Using your phone in Spain: data and calls

Using your smartphone in Spain is easy, but you need to know the correct prefixes. Here is a practical guide and tips for saving money with an eSIM in Spain.
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Are you planning a holiday in Spain and want to be ready to communicate with friends, family or local facilities? Don’t worry, calling to and from Spain is easy if you know the right area codes!

The area code for Spain is 34 and should always be used when calling a Spanish number from a phone in another country. For example, if you wish to contact a Spanish number, you must first dial the international dialling code 00, followed by 34 and the Spanish phone number.

What about surfing the Internet with your smartphone once you land in Spain? Thanks to European roaming regulations, you will probably be able to roam data traffic in EU countries at no extra cost, using the same rate as your national plan. However, it is important to check with your operator the amount of data available when roaming, as there are often specific limits for abroad.

To save data traffic, you can connect to free Wi-Fi networks, which are widely available in bars, hotels and public spaces throughout Spain.

Call tariffs

If your mobile phone contract was made in an EU country, you can rest assured that your usual rate will apply in Spain due to European roaming regulations. However, you may need to activate the roaming service by contacting your operator before your departure.

For mobile lines contracted outside the European Union, however, please note that each call will incur a surcharge on the standard rate, which varies according to your operator. To save money, you can consider two practical solutions: purchase a Spanish rechargeable SIM card with included minutes for making calls from your mobile phone, or opt for prepaid cards that allow you to make international calls from any phone. If you choose the rechargeable SIM, check that your device is compatible with GSM technology.

eSIM

If the gigs available for surfing from abroad are not enough, you can purchase an eSIM. An eSIM is a virtual card that allows you to have an additional number without the need for a physical SIM, ideal for travelling and saving on roaming costs. Here’s everything you need to know:

How to activate an eSIM for your trip to Spain

  1. Check the compatibility of your device
    First of all, make sure that your smartphone supports eSIM technology. Newer models of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other modern smartphones are compatible.
  2. Purchase an eSIM from a local or international operator
    You can buy an eSIM from a Spanish operator or from international providers specialising in solutions for travellers. Some of the most popular platforms to buy eSIMs are:
    Holafly: Perfect for travellers, offering unlimited data packages in Europe.
    Airalo: Provides flexible plans starting from a few GB for a short stay.
    Orange or Movistar: Spanish operators that sell eSIMs in their official shops or via their website.
  3. Download the eSIM profile
    Once purchased, you will receive a QR code or instructions by e-mail. Simply scan the code from your phone to configure the profile and activate your data plan.
  4. Select eSIM as primary or secondary line
    You can choose to use the eSIM for mobile data while keeping your physical SIM for calls. This is a practical solution for staying connected without changing your number.

Advantages of buying an eSIM

How to call to Spain from other countries

To call a Spanish number from your country, follow these steps:

Example: To contact a Spanish number such as 912 345 678 from abroad, you have to dial: 00 34 912 345 678.

Useful tips for your trip

If you want to phone or stay connected without spending too much money, here are some tips that may come in handy:

Make local calls in Spain: When you are already in Spain, to call a local number you don’t have to do anything complicated: just dial the number as it is, without international dialling codes.

Use apps to save money: To avoid high costs, especially for international calls, I recommend taking advantage of apps like WhatsApp. Besides calls, they are perfect for video calls with friends and family!

Beware of roaming costs: Before leaving, check with your operator whether your plan includes roaming calls and data for Spain. Many European plans include it at no extra cost, but better to be sure to avoid nasty surprises in your bill.

Wi-Fi everywhere: Spain is full of bars, restaurants and hotels with free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of it to surf online and make internet calls!