Whether you’re exploring the gorgeous beaches, taking in iconic landmarks, or relaxing with tapas and sangria, Spain is always an amazing country to visit. However, staying connected while traveling can be tricky if you don’t have a local SIM. With so many options available, choosing a cellular provider for your Spain trip may seem overwhelming. Not to worry – we’re here to break it down for you!
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Yoigo, one of Spain’s major mobile networks. We’ll cover Yoigo’s coverage area, prepaid SIM cards, eSIM options, purchasing details and more. By the end, you’ll have the perfect connectivity solution sorted so you can enjoy your Spain adventure without missing a beat. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
I. Quick Facts about Yoigo Spain
Yoigo has come a long way since it was founded in 2000. Headquartered in Madrid, Yoigo is part of Grupo MásMóvil and provides cellular, internet, and roaming services across Spain using GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G networks. While Yoigo’s 4G coverage is still being expanded, early tests show it leading the way with 5G availability.
Through agreements with Orange and Movistar, Yoigo ensures nationwide coverage whether you’re in the city or countryside. They’ve really grown their subscriber base too – by 2022, over 4 million happy customers had chosen Yoigo. With generous data and a focus on building out next-gen networks, Yoigo is making mobile access affordable and future-proof for Spaniards everywhere.
II. Yoigo Spain Coverage & Speed
Before getting a local SIM card in Spain, it’s worth checking the coverage and speeds you can expect from Yoigo’s network.
1. Yoigo Spain Mobile Coverage
Yoigo is one of the major mobile networks in Spain, providing coverage for 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Though Orange edged out the competition slightly for the 5G Availability award, Yoigo and the other major operators were separated by less than 1% and offered comparable nationwide coverage.
The Yoigo Spain coverage is strongest in major cities and tourist areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Malaga, and the Canary and Balearic Islands. Coverage can be more limited in some rural zones.
Yoigo uses national roaming agreements to fill coverage gaps on other networks like Vodafone and Orange. So you’ll usually have access to a mobile signal with a Yoigo SIM card when traveling in Spain.
2. Yoigo Speed Performance
In recent speed tests, Yoigo’s average 5G download speeds come in around 156 Mbps in Spain. This is generally faster than Vodafone but a bit slower than Movistar and Orange 5G speeds.
Yoigo has been expanding and improving its 4G and 5G networks in Spain. So data speeds on Yoigo SIM cards can be quick enough for most common travel usage like web browsing, maps, social media, messaging, etc.
Heavy data usage like HD video streaming may work better on other provider networks for now. But Yoigo network speeds should be fine for basic travel needs in most covered areas of Spain.
III. Top Yoigo Spain Prepaid SIM Cards & eSIM for Tourists
1. Yoigo Spain Prepaid SIM Cards:
Plan | Tarifa prepago más barata | SIM Prepago | Mejor Tarifa Prepago | Wifi Portátil Prepago |
Calls and Texts | Unlimited calls included in all plans | NOT included | ||
Network | 4G/LTE* | |||
Validity | 30 Days | |||
Data | 25GB | 50GB | 100GB | 150GB |
Charge (€) | €10 | €15 | €20 | €35 |
Roaming | Roaming included in the EU | |||
Pros |
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Cons |
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2. Yoigo Spain eSIM:
eSIM is an exciting digital technology that allows you to have a mobile plan from Yoigo without a physical SIM card. With an eSIM, your phone number and cellular connection are installed virtually on your smartphone.
Yoigo currently offers eSIM options for individuals with unlimited talk and generous data bundles for internet use. Pricing is similar to traditional SIM card plans.
The one drawback is that you can currently only purchase an eSIM from Yoigo by visiting one of their physical retail stores in person. Yoigo doesn’t offer eSIM sales through their website or app just yet.
For those of you still considering using an eSIM rather than a traditional SIM card, check out the upcoming section as we’ll mention a hassle-free alternative to the Yoigo SIM option for travelers.
Read more: Spain eSIM Compatible Devices List
IV. Yoigo Spain Calls and SMS Rate
Type of Communication | Rates within Plan |
SMS to Spanish numbers | €0.15/SMS |
SMS from Spain to international numbers | €0.73/SMS |
SMS from Spain to non-EU countries while roaming | €1.21/SMS |
Calls to Spanish landlines and mobiles | Included (unlimited) |
Calls to special/premium rate numbers (901, 902 etc.) | Additional charges apply, check rates |
Calls to international numbers | Additional charges apply, check rates |
Calls to 118 short codes from mobile | €0.145 for first 20 seconds |
Calls to 118 short codes from landline | €0.145 for first 20 seconds |
Calls to special rate numbers in EU countries | €0.59/min + €0.47 connection fee |
Note:
- Prices include VAT
- Different taxes apply in Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla
- As of 1st October 2022, SMS rates to non-EU countries while roaming increase to €0.73 and €1.21 respectively
V. Yoigo Spain Prepaid SIM Top-Up
When the initial credit runs out, Yoigo prepaid SIM cards can easily be topped up in various ways:
- Online top ups: Head to the Yoigo website and follow the quick 3-step process to top up securely using your credit/debit card anytime, anywhere. This is very convenient.
- In Yoigo stores: Pop into one of Yoigo’s local shops and refill your balance with cash. Use their store locator to find the nearest store for easy top ups on the go.
- ATMs: Add money at all major bank ATMs like Servired, 4B or La Caixa free of charge using your bank card. Topping up is fast and simple through ATMs.
- Local shops: Yoigo partners with gas stations, newsstands and tobacco shops so you can refill your account with cash while running errands. Wide merchant coverage means plenty of topping up options.
- Supermarkets: Top up when grocery shopping too by using the reload services at popular supermarkets such as Alcampo and Carrefour countrywide. Handy for one-stop errands.
Checking your SIM card balance and validity is easy with the USSD codes outlined next.
VI. How to Check Yoigo SIM Card Spain Balance – All Useful USSD Codes
You can check your remaining prepaid balance, data usage, and validity on a Yoigo SIM card by dialling these USSD codes:
USSD Code | What It Does | Additional Information |
*111# | Check Balance | Free check of current call credit balance |
*21* | Call forwarding | Forward calls to another number. Standard call rates apply. |
*67*556# | Missed call notification | Notify when the called NUMBER answers |
*62*556# | Missed call notification | Notify when the called NUMBER is powered off |
*61*556# | Missed call notification | Notify when the called NUMBER does not answer |
*21*556# | Reject incoming calls | Block calls from the specified NUMBER |
**61*633**30# | Extend tones | Extend the confirmation tones after dialing to 30 seconds |
#31# | Call withholding ID | Temporarily block your number being shown to the called party |
So it’s easy to keep track of your usage and top up your Yoigo Spain SIM card balance when needed.
VII. Where to Buy Yoigo SIM Cards for Spain?
1. Where to Buy Yoigo SIM Cards in Spain:
Whether you prefer shopping in-person or from the comfort of home, Yoigo has easy options available to get your SIM. Stop by a store nearby or order online – either way you’ll be up and running on Yoigo in no time
Physical Stores:
The most straightforward option is to pick one up directly from a Yoigo store. You can find your nearest location listed on their store locator page at yoigo.com. Just pop into any Yoigo shop and they’ll help you choose a plan and get your new SIM.
Yoigo SIMs can also be found in many convenient locations. Authorized partners include phone and electronic shops, major supermarkets like Carrefour, and select gas stations. Traveling through an airport? Self-serve vending machines offer last-minute SIMs for travelers. Additionally, local electronics and mobile carriers may stock Yoigo inventory.
Online Orders:
If going to a physical store isn’t convenient, no problem – Yoigo offers online ordering too. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to yoigo.com and select the tariff or promotion you want.
- Click “Order” and enter your contact details and delivery address.
- Choose your payment method and make your payment.
- Your new SIM card will be shipped to you within 1-2 business days.
2. How to Activate Your Yoigo Spain SIM Card:
Here are the quick and easy steps to activate your new Yoigo SIM card:
- If you have requested a number portability from another carrier to Yoigo, either in a Yoigo store or by phone, here’s what you need to know to activate your SIM: How to Install Spain eSIM: Full Guide
- You will receive SMS notifications about the porting process. Within approximately 48 hours of requesting portability, you will receive an exact date for when the number will be ported over. This lets you know when to insert the Yoigo SIM card into your device for it to automatically activate.
Note: While the porting process takes place, your line will still work with your previous provider. Do not insert the Yoigo SIM until the exact date that the porting becomes effective.
VIII. Yoigo Spain Mobile Operator – Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick look at some of the key advantages and disadvantages to using Yoigo for your Spain SIM card or eSIM:
1. Pros
- Affordable prepaid and postpaid plans without long-term contracts
- Nationwide 4G/LTE coverage across major areas of Spain
- Fast download speeds on Yoigo’s growing 5G network
- Unlimited calls to Spanish numbers included in most plans
- Option to add multiple lines to family plans at discounted rates
- No roaming charges for using phone within the EU
- Decent customer service via online help center and stores
2. Cons
- Coverage may be sparser than competitors in very rural areas
- International roaming requires purchasing separate bundles
- Premium rate and international call charges can be expensive
- SIM activation and phone number porting can take 2-4 days
- Limited phone financing options compared to other carriers
- Native English support is lacking on Yoigo’s website/apps
- Service quality and reliability varies depending on location
Overall, Yoigo can be a solid prepaid SIM card choice for Spain thanks to good deals on data and calling bundles along with extensive network coverage.
IX. Other Yoigo Spain SIM Card & eSIM Options for Tourists
In addition to Yoigo, there are other alternatives worth considering. In addition to Yoigo, there are other major mobile operators in Spain that provide mobile plans specifically designed for tourists visiting the country. These alternatives offer competitive features and benefits.
1. SIM cards by other Local Mobile Operators:
Provider | Plan | Network | Plan Validity | Data | Charge | Pros | Cons |
Orange | Go Walk | 4G/LTE | 28 Days | 25GB | €10 |
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Go Run | 50GB | €15 | |||||
Go Fly | 100GB | €20 | |||||
Holiday Pass 5 | 5 Days | Unlimited | €15 | ||||
Holiday Pass 15 | 15 Days | €25 | |||||
Vodafone | Prepago S | Maximum 5G | 28 Days | 50GB (25GB + 25GB) | €10 |
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Prepago M | 100GB (50GB + 50GB) | €15 | |||||
Prepago L | 140GB (100GB + 40GB) | €20 | |||||
Prepago XL | 160GB (120GB + 40GB) | €30 | |||||
Prepago XXL | 190GB (150GB + 40GB) | €40 | |||||
Movistar | Prepago Plus | 5G+ | 28 Days | 10+30GB* | €10 |
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Prepago Premium | 15+60GB* | €15 | |||||
Prepago Total | 20+105GB* | €20 |
2. esimspain.net
Heading to Spain but don’t want the hassle of swapping SIM cards or paying high roaming fees? Then get yourself an eSIM from esimspain.net before you go!
esimspain.net makes it easy to purchase affordable eSIM data packages for Spain online.
Convenient eSIM Plans Provide Savings
Plans start at just $6 for 3 days of coverage up to 30 day packages with prices from $7. This allows you to select the perfect duration to suit your Spain trip itinerary.
Data allowances range from 1GB up to a generous 20GB daily so you can stream, navigate and stay connected freely each day. And with daily limits from 1GB to 3GB depending on the plan, you’re covered no matter how much you use your phone.
Once purchased online through their secure server, the eSIM QR code will be delivered instantly to your email. Then simply scan it on your smartphone and you’re connected to Spain’s fast 4G/5G networks wherever you go in the country.
Say goodbye to paying roaming charges to your home carrier or messing with physical SIM cards. An esimspain.net eSIM makes accessing affordable España connectivity a breeze.
X. FAQs about Yoigo SIM Cards in Spain
Which Spanish cities has Yoigo launched 5G in?
Yoigo 5G network currently covers over 50 cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Bilbao.
Do I need to show ID to buy a Yoigo SIM in Spain?
Yes, you’ll need to show your passport when registering a new Yoigo SIM card in Spain. This is required by law for all Spanish prepaid SIM purchases.
Can I use a Yoigo Spain prepaid SIM in multiple devices?
Yes, you can use your Yoigo Spain SIM card in any unlocked device. Just switch the SIM between devices as needed. But only one can be actively used at a time.
Do Yoigo plans include roaming in other countries?
No, Yoigo prepaid plans do not include roaming abroad. You need to purchase an international roaming bundle or add-on to use your plan outside of Spain.
Can I keep my existing phone number if I move to Yoigo?
Yes, Yoigo offers number portability. You can request to port your existing phone number from another carrier when activating a new line with them.
What customer support options does Yoigo offer?
Yoigo support is available through their online help center, via WhatsApp, telephone and live chat. You can also visit one of their retail stores for in-person assistance.
XI. Final Words
A Yoigo SIM card or eSIM can provide an affordable and convenient way to stay connected across Spain. With extensive coverage, prepaid convenience, and plans tailored to tourists, it’s a solid option for many travelers. Compare all the providers, but don’t overlook Yoigo when choosing a Spanish SIM for your trip.
Just activate the SIM card or eSIM profile before departure and you’ll have cellular data and calling access right upon arrival in Spain. Have a great trip!