eSIM technology has become essential for any traveler who wants to leave Spain with a working mobile phone without breaking the bank. Subscribing to this type of virtual SIM card allows you to have mobile data abroad without having to find a phone shop upon arrival or pay exorbitant traditional roaming charges.
In practice, an eSIM works like a traditional SIM card but without the physical medium: it's downloaded directly to your smartphone using a QR code and activated when your device connects to the destination network. To better understand these differences, you can consult our guide on physical SIM vs. eSIM . Most carriers offer specific plans for different countries or regions, with prices ranging from a few euros for individual gigabytes to flat-rate plans with unlimited data.
What to consider when getting an eSIM for travel
The first step is to check if your phone is compatible. Simply dial #06# in the phone app and see if an EID number appears; if so, the device supports eSIM. It's also essential that the phone is unlocked, meaning it's not locked to any network by the carrier.
Next, you need to decide which type of plan suits you best. Plans with limited data are usually cheaper and allow unrestricted internet sharing (tethering), except in some cases. On the other hand, unlimited plans offer more peace of mind, but often impose a maximum data sharing limit, as is the case with HolaFly, which restricts sharing to a few hundred MB per day.
The price also varies depending on the destination and provider. For example, traveling to the United States with HolaFly costs €3,79 per day, while to Morocco it rises to €5,50. At Ubigi, plans for Asia start at €3,50 for 1 GB, and there are specific offers for the Camino de Santiago.
The main players in the travel eSIM market
Among the best-known options are HolaFly, Airalo, Saily, Ubigi, and eSimFlag . HolaFly's eSIM is a favorite for travelers due to its balance of support, price, and data; Airalo boasts compatibility with over 200 countries and allows users to purchase packages with calls and SMS; Saily, from NordVPN, offers a reusable eSIM; Ubigi is ideal for business trips because it allows data sharing with a laptop; and eSimFlag, backed by Movistar/Telefónica, guarantees 24/7 support in Spanish.
Most of these companies operate as virtual operators without their own infrastructure , as a recent industry analysis explains: they buy blocks of data from wholesale operators and resell them at a reduced price, allowing them to offer very competitive rates. However, this also creates a dependence on third parties, something to keep in mind in case of problems.
Another alternative that has gained popularity is Yesim , especially among pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Its platform allows users to select regional plans and manage their usage from an app, which is very useful for long routes that cross borders, such as the Portuguese Way.
Tips for getting the most out of your eSIM
Setup is usually straightforward, but it's best to do it a few hours before traveling and with a Wi-Fi connection. To make it easier, you can follow this tutorial on how to set up an eSIM on Android . Upon arrival at your destination, the eSIM will activate automatically when it detects a local network, although some providers start charging for your plan as soon as you scan the QR code, so it's a good idea to read the fine print.
To avoid surprises, it's essential to disable data roaming on your main line and configure the APN if necessary. Additionally, many services allow you to keep your WhatsApp number and continue using your physical SIM for calls and SMS while the eSIM handles data.
In short, travel eSIMs have become one of the most practical solutions for Spaniards traveling abroad, whether for tourism, work, or to walk the Camino de Santiago. With an ever-expanding range of options and competitive prices, all you have to do is choose the provider that best suits your needs.
