How to Get a Spanish Phone Number and SIM Card

Getting connected is one of the first practical tasks after landing in Spain, and it's simpler than most newcomers expect.

Prepaid vs. contract

Prepaid SIMs from carriers like Vodafone, Orange or Movistar are sold at airport kiosks, phone shops and some supermarkets with just your passport, no NIE required, and are the easiest first step. Contract plans generally require an NIE and a Spanish bank account.

What you'll pay

Budget carriers and prepaid plans typically run €10-€20 a month for generous data, calls and texts within the EU, noticeably cheaper than typical US plans.

Keeping your US number

Many expats keep their US number active via an eSIM or low-cost plan for banking verification codes and calls home, while using a Spanish SIM or eSIM day to day.

Practical tip

Buy your Spanish SIM as soon as you land rather than relying on airport Wi-Fi; having a local number quickly also makes apartment viewings, bank appointments and deliveries far easier to arrange.