iPhone while traveling to Spain?
- Is my phone eSIM compatible for use in Spain?
1. How to buy an eSIM for Spain?
To buy a Spain eSIM, visit Mobimatter’s website and choose a travel data plan for Spain. Pick the data amount and validity period, complete payment, and instantly receive a QR code with installation instructions via email and dashboard. Install it in your phone’s eSIM settings—no physical SIM, no airport queues, no ID verification. You’ll be connected from the moment you arrive in Spain. The process is quick, secure, and hassle-free, perfect for tourists and business travelers who want seamless connectivity.
2. Which is the best eSIM for Spain?
The best Spain eSIM depends on your usage. Light travelers can opt for 1–5 GB plans for maps and messaging, while streaming or remote work may require 10–30+ GB. Mobimatter lists top Spanish eSIM options from providers like Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. Plans include network details, speed, IP routing, and hotspot support. Choose a plan that fits your travel style for fast, reliable data across Spain without hidden costs or weak signals.
MobiMatter’s Pick - Spain 20 GB
3. What should I look for when comparing different travel eSIMs for Spain?
Compare: data volume (1–30+ GB), validity (3–30 days), network (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone), speed (4G/5G), hotspot support, and per-GB cost. Also check customer service and user reviews. Urban and rural coverage is important. Mobimatter provides all details clearly, helping you choose without stress. Frequent travelers should focus on value and connectivity, casual users on short-term savings. Pick based on your priorities: cost, coverage, speed, or convenience.
4. Do I need to provide any documents like a passport to buy a travel eSIM for Spain?
No. With Mobimatter, you don’t need a passport, ID, or any paperwork. Only your email is required to receive the QR code and installation instructions. Buying a physical SIM in Spain often requires documents and in-person verification, but eSIMs eliminate this hassle. The process is 100% digital, fast, and secure. Just purchase online, install, and you’re ready to go.
5. Can I buy an eSIM for Spain in advance or should I wait until I arrive?
Yes, you should buy your Spain eSIM before travel. Mobimatter lets you purchase and install it anywhere in the world. You’ll get a QR code and instructions immediately. Install over Wi-Fi, activate upon landing in Spain, and skip airport SIM queues. It’s ideal for travelers relying on navigation, rideshare, or instant connectivity. Pre-purchase saves time, avoids roaming, and ensures immediate online access on arrival.
6. How do I install and activate my international eSIM for Spain?
Connect to Wi-Fi first. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR. Mobimatter also offers manual installation using the SM-DP+ server and activation code. Label your plan "Spain eSIM” for easy management. Activate after arrival to preserve validity. Typically, activation takes under a minute and connects you instantly to Spanish networks with 4G/5G speed.
7. Should I activate my travel eSIM before I leave or when I arrive in Spain?
Install before leaving, activate upon arrival. Activation starts the plan’s validity, so early activation can waste days. Use hotel or airport Wi-Fi in Spain to activate. This maximizes your data period and avoids conflicts with other networks. Following this ensures full use of your plan. Mobimatter provides instructions to time activation smartly, making your Spanish travel experience seamless.
8. How do I activate my Spain eSIM using a QR code?
Connect to Wi-Fi. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR. Scan the QR code provided by Mobimatter, label your plan, and set it as the default data line. Activation takes less than a minute. This scan-and-go method eliminates physical SIM cards and store visits.
9. What if I can’t scan the QR code for my Spain eSIM? Is there a manual installation method?
Yes. Mobimatter provides manual setup details, including SM-DP+ server and activation code. In your phone’s eSIM settings, choose “Add eSIM manually” and enter the details. This works if your camera can’t scan QR codes or your device doesn’t support scanning. Manual setup takes minutes and connects you instantly to Spanish networks. Step-by-step instructions are available on your Mobimatter dashboard.
10. How do I switch between my primary SIM and my travel eSIM on my phone in Spain?
Go to SIM Manager or Cellular Settings. Both SIMs appear; set the Spain eSIM as the default data line. Keep your home SIM for calls/SMS if needed. Toggle settings to switch again. Modern smartphones handle dual SIM usage efficiently, routing data, calls, and texts as per your preferences. This is ideal for travelers who need to stay in touch with home contacts while using Spanish data.
11. How do I make sure I am using the Spain eSIM for data and not my home plan to avoid roaming charges?
Set Spain eSIM as the default data line in Mobile Data settings. Turn off “Data Roaming” on your primary SIM to prevent accidental usage. Mobimatter provides detailed steps. This ensures browsing, maps, and apps use Spanish networks and avoids roaming fees. Double-check before arrival. Correct setup guarantees low-cost local data without surprises from your home carrier.
12. What is a travel eSIM and how does it work for trips to Spain?
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM stored in your smartphone. Instead of a physical chip, it holds plan details digitally. Buy a Spanish eSIM online, install via QR or manually, and connect to local networks like Movistar, Orange, or Vodafone. No in-person purchase or verification required. You’re connected immediately on arrival. Ideal for tourists, business travelers, and anyone relying on navigation, rideshare, or communication apps.
13. Why should I use an eSIM for Spain travel instead of my home carrier’s roaming plan?
Roaming is often expensive, slow, and unpredictable. MobiMatter eSIMs for Spain are 80–90% cheaper, connect to fast local networks, and avoid hidden charges. Activation is instant with just a QR code. You avoid data caps, surcharges, and store visits. Whether for maps, rides, or streaming, eSIMs provide better performance, affordability, and convenience over international roaming.
14. Is an eSIM cheaper than international roaming when visiting Spain?
Yes. Spain eSIMs are priced like local SIMs, giving high-speed data without shocking post-trip bills. Roaming often has hidden fees, low data caps, and overages. eSIMs are prepaid, predictable, and cost-effective. Even short trips save money—one day of roaming can exceed a week of eSIM usage. No hidden costs, no surprises.
15. What’s the difference between a Spain travel eSIM and a local physical SIM card?
A Spain eSIM is fully digital, purchased and activated online. Physical SIMs require in-person purchase, ID verification, and installation. eSIMs avoid hardware swaps, lost chips, and airport hassle. Dual SIM use lets you keep your home number active while using Spain data. Activation takes minutes, not hours. eSIMs offer flexible plans, clear pricing, and reliable network coverage, ideal for modern travelers seeking speed and simplicity.
16. Can I use a Spain eSIM and my regular SIM card at the same time?
Yes, most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality—one physical SIM and one eSIM. You can use your Spain eSIM exclusively for mobile data while keeping your home SIM active for calls and SMS. Simply go to your phone’s SIM or Cellular settings, assign the Spain eSIM for data, and your home SIM for voice/text. This setup ensures you remain reachable on your original number while enjoying fast local data. Dual SIM management is seamless on most devices, allowing you to toggle usage preferences anytime. It’s ideal for travelers who need to stay connected to home contacts without paying roaming fees.
17. Will I get a new phone number with a Spain travel eSIM?
Most Spain eSIMs from Mobimatter are data-only, meaning they don’t include a Spanish phone number. Your home SIM can still handle calls or messages if dual SIM is enabled. Data apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Skype, and Google Meet work perfectly over your Spain eSIM. If voice calling is essential, some plans may offer VoIP or optional SMS/voice features—always check the plan details before purchase. For the majority of travelers, having a data-only eSIM is sufficient for navigation, communication, streaming, and booking apps. This setup keeps your original number intact while giving you seamless internet access in Spain.
18. Can I still receive calls and texts on my original number while using a Spain eSIM for data?
Yes, as long as your phone supports dual SIM and roaming is turned off on your primary SIM. Assign the Spain eSIM solely for mobile data, and your home SIM will continue receiving calls and SMS. This allows uninterrupted communication while traveling in Spain. Mobimatter provides clear instructions for configuring dual SIM correctly to avoid accidental roaming charges. You can use your data-intensive apps like Google Maps, social media, or video calls via the Spain eSIM, while your original number remains fully operational for personal or business communication. This method ensures convenience, cost-saving, and seamless connectivity.
19. Do Spain travel eSIMs include calls and SMS, or are they data-only?
Most Spain travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning they don’t support traditional voice calls or text messages. However, internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and Messenger function perfectly using the Spain eSIM’s data. Some eSIM plans may include optional voice or SMS bundles, but these are rare. Data-only plans cover the majority of travel scenarios—navigation, messaging, ride-hailing, and streaming. If you need voice communication, consider VoIP services. Mobimatter clearly highlights whether a plan includes voice. For most travelers, a data-only eSIM provides faster activation, simpler setup, and better value compared to purchasing a traditional SIM with voice.
20. How much data will I need for my trip to Spain?
Data requirements depend on your travel style. Light travelers using maps, emails, and messaging apps generally need 3–5 GB. Moderate users browsing social media and streaming occasionally will require 10–20 GB. Heavy users who stream videos, participate in video calls, or work remotely should opt for 30 GB or more. Mobimatter offers plans in multiple sizes so you can pick the right one for your trip. Tracking past mobile usage helps estimate your needs. Buying slightly more data than required ensures uninterrupted connectivity, avoiding extra top-ups. With a Spain eSIM, your phone remains connected instantly and reliably, wherever you travel.
21. Is my phone unlocked and compatible with Spain eSIMs?
To use a Spain eSIM, your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Most flagship phones released after 2020 meet both criteria. Apple devices: iPhone XS/XR and newer support eSIM. Android devices: Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and newer Samsung, Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi models typically qualify. Check Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM or Network → Add Mobile Plan. Mobimatter provides a detailed compatibility guide to ensure your device works. If your phone is carrier-locked, contact your provider to unlock it before your trip. Confirming compatibility prevents installation issues and ensures you can access high-speed mobile data immediately upon arrival in Spain.
22. What is an eSIM card and how does it work in Spain?
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded into your smartphone, replacing the need for a physical SIM card. In Spain, Mobimatter eSIMs allow connection to local carriers like Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. After purchase, you receive a QR code or manual activation info. Scan or input these details in your phone’s eSIM settings. Once installed, the eSIM connects to Spanish networks immediately, offering 4G/5G data. It’s faster, more convenient, and eliminates trips to local stores. eSIMs are ideal for tourists, business travelers, or digital nomads needing instant connectivity, easy plan management, and reliable mobile internet across Spain without extra documentation.
23. How to activate eSIM on an iPhone in Spain?
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code and scan the QR from Mobimatter. Alternatively, enter activation details manually if provided. Label your plan (e.g., “Spain eSIM”) to easily identify it. Set it as your primary data line under Cellular Data settings. Once activated, your phone will automatically connect to local Spanish networks, providing instant access to high-speed mobile internet. The entire setup typically takes under five minutes. This process eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, store visits, or paperwork, giving you seamless connectivity upon arrival.
24. How to transfer eSIM from one iPhone to another iPhone in Spain?
To transfer an eSIM, first delete it from your old iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Select plan → Remove Cellular Plan. Then log into your Mobimatter account and request a new QR code for the same Spain eSIM plan. On the new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR code. Label the plan (e.g., “Spain Travel”) and set it as your default data line. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity during device switching and avoids conflicts between active eSIMs. The process is fast, secure, and ensures you remain connected without purchasing a new plan.
25. Which phones support eSIM in Spain?
Phones supporting eSIM in Spain include Apple iPhone XS, XR, and all models from iPhone 11–15. Google Pixel 3+ to Pixel 7 are compatible. Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, Z Fold, and Flip series also work, along with some flagship Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi models. Check Settings → Cellular or Network → Add eSIM. Mobimatter provides a complete list of devices to verify compatibility. Ensuring your phone supports eSIM avoids installation problems and guarantees immediate access to Spanish networks upon arrival, offering fast, reliable, and convenient mobile data. Refer to our detailed guide on eSIM compatible devices.
26. How to transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android in Spain?
Direct eSIM transfer between iPhone and Android is not possible due to platform restrictions. Instead, log into Mobimatter and request a new QR code for the same plan. On your Android device: Settings → Network → SIM Manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR, or input manual SM-DP+ details. Label the plan clearly. Remove the eSIM from your iPhone to avoid conflicts. This method ensures continuous connectivity, regardless of device platform, with minimal downtime. Mobimatter’s dashboard provides step-by-step guidance for smooth installation on Android devices.
27. How to delete eSIM from an iPhone used in Spain?
Go to Settings → Cellular → Select the Spain eSIM plan → Remove Cellular Plan → confirm. This removes the profile from your iPhone, freeing space for future plans. If you plan to reinstall the same eSIM later, request a new QR code from Mobimatter. Deleting does not cancel the plan—it only removes it from your device. Regularly deleting unused eSIMs helps avoid accidental activation and ensures smooth management of multiple eSIM profiles.
28. How to set up eSIM on an iPhone while in Spain?
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, then go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR code or enter manual details provided by Mobimatter. Label the plan (e.g., “Spain eSIM”) and set it as your primary data line. Activation is instant, connecting your phone to local Spanish networks with 4G/5G speeds. Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible. Mobimatter provides clear instructions and customer support if you encounter any issues. The setup is quick, digital, and avoids traditional SIM card hassles.
29. How to add an eSIM to an iPhone while traveling to Spain?
While travelling in Spain, you can quickly set up a local eSIM to stay connected without worrying about roaming charges. Start by assigning a clear label to distinguish the new plan from your home SIM, and decide whether to use it as your main data line or alongside your existing SIM. Then, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code and scan the Mobimatter code or enter the details manually. Within minutes, your iPhone connects to Spain’s mobile networks, offering seamless coverage. Mobimatter provides a reliable and hassle-free solution for instant eSIM activation in Spain.
30. Is my phone eSIM compatible for use in Spain?
Check Settings → Cellular (or Network) → Add eSIM. If the option is visible, your phone is eSIM-compatible. Ensure it’s unlocked; carrier-locked devices may block eSIM access. Compatible phones include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and many flagship Android devices. Confirm device specs before purchase to avoid setup issues. Mobimatter offers a detailed compatibility list. Without unlock and eSIM support, you cannot install a Spain eSIM, so always verify beforehand.