Vodafone Spain SIM Cards and eSIM – Detailed Guide for Tourists

Vodafone is one of Spain’s favorite mobile providers, popular with both locals and visitors. They provide reliable service nationwide at affordable prices. A Vodafone SIM card is a great way to stay connected while traveling in Spain.

This guide has all the information you need to choose a Vodafone Spain SIM or eSIM that’s perfect for your trip. We’ll explain their coverage areas, speeds, prepaid plans, activation process – even the difference between a physical SIM and eSIM. No matter your needs or preferences, we’ll help you find the best Vodafone option to keep you in touch during your travels in Spain.

I. Quick Facts about Vodafone Spain

Vodafone Spain has been providing mobile service in the country for over 20 years. Formed from a merger in 2000, it’s now one of the largest providers with annual revenues of around 4 billion euros. As of their last fiscal year ending in 2021, they counted approximately 13.24 million subscribers across Spain. Their network spans nationwide with 2G through 5G availability in cities, towns and beyond.

If you already use Vodafone, good news – your existing plan works seamlessly in Spain without roaming fees. Vodafone has invested heavily in Spain’s network, ensuring reliable connectivity whether you’re in Madrid, Barcelona or beyond. With one of the largest coverage footprints and ongoing upgrades, Vodafone ensures customers can easily stay in touch both at home and abroad.

II. Vodafone Coverage & Speed in Spain

The OpenSignal report in July 2023 shows Vodafone maintains one of the most consistently high performing nationwide mobile networks in Spain with top tier availability, speeds and response times, on a par with market leader Orange. This delivers excellent real-world service for activities like content streaming, web surfing, social media use.

• Availability: For connectivity, Vodafone along with Orange and Yoigo previously shared the top spot with nearly 98% uptime. This means customers on these networks almost always had a 3G or better connection. In the latest report however, Orange pulled ahead with 99.1% availability. Vodafone’s current score isn’t listed but is lower.

• 5G Availability: For time connected to 5G, Vodafone placed last with 10.6% of the time on 5G. Movistar and Orange led with around 18% of time on the fastest network.
• Video Quality: All major networks offered fair video streaming quality overall, between 50-52 points. But 5G coverage allowed for much better experiences in the very good to excellent range above 65 points.
• Gaming: Multiplayer mobile games scored in the fair to good range over 5G at 69-71 points. When on 5G, Movistar, Orange and Vodafone provided similar experiences above most regular network scores.

So while consistency and 5G usage lagged peers, Vodafone still offered generally reliable service and much improved streaming and gaming where its growing 5G network was available.

III. Top Vodafone Spain SIM Card & eSIM for Tourists

1. Vodafone Spain SIM Cards

In summary, higher plans offer more minutes/data but all plans benefit from the GB Extra promotion and have same roaming/coverage benefits. Users can choose the best option based on their expected usage and budget.

Note: Top-ups can be done every 28 days online to renew the package.

2. eSIM Vodafone Spain

Vodafone is making it easier than ever to stay connected with their eSIM option. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded right in your phone, watch or other device. It works just like a regular SIM with the same plan package but takes up less space. Best of all, you can have multiple phone numbers on one device or change networks without changing the SIM.

The only small downside is that if you’re brand new to prepaid service, you’ll need to start with a physical SIM. But the friendly store team can help you switch to eSIM later through their simple process for just 5 euros.

IV. Calls and SMS Rate of Vodafone in Spain

V. How to Top up your Vodafone Prepaid SIM Card Spain

1. Online

You can top up easily through the Vodafone website, app or by calling 22132 to speak with a virtual assistant. This allows you to securely top up the prepaid plan on your Vodafone mobile phone quickly and directly from your home.

• First, you need to visit Vodafone’s website.
• Enter your Vodafone phone number and select the amount you want to add to your balance. The minimum top up is 5 euros, but you can top up between 5-95 euros securely through the website
• Enter your credit or debit card details to pay for the top up. The payment will be securely validated and you may need to enter a code received by SMS or banking app.

Once payment is confirmed, your balance will be instantly updated and you can start using the credit.

Learn more: How to Install Spain eSIM: Full Guide

2. Vodafone physical stores

Top ups can also be done at Vodafone Stores, where you can pay by card or in cash, as you prefer.

Additionally, top ups are available at authorized partners like gas stations, tobacco shops and major supermarkets across the country.

Tip: To find your nearest store, simply check Vodafone store locator.

VI. How to Check Vodafone Prepaid SIM Card Balance – All USSD Codes You Need to Know

1. To Check Vodafone prepaid balance:

• Go to the My Vodafone homepage and click “Saldo” (“Balance”). The available balance may take a few minutes to update after a top-up.
• Send a message to 607 100 100 via WhatsApp at any time for free.
• Call 22134 from your prepaid phone for free.
• Call 22123 and provide the number you want to check the balance for.

You can also check your balance from the My Vodafone app by clicking the balance section on the homepage.

2. To check out-of-bundle usage:

• Go to My Vodafone website or app, and access the consumption details differentiated by each service (mobile, fixed, TV, data line).
• See the usage done “Fuera de tarifa” (“Out of bundle”), displayed in red with date, time, cost and additional info of the usage (numbers called, messages, non-included TV contents).
• If there is no out-of-bundle usage, it will indicate it with a message.

3. Vodafone Spain USSD Codes

VII. Where to Buy a Vodafone Spain SIM Card?

1. Online Ordering

• Go to Vodafone and choose a prepaid package.
• You will receive the SIM card within 24-48 hours at no additional cost.
• Once received, insert the SIM into your phone.
• Make the first top-up using the Mi Vodafone app or website to activate the package.

2. At a Physical Store

If you prefer to buy in-person, use the Vodafone store locator to find your nearest retail outlet. Visit the store where friendly staff can help you choose the right plan. Pay for your selected package and take your activated SIM with you. Making an initial top-up in store is also possible.
Note: You may need to show your passport or ID when purchasing in-store for verification purposes.

VIII. Vodafone Mobile Operator Pros and Cons

1. Pros

• Wide network coverage across Spain: Vodafone has one of the largest mobile networks in the country which reaches most major population centers.
• Good 4G/LTE speeds: Vodafone’s network is reasonably fast, enabling quick downloads and streaming. Speed tests show its 4G speeds are competitive with other providers.
• International roaming: Customers can use their Vodafone plan in other countries where Vodafone has agreements through low-cost roaming options.
• Online account management: The My Vodafone app and website allow easy monitoring and control of accounts, plans, bills, etc.
• Cashback rewards: Vodafone sometimes offers cashback promotions for new signups or upgrading devices to encourage loyalty.

2. Cons

• Can be more expensive than competitors: Vodafone plans and services are generally on the higher end of pricing in Spain.
• 5G Availability: Amongst its peers, Vodafone has made notably slower progress establishing a 5G footprint.
• Service issues in remote areas: Coverage outside major cities may be patchy or inconsistent compared to dense urban networks.
• Overage charges: Going over data or minute allowances results in expensive per-unit rates versus capped speeds with some competitors.
• Complex plans and bills: Vodafone offers many interlinked plans and add-ons that can make invoices harder to understand versus simpler bundled offers.

IX. Other Vodafone Spain SIM Card/eSIM Alternatives for Tourists

1. SIM cards by other Local Mobile Operators:

There are a few other major mobile operators in Spain that offer SIM cards for visitors alternatively to Vodafone. These include:

2. esimspain.net:

eSIM plans have become increasingly popular with international travelers in recent years as they provide a way to easily obtain mobile data without needing to swap out your physical SIM card.

With an eSIM plan from esimspain.net, you get affordable daily data bundles while in Spain without incurring any international surcharges.

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Plans that may interest you

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Choose from a range of short-term and long-term eSIM packages starting from as low as $6. Plans include data allowances from 1GB up to 20GB per day so you can stay connected for as long as your trip.

Here are some of the key benefits of getting an eSIM plan from esimspain.net for your trip to Spain:

• Instant Activation: Once purchased, eSIM plans from esimspain.net are delivered digitally to your email address within minutes. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device and WiFi to set it up.
• No Roaming Fees: Stay connected with affordable local data packages without paying high roaming charges from your home carrier.
• No Queues: You don’t need to waste time in airport SIM card queues. Order online at your sweet home before your trip.
• Flexible Packages: A wide choice of flexible data plan durations from 3 days up to 1 month to suit your Spain trip length.
• 24/7 Support: esimspain.net provides responsive customer service if you need any help with set-up or have additional questions.

X. FAQs about Vodafone Spain SIM Card

XI. Final Words

If you’re a tourist looking for easy and reliable connectivity throughout Spain, consider using either a Vodafone SIM card or eSIM. They offer excellent coverage, high-speed internet, large data allowances, free roaming across the European Union, and various prepaid plans that are widely accessible. Getting a Vodafone Spain SIM is an excellent choice to ensure you stay connected, regardless of where you go in the country.