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Find out how to get yourself a mobile cellular phone in Spain...
Many
choices exist for mobile phone service in Spain. Spanish mobile phone service
operates on a GSM network, so phones from elsewhere in Europe, including the
UK, will probably function, although roaming charges may apply. For those
spending some time in Spain, buying and installing a Spanish SIM card in the
phone (and therefore obtaining a Spanish mobile phone number) is a
less-expensive option. Phones from North America that operate on the CDMA
system will not work in Spain.
Smartphones
and iPhones are commonplace in Spain. Mobile cellular telephone service
providers offer various tariffs which incorporate air time, texts and GB data.
3G and 4G networks are widely available.
Prepaid and contract phones
For
those opting for a Spanish SIM card and/or phone, phone service can be obtained
on a pre-paid or contract basis.
Identification
such as a Número
de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE), or passport and
proof of address are required when buying a new SIM card. This identification
is required to comply with Spanish anti-terrorism laws.
Contracts:
Connection, services offered and monthly service charges vary depending on the
provider and it is recommended to compare the prices and services offered.
Service on a contract is generally less expensive per minute than the pre-paid
service and billing is usually on a monthly basis. Service providers offer
various tariff plans. A minimum contract of 12 months is usually required.
Pay
as you go: The pre-paid card (tarjeta
prepago) provides a number and a certain amount of call-time
("credit"). The credit must be used within the expiry period, or the
number may be reissued by the service provider. No contract with the service
provider is required.
Cards
can be bought at a number of places: tobacconists (estancos), newsagents, supermarkets, petrol
stations and from telephone card machines.
Pre-paid
calling plans require credit to be bought at a mobile phone store, tobacconist,
grocery store or newsagent. Some banks offer an account top-up service
available from ATMs.
Credit
on prepaid phones usually has an expiry date, after which the number will only
receive limited service. If the phone credit is not topped up after this expiry
date, the number may be reassigned by the service provider. The expiry period
varies between providers.
Suppliers
There are several mobile service providers in Spain. Some operators do not own mobile networks but rent capacity from larger networks and sell it on to their customers at a competitive rate. They are known as Mobile Virtual network operators (MVNO)
- MásMóvil
- Movistar (in Spanish)
- Orange (in Spanish)
- Vodafone
- Euskaltel
- Jazztel
- Direct Telecom
- Pepephone
- Simyo
- Yoigo
- Tuenti
- Lycamobile
- Lebara
- Euskaltel
- Happy Movil