Mobile data in Portugal: Lisbon, the Algarve and the islands
Portugal is in the EU, so for most European travellers the data question is already answered. The ones worth checking are the islands, the coverage on the road, and what happens if your plan is from outside Europe.
See eSIMs for PortugalIs roaming free in Portugal?
- Plans from the EU and the EEA: yes, roam like at home applies, within your operator’s fair use limit.
- UK plans: it depends on your operator since Brexit.
- Plans from outside Europe: usually international roaming or a daily pass.
Not sure how many gigabytes your own plan gives you abroad? The EU roaming calculator works it out from the regulation.
eSIM for Portugal
Data on your phone the moment you land in Portugal. No account, no app, no shop.
Choose your data
For one to two weeks of maps, messaging and the odd video.
Buy up to 180 days before you fly: the plan only starts when the eSIM connects at your destination.
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Will it work on my phone?
On iPhone: Settings → General → About, and scroll to EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards does.
On Android: Settings → About phone → Status, and look for EID. If there is an EID, your phone takes eSIMs. Most Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 and later do.
It also has to be carrier-unlocked. If you bought it outright or your contract is over, it almost certainly is.
And if it turns out yours cannot use it, write to us and you get every cent back.
Discount code
How it works
- 1Choose and payCard, Apple Pay or Google Pay. No account.
- 2Install it at homeThe QR arrives by email. Scan it on wifi in a minute.
- 3Connect when you landTurn on data roaming for the eSIM and you are online.
Do Madeira and the Azores count as the EU?
Yes. Both are part of Portugal and of the European Union, so the same roaming rule applies there as on the mainland. It is a common doubt because they are a long way out in the Atlantic, but nothing changes on your bill.
Which eSIM works in Portugal?
A Portugal eSIM runs on the local networks, Vodafone (5G), NOS (5G). It is data only: your own number stays on your usual SIM, so calls, bank codes and WhatsApp keep working.
Coverage: cities, the Algarve and the interior
Coverage is strong in Lisbon, Porto and along the Algarve coast, and good on the main motorways. In the mountains of the interior, in the Douro valley and on small coastal roads it can drop on any network, so download maps before a long drive.
How much data for a trip to Portugal?
- 3 GB: a long weekend in Lisbon or Porto.
- 5 GB: a week with maps, messages and photos.
- 10 GB: two weeks, or a road trip with video calls.
- 20 GB: a month, or sharing data with a laptop.
The data calculator gives an estimate in five questions.
Prices for Portugal
Portugal data eSIMs: 3 GB for 4,29 €, 5 GB for 6,29 €, 10 GB for 11,29 € and 20 GB for 16,99 €. The plan only starts when your phone first connects in Portugal.
Does EU roaming work in Madeira and the Azores?
Yes. Both are part of Portugal and of the EU, so an EU plan works there at home prices.
Do I need ID to buy a SIM in Portugal?
A local prepaid SIM is sold with identification in a shop. A data eSIM bought online needs only an email address.
Is there 5G in Portugal?
Yes, in Lisbon, Porto and the larger towns. Our networks page for Portugal lists which of the local networks carry 5G.
Can I use the eSIM in Spain too?
Only if the plan lists Spain. For a trip through both countries, the Europe plan covers the whole route.
Get your eSIM before you fly: the QR arrives by email in minutes and the plan only starts when you connect at your destination.
See eSIMs for Portugal